Saudi Arabia Unveils Ambitious Megacity Project: 11-Km-Long Canal ‘Oasis’

Saudi Arabia has unveiled plans for another megacity, Marafy, which is set to feature a stunning waterfront reminiscent of London. The city will be located north of Jeddah and will be a mixed-use land development, according to Al-Arabiya. The highlight of Marafy will be an 11-kilometer-long man-made canal at its center, with a capacity to accommodate 130,000 people. The project is being spearheaded by the ROSHN Group, backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF).

The aim of Marafy is to integrate a marine environment into the heart of a historic city that has been a hub for traders, travelers, and pilgrims for centuries. The navigable canal, which connects and extends Obhur Creek, will be 100 meters wide and will be surrounded by several unique districts.

David Grover, the Group CEO of ROSHN Group, described Marafy as a gamechanger in the real estate development sector, stating that it will elevate the quality of life and have a significant impact on Jeddah. He believes that Marafy will put Jeddah on the map as a world-class destination.

The waterside districts of Marafy will be interconnected and linked to the rest of Jeddah through an inter-modal transport system, including water taxis, buses, and a subway. Additionally, it will have direct access to the King Abdulaziz International Airport.

Marafy is another ambitious project by Saudi Arabia, following the construction of Neom, a new city on the Red Sea coast. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) views Neom as a city that will revolutionize Saudi Arabia’s economy and serve as a testing ground for innovative technologies. The project has a budget of $500 billion and has already secured a $5.6 billion deal with local investors earlier this year.