Riyadh, November 11, 2025: Jeddah Central Development Company (JCDC), a Public Investment Fund (PIF)- owned company and the master developer of the Jeddah Central Destination, participated as amain sponsorin the inaugural edition of theTOURISE Summit 2025, held in Riyadh from November 11–13.

Eng. Ahmed bin Abdulaziz Al-Sulaim, CEO of JCDC, joined a panel discussion that brought together global tourism leaders and destination development experts to discuss the role of major projects in shaping the future of tourism and urban economies.

During the session, Al-Sulaim highlighted thatJeddah Centralrepresents a pioneering model of asustainable tourism and economic destination, designed as a self-sustaining micro-economy where culture, leisure, and business integrate to generate long-term value and support local economic growth.

He stated that the destination will contributebillions of riyals to Saudi Arabia’s GDP and createthousands of jobs across promising sectors such as tourism, culture, sports, and entertainment, positioning destination development as a key driver of sustainable national growth.

“Our vision for Jeddah Central is to create a place that reflects the city’s soul — authentic, diverse, and full of life,” Al-Sulaim said. “The true measure of a successful destination is its ability to form an emotional connection with people, a place that stays in their memory long after they leave.”

He added, “From the Marina and Yacht Club to the Opera House and Oceanarium, we are shaping experiences that inspire visitors to return and bring others with them. Tourism, at its heart, is about service, giving people choices, joy, and meaningful experiences that enrich their lives.”

Al-Sulaim explained thatJeddah Central’s designis inspired by the city’s authentic character and cultural identity, combining global quality with local authenticity. The destination will transform9.5 kilometers of Jeddah’s coastlineinto economic and cultural opportunities that strengthen the community’s connection to the sea and enhance the city’s global appeal.

The panel also featuredWilliam Rodríguez López, Minister of Tourism ofCosta Rica;Fettah Tamince, Founder and Chairman ofRixos Group; andDr. Miguel Sanz, Director-General of theSpanish Tourism Institute, and was moderated byAnita Mendiratta, CEO ofAnita Mendiratta & Associates.

As amain sponsorof TOURISE 2025, Jeddah Central Development Company reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the growth of Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector and highlighting theinvestment opportunitiesandcompetitive advantagesof Jeddah Central as one of the Kingdom’s flagship tourism projects aligned withSaudi Vision 2030.

JCDC’s pavilion at the forum attracted significant interest from officials, investors, and tourism professionals. The booth showcased the destination’s key landmarks — including the Opera House, Stadium, Oceanarium, and Museum — through digital and interactive experiences, offering visitors a glimpse into thevibrant urban waterfrontthat celebrates Jeddah’s heritage and embodies the spirit of modern Saudi Arabia.