Saudi Arabia’s 10 largest construction projects are worth a combined $92bn (SAR345bn), according to research conducted by BNC Network on behalf of The Big 5 Saudi 2017.

The researchers list the country’s top 10 projects as: Jeddah Tower, Abraj Kudai, Holy Haram Mosque, Prophet’s Mosque, Dahiyat Al Fursan, Mall of Saudi, The Avenues, Riyadh Metro, Jazan Oil Refinery, and Fadhili Gas Plant.

At an estimated $700bn (SAR2.63tn), the sectors of urban construction and transportation account for approximately 68% of the overall value of projects in Saudi Arabia.

At approximately 1km in height, Jeddah Tower will comprise 252 floors, and boast a gross floor area (GFA) of 245,000m2. It will include offices, a 200-room Four Seasons Hotel, 121 serviced apartments, and 360 residential apartments. Valued at $1.8bn (SAR6.75bn), the project is scheduled to complete by March 2020.

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This comes in light of many of the country’s large infrastructure projects already tendered for and industry players indicating that they expect future contracts to be mainly for medium-sized projects.

“The days of projects valued at QAR7bn-QAR10bn ($1.9bn-$2.7bn) are over. One of the main reasons larger projects are being conducted in phases is to keep the amount of work consistent, as the overall industry will not have as much work in the coming years,” Philippe Tavernier, CEO of local construction firm QDVC was quoted saying by Oxford Business Group (OBG).

OBG quoted top government authorities saying that all major tenders have been awarded for the $40bn, 200,000 inhabitants Lusail City north of Doha, with an estimated 80% of infrastructure work on the smart city already finished, according to media reports.

Due for completion by 2018, Lusail City is set to feature 19 distinctive districts offering a wide range of facilities, with work progressing quickly on the country’s planned rail networks, The Peninsula reported.

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