BEYOND OIL

Saudi East diversifies with tourism, power and mega projects

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Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province is undergoing a multi-sector building boom. The region's strategic importance is being boosted by major investments across the power, industrial, tourism and real estate sectors. Flagship projects in the province, including a cross-border solar power plant, one of the world's largest carbon capture hubs, and multi-billion-riyal mixed-use developments, are solidifying its role in driving the Vision 2030 goals.

SAUDI Arabia's Eastern Province is entering a defining phase of growth, marked by a surge of construction activity across transport, tourism, industrial and real estate sectors. The scale and diversity of ongoing projects reflect not only the region's strategic economic role, but also its accelerating transformation under Vision 2030.

From new logistics corridors and upgraded highways to expansive leisure destinations and mixed-use urban hubs, development in the region is unfolding at a pace unmatched in decades.

Among these projects is a landmark sports venue, Aramco Stadium in northern Al Khobar, being developed by a partnership of Saudi Aramco and ROSHN, a PIF company and a multi-asset real estate developer. This 47,000-seat multipurpose facility, designed by Populous, will host 2027 AFC Asian Cup matches and 2034 FIFA World Cup fixtures (see Page 18).

In the industrial and energy spheres, major investments in wastewater treatment, carbon capture, advanced manufacturing and housing for remote workforce communities underscore the Eastern Province's position as the backbone of the kingdom's energy economy. At the same time, rising demand for sustainable technologies and locally manufactured components is driving new industrial facilities in Jubail and Dammam as well as in the mega hub King Salman Energy Park (SPARK), further strengthening the region's reputation as a centre for innovation and high-value production.