MAKKAH, 20 April 2004 — The supreme commission for the development of the Makkah region has completed the survey for the giant Jabal Omar project and established the market value of the real estate at SR4.2 billion.
The commission, with five members from different governmental sectors, was tasked with valuing some 1,116 properties in the mountainous area near the Grand Mosque to be included in the project, sources told Arab News.
The Jabal Omar project consists of three axes: a supervisory committee, the Jabal Omar joint stock company, and the owners of the individual properties.
Owners of the Jabal Omar plots have the option either to join the company or to sell their property to it for development.
Jabal Omar is considered to be among the most important development projects in Makkah, with overall project costs of SR10 to 12 billion and covering 221,000 squre meters.
It will include hotels, residential towers and commercial outlets.
The site is bordered by Umm Al-Qura Street to the north, Duhlat Al-Rushd to the south, Ibrahim Al-Khalil Street to the east, and Al-Hafaer and Al-Tendbawi to the west.
Residential slots are estimated to accommodate 34,500, with parking for 12,000 vehicles and a central transport station. The public prayer area is slated to hold up to 100,000 people.
Escalators for pilgrims performing Umrah or Haj will also be provided.
Other features of the project could include a tunnel to the north and east to ease traffic congestion in the area.
Particular focus has been placed on accessibility for future development of residential districts to the west and south of Jabal Omar, connecting it to the Haram area.
Contracts were signed with an international transport company.
“We have been working on this project for the past 14 years and have now developed a clear picture,” according to Abdul Rahman Faqeeh, chairman of the Makkah Construction Company.
Faqeeh earlier said the company already bought land in the area at a cost of more than SR490 million and will soon begin construction.
“It will create a model residential and commercial center with new roads, pathways, tunnels, electric stairs, and other facilities,” he said.
The feasibility study was conducted at a cost of SR30 million.
The project’s prayer area will be linked to the Grand Mosque’s sound system.
“These prayer areas could be considered an indirect expansion of the mosque,” Faqeeh said.
It has taken into consideration the environment and the topography of the area, he said, adding that it would be implemented without razing the mountains.
A Jabal Omar Company meeting presided over by Faqeeh selected the steering committee of the joint stock company last Wednesday.
Of the members, 435 are real estate owners in Jabal Omar.
The committee consists of Sulaiman Al-Rajhi, Ibrahim Al-Subaie, Mohammad Al-Muhaisini, Hamad Al-Ghamas, Mohammad Al-Isa, Sheikh Yousef Al-Ahmad, Khaled Al-Saud; Prince Mansour ibn Abdullah ibn Saud is its treasurer.
