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Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, May 24, 2007: Emaar, The Economic City (Emaar.E.C), the Tadawul-listed Saudi company developing King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC), the single largest private sector-led development in the region, showcased the role of KAEC in fostering the growth of the Saudi Arabian economy at the recent Saudi International Real Estate Conference (SAIREC).

Held under the patronage of His Royal Highness The Deputy of The Custodian of The Two Holy Mosques Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz Al Saud, SAIREC was inaugurated by the Minister of Trade and Industries Mr Hashim Yamani and the Minister of Economy and Planning Mr Khaled Al Qusaibi. The event was organized by the Council of Saudi Chambers and National Real Estate Committee.

“KAEC is a pioneering model for urban developments that support the overall socio-economic progress of Saudi Arabia,” said Mr Ahmed Linjawy, Executive Director – External Relations & Human Resources, Emaar.E.C. “As a project inspired by the vision of The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin AbdulAziz AlSaud, KAEC will power the growth of the Saudi economy by generating one million jobs, attracting local and foreign investment and has already gained strong investor response.”

The objective of SAIREC was to highlight the investment opportunities offered by the Saudi Arabian real estate sector, and project its impact on the Kingdom’s socio-economic growth. Experts, participating at the event discussed the Saudi Arabian real estate sector vis-à-vis economic development; the challenges in jurisdiction and finance; the legislative and organizational environment; and innovation and development mechanisms.

KAEC is spread over 168 million sq m and has six key components - the Sea Port, Industrial Zone, Central Business District (including the Financial District), Resort District, Educational Zone and Residential Communities. The Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA) is the prime facilitator of the project.

Work is on progress at KAEC with the Presentation Center and a 15 km access road already completed. Construction of the first phase including the Industrial Zone, Sea Port, Resorts and Residential Communities has begun. KAEC is located on the Red Sea coast, offers easy access to the two Holy Cities of Makkah and Madina and is also close to Jeddah.