The basic infrastructure work of the Middle Corniche project at the end of Palestine Street in Jeddah has been completed with a formal public opening likely in a week, according to Jeddah Municipality officials.

The entire seafront area adjacent to the fountain is being turned into a popular tourist district with multiple recreational areas.

The North Corniche project was completed and opened four months ago to public. The Palestine Street corridor project was also opened but immediately closed because the connection to Corniche road was blocked due to construction.

Work is also continuing on a multistory hospitality infrastructure that includes hotels and recreational services, according to city officials. The project begins at Palestine Street at its intersection with Andalus Road in the north and from the US Consulate to the Conference Palace and Equestrian Club in the south.

The Palestine corridor passing through the Jamjoom Commercial Center was especially designed with ceramic-tiled pathways and special street lamps.

One of the most crowded areas of the Corniche, it has now been transformed into a top entertainment venue with a sandy beach combined with recreational facilities.

Well-connected with the city and close proximity to leading commercial hubs, the Middle Corniche attracts visitors due to King Fahd water fountain. Shooting 312 meters high in the air at a speed of 375 km per hour, it’s the world’s tallest fountain and higher than the Eiffel Tower.

Once work on the site of Middle Corniche-Palestine street is completed, builders believe it will surpass the region’s other popular tourist destination of Jumeirah Beach in Dubai. In addition, four fountains will also be installed at Northern Corniche, though the size and details are not known.

An estimated SR 45 million is being spent on the Middle Corniche project renovation, which is the centerpiece of the Corniche Beautification Project, according to Jeddah officials.

Since private investors had a role in the project, the Jeddah Municipality faced criticism from city residents complaining that they were deprived of low-cost or free entertainment, which was part of the Corniche’s draw before the project.

After completing works at Middle Corniche, the Jeddah Municipality will embark on the South Corniche Renovation Project that will complete Red Sea coastal renovation plans for Jeddah.