Jeddah’s Al-Ruwais district, which is situated between Palestine and King Abdullah Streets toward the Corniche, has more than 2,000 homes. Long-time Al-Ruwais residents and homeowners are unhappy that their properties are to be demolished to make way for a modern residential area.
“There is a general perception that we are against the development of our neighborhood,” said 55-year-old Abu Ryaan, who has lived in Al-Ruwais for 35 years. “That is absolutely false. We want development to take place and for this area to flourish, however those who own properties have to be fairly compensated so that they can afford relocating, renovating or rebuilding their homes.”
Aaid Al-Jahdali, a 63-year-old resident, said the district, which is located close to the oldest parts of the city, has deep roots.
“This is an old district,” he told Arab News. “There are old historical houses here that need to be taken care of and protected, not demolished as if they don’t carry any value. In addition, the majority of old homes built here are not underdeveloped.”
Unlike some of the newer buildings in the district, which might not be built to code, most of the residencies in the area were built legitimately through the Saudi Real Estate Development Fund, which offers financial assistance to home builders.
Residents interviewed by Arab News feel that the compensation for the eminent-domain seizures of their homes is inadequate.
“One square meter of the land located on or near the main road is valued at SR5,000 while those located in the inner Al Ruwais district are valued at SR1,000 per square meter, which is not sufficient for those who plan to get paid and leave,” said 42-year-old Al-Ruwais resident Amin. “We are still praying to God that our problems will be solved. We call on Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah and Makkah Gov. Prince Khaled Al-Faisal to intervene to help us get fair amounts for our houses.
Al-Ruwais development project manager, Fouad Al-Sarouji, said earlier this week that real-estate evaluation prices have been issued to Al-Ruwais residents who had submitted their real-estate and property-ownership papers.
Al-Sarouji said that his company is waiting for a public notary ratification of these evaluation papers so they can be passed to residents in Al-Ruwais, noting that his company had received only 900 real estate and property deeds out of thousands who still haven't sent their papers in.
Earlier this year, Abdullah Abu Dawood, deputy general manager of Al-Ruwais International Company For Real Estate Development, said that property evaluation in Al-Ruwais district is estimated through a separate and independent committee that works in accordance to the country’s regulations with regard to acquiring real property for public benefit.
