KNOWLEDGE CITY
the world, who are eager to live, work, retire, or make extended visits to it as the second most sacred city in Islam. It is rich in heritage and religious related content and has also been a leading city in digital economy initiatives and an e-government pilot. Tere are well established higher education institutions serving both SMET and religious segments. A network of transportation facilities is planned to connect the city
to the Holy Mosque in Al-Madinah and other major cities and economic centres in Saudi Arabia. Characterized by its strategic location, KEC lies on King Abdulaziz Street east of Madinah and is in close proximity to the Holy Mosque and Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport. Bordering it is the second ring road which is considered the major hub for residents and tourists. In addition, east to KEC lies the train stations of the Two Holy Mosques which connects Makkah with Madinah passing through Jeddah.
Te impact on the city’s economy will be hugely significant according to Dr
Baroum, who says the first and most important effect will be in attracting investments – especially in the knowledge-based clusters – that result in creating more and better job opportunities. “It will also set higher standards for education, residential, commercial and hospitality developments, which will eventually elevate the quality of life and economic prosperity of the city. Finally, KEC is envisioned to serve as the new ‘gateway’ to Madinah due to its strategic location on the main axis connecting the airport, train station with the holy mosque.” KEC enjoys a unique location on the eastern side of Madinah, and is within the holy zone. Te site is split in the middle by King Abdulaziz road, a main 100m wide axis that links it directly to the underground parking and bus loading facilities of the holy mosque. KEC is also well connected to all the major highway and arterial road networks in Madinah such as the 2nd and 3rd ring-roads, the new airport road and Al-Jameaat road. Te site is only 5km away from the holy mosque, 8km from the International Airport, while the Haramain high-speed railway station is conveniently located on the eastern side of KEC. In addition, the government is planning for a public
transport solution that will connect the train station, KEC and the holy mosque to become the most efficient access for visitors and residents alike.
CONSTRUCTION UPDATE After the KEC was endorsed by Te Custodian of Te Two Holy Mosques
King Abdullah bin Abdul-Aziz In June 2006, all the administrative, legal, financial, smart city infrastructure planning, and urban development planning duties were initiated. Tis resulted in a successful initial public offering (IPO) in May 2010 followed by a commercial registration and commencement of development in August 2010. Since then, phase one was launched which included knowledge,
residential, commercial, and hospitality projects. Te first building to be constructed on-site is a knowledge centre and was named ‘Diwan Al- Marifah’ which started to attract and host various knowledge and cultural events and activities serving the residents and visitors of Madinah. In January 2010, KEC formed a joint venture with Saudi Real Estate Company (Al-Akaria) to start developing the first phase in the villa gated community – to be completed by 2012. In addition, KEC signed a partnership with the Saudi Arabian Technical and Vocational Training Corporation (TVTC) to start developing the first higher technical and vocational institute in KEC. In addition, KEC initiated its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities through Te Madinah Institute for Leadership and Entrepreneurship (MILE), which is a leading programme dedicated to enhancing leadership capacity and entrepreneurial excellence in the Middle East, North Africa, and Asia and located in Diwan Al-Marifah in the KEC.
LOOKING AHEAD Between now and 2013 the following projects are set to be completed:
Villa Gated Community: A community with a unique and modern lifestyle
offering spiritual and tranquility for its residents with spacious green areas, leisure services for families, playgrounds and parks for children. Te
18 I CITYSCAPE I JUNE 2011
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