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 a main sponsor in the inaugural edition of the TOURISE 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 that Jeddah Central represents a pioneering model of a sustainable 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 contribute billions of riyals to Saudi Arabia’s GDP and create thousands 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 that Jeddah Central’s design is 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 coastline into economic and cultural opportunities that strengthen the community’s connection to the sea and enhance the city’s global appeal.

The panel also featured William Rodríguez López, Minister of Tourism of Costa Rica; Fettah Tamince, Founder and Chairman of Rixos Group; andDr. Miguel Sanz, Director-General of theSpanish Tourism Institute, and was moderated by Anita Mendiratta, CEO of Anita Mendiratta & Associates.

As a main sponsor of TOURISE 2025, Jeddah Central Development Company reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the growth of Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector and highlighting the investment opportunities and competitive advantages of Jeddah Central as one of the Kingdom’s flagship tourism projects aligned with Saudi 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 the vibrant urban water front that celebrates Jeddah’s heritage and embodies the spirit of modern Saudi Arabia.