His Royal Highness Prince Saud bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz, Governor of the Eastern Province, reviewed the plan for the second phase of the «International City» project in Dammam during a meeting today in his office with the region’s secretary, Engineer Fahd Al-Jubeir. The plan includes new expansions and recreational, cultural, and investment destinations aimed at enhancing the appeal of both the project and the region.
The Governor of the Eastern Province emphasized the importance of capitalizing on the region’s tourism, entertainment, and investment potential, and working to enhance its ability to attract investors from within and outside the Kingdom, taking advantage of the available infrastructure and services, thereby supporting tourism and economic activity and providing job opportunities for the nation’s sons and daughters.
During the meeting, Al-Jubeir reviewed the progress of the «International City» project and the success of its first season, which attracted more than 3 million visitors of various nationalities and ages over the course of five months.
The plan for the second season includes a comprehensive expansion of the project’s facilities, international pavilions, and investment and entertainment zones, along with the participation of new countries and cultures for the first time, and the redesign of the international pavilions« facades according to a modern architectural vision, with the goal of welcoming approximately 5.2 million visitors. The development work includes the addition of an interactive fountain, an increase in live performances and cultural and entertainment events, as well as the launch of new destinations, including the »Asian Village« overlooking the waterfront and the »Kabayan Night Market.«
The plan also includes the »Future District," which offers experiences based on artificial intelligence, robotics, and interactive technologies, as well as a dinosaur city and new entertainment areas suitable for various age groups.
The Phase 2 plan aims to create between 1,000 and 1,900 direct and indirect jobs, while supporting small and medium-sized enterprises and empowering local talent, in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
The Secretary of the Eastern Province emphasized that »The International City" represents a model for partnership between the Regional Municipality and the private sector in investing municipal assets, noting that the expansions and new initiatives will provide an integrated experience that combines culture, entertainment, innovation, and investment in a single destination.
He added that the project supports the Secretariat’s efforts to develop municipal assets and maximize their use, thereby contributing to enhancing the quality of life and stimulating economic and tourism activity in the region.
