JEDDAH, 26 April 2004 — Some areas in the eastern part of Jeddah have seen big increases in land prices after the municipality granted permission for the construction of 3-story buildings in the area. The decision was made in light of the population increase and because the number of residential units have risen by 20 percent to 30 percent. A real estate spokesman said that prices would rise even more after exits have been constructed in the area of the Briman bridge. Abdullah Al-Belawy, a real estate investor, stated that in those areas the price of a square meter is steadily increasing and is currently at SR1,000.