Saudi Arabia: US-based real estate firm JLL has secured a program management contract with AlUla Development Co. to support the Saudi city’s transformation into a global tourism hub.

Under the agreement, JLL will provide project and cost management and strategic consulting to support the planning, development, and delivery of AlUla’s hospitality, residential, and retail offerings. 

This will include feasibility studies, project planning, construction management, and final handover of completed projects, according to a press release.

The contract with the Public Investment Fund’s subsidiary was signed during a ceremony held at AlUla Development Co.’s office in Riyadh.

Speaking at the event, Maroun Deeb, JLL’s head of project and development services for Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, expressed his pride in contributing to AlUla’s ambitious vision. 

“We are honored to have been chosen to support the AlUla Development Co. on such a significant project. This appointment reinforces our reputation as one of the leading project and program management consultancies in the region,” Deeb said.

He added: “By leveraging our expertise in large-scale projects, construction data insights, leading technology, and sustainable practices, we will ensure better client outcomes.”

Saud Al-Sulaimani, country head of Saudi Arabia at JLL, emphasized the company’s in-depth involvement in AlUla’s development journey. 

He said: “JLL has been at the forefront of AlUla’s transformation from the very beginning, being one of the first companies to work on this iconic destination. Our deep-rooted expertise in supporting the Kingdom’s vision of economic diversification and sustainable growth positions us uniquely for this appointment.”

Al-Sulaimani added: “We are committed to delivering exceptional value and impactful results as we continue to build upon our legacy in Saudi Arabia and drive forward AlUla’s ambitious development agenda.”

AlUla, a region rich in history, is a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy to diversify the economy and establish the country as a global tourism hub. The area’s development focuses on balancing heritage preservation with innovative urban growth. 

JLL’s appointment builds on the company’s significant portfolio in the Kingdom. According to the press release, the project and development services team is currently managing projects with a combined capital value of $30 billion. 

The US firm’s services include overseeing development, project and program management, and cost consultancy, as well as engineering design, workplace fit-out, health and safety advisory, digital solutions, and sustainability consulting.