Planned Saudi city could create 1000's jobs

expat network

Planned Saudi city could create 1000’s jobs

Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province municipality is planning a model city including a residential, economic and tourism centre in Half Moon Bay, Al-Aziziyah district. It is expected to create up to 90,000 jobs when complete.

The city is expected to contribute to the province’s master plan too, deputy mayor Eastern Province, Jamal bin Nasser Al-Mulhim, said.

“The city will be established as per international standards with respect for Islamic traditions,” Al-Mulhim remarked.

“It will attract residents and visitors and provide a unique urban environment, using modern facilities to recycle water and waste to produce new energy,” he said.

According to Al-Mulhim, several studies have been conducted concerning the development of Half Moon Bay as a centre for tourism and recreation in the Eastern Province.

Arab News reported new strategies will be developed over the next 30 years in order to establish a new city equipped with all necessary facilities, requirements and services.

When complete, the city will absorb 350,000 people, providing 90,000 jobs over the next 30 years.

The new city will be an integrated center with facilities for 650 boats, conferences and exhibition center and a maritime museum, besides 88,000 housing units, commercial areas, offices, a techno-park and various kinds of public transport.

“Several meetings have been held to discuss the development of Half Moon Bay and collect information on the current situation, to identify available opportunities and re-formulate objectives, preparation and delivery of final designs,” said Al-Mulhim.

“The project will be implemented in six stages, as the municipality coordinates with a number of local and international companies to develop the public perception of the city.

“The new city is expected to make a quantum leap in the province during the next 30 years, taking into account the importance of linking the new city with Dammam for easy access and the strategic location of Half Moon Bay,” he added.

Source: Construction Week Online

Moving Abroad Checklist

Initial Considerations

Will your partner be travelling with you?

If so, what will they be giving up in your present home and will they be able to continue with their career in your new home? You will need to check whether a separate visa is required for your partner to work or if your visa gives that right. If they are unable to work you will need to decide on the effect on your finances and what alternatives are available to give a fulfilling life (home business, training, voluntary work).

Are you taking family with you?

Moving with family raises many exciting opportunities, but also can create challenges. The HSBC Expat Explorer survey indicates that expat kids can take six months to settle in to their new country (see article). Getting young or even older children to prepare to move and leave their friends and family behind can be a challenge and should be thought through.

The options for education is another area that needs to be thought through.

Moving your child to a new country with a different education system can be a great opportunity to broaden their experience, but if they are close to key exams the timing can make this inadvisable. If you do take your family with you, it is important to decide between joining the local school system or choosing an international school.

Where will you be living?

Whether you will be living in a house or apartment, furnished or unfurnished, these decisions will affect what you need to take with you. The time you are planning to live overseas will also affect whether you should leave your property at home empty, rent it out or sell it. See the article Sell, Store or Ship.