In what conceivably be a new benchmark of Saudi Arabia's strong economy – despite financial maelstrom felt globally – a new tower in Jeddah is in the final phase of its construction and once completed, will be the tallest edifice in the city. At a height of 140 meters, the 37-story King's Road Tower will change the city landscape. In a precedent-setting building construction, the King's Road Tower “is incomparable” to any building in the Kingdom in its design and composition. The Tower is equipped with the latest international safety and security system, incorporating an integrated smart building protocol that controls lighting, cooling, security, early warning, ventilation and air purifying, among others. In addition, the Tower incorporates technology which helps in early detection of breakdowns, quick repair and cuts operating costs. King's Road Tower, set for completion in August this year, can be seen from any point in Jeddah and has the world's largest digital advertising screen as some of its more spectacular features. At a press conference on Monday, Mowaffaq Al-Hashimi, president, Saqifat Al-Safa Marketing & Management Realtors, the proprietor of the Tower, said the Tower would create a niche market for the middle and upper segments of society. Al-Hashimi expressed optimism on the real estate future, saying that key economic indicators point to “extremely stable market,” particularly in the last three months of 2009. He said King's Road Tower is in a way unique as it caters more to the male needs. He explained that since it aims to create a niche market, it would be “very selective” in choosing retailers, with a predilection to high-grade and upscale brands and products. Though he refused to disclose the rent per square meter of the leasable area, Al-Hashimi assured that the King's Road Tower price “is comparable,” adding that the industry outlook “is very promising.” Located west of King's Road between Sari Street from the north and Prince Mohammed Bin Abdul Aziz Street (previously Tahlia street) in the south and the Corniche Road in the west, the towering superstructure - with a built up area of 10,000 square meters, is easily accessible, and easily distinguishable not just because of its height, but also because of its architectural features, including The Pearl, and a façade of more than 170 meters overlooking King's Road. Built at a cost of SR700 million, the commercial and residential tower comprises 37 floors, all incorporating smart systems, is expected to become the preferred business and leisure hub in the city. In addition to corporate offices and luxury shops, the tower also features two restaurants and a health club. King's Road Tower will also have two parking areas on two basement floors which can accommodate up to 1,000 cars. The Pearl located at the top of the tower - visible even at night, providing a spectacular backdrop to Jeddah's evening skyline - has 5,400 square meters leasable area. It is linked with the floors of the tower with a panoramic elevator. It is divided into three floors that include a business center, a meeting room with an area of 490 square meters at the 29th floor. It houses two premium restaurants - one having an area of 1,000 square meters and overlooking King's Road, while the other at the 30th floor has an area of 900 square meters and overlooks the Red Sea. The Pearl also includes a coffee shop and luxury offices at the 31st floor with a total area of 1,900 square meters. Al-Hashimi said: “The tower was designed by Engineer Abdullah Dughaither Architects and Consultants in collaboration with the renowned engineering consultancy firm Kling Consult. The design concept, meanwhile, was developed by the famous architect Dr. Nazir Abu Obeid following an international architectural design pitch.” King's Road tower has a unique large advertising LED screen - the biggest in the world - installed on three sides of the tower. “This giant advertising screen will attract the attention of tourists and residents of Jeddah and would serve as a benchmark for advertising in Saudi Arabia,” Al- Hashimi pointed out. The ground floor, with 2,002 square meters available for rent, features high-end shop as well as entry and exit for both upper and down parking areas. It consists of 12 shops of different areas ranging from 50 square meters to 165 square meters, to adequate with all the activities. It is also provided with two large display areas of 360 and 430 square meters, respectively. Meanwhile, the mezzanine floor, with an 2,144 square meters leasable area consists of 8 shops of varying sizes ranging from 75 to 145 square meters. It contains two cafes of a total area of 491 square meters, plus 5 display areas of various sizes ranging between 227 to 436 square meters. The upper parking areas consist of 6 floors starting from the first floor to the sixth floor, and include three offices of an areas ranging between 425 to 489 square meters. The health club is located at the 3rd and 4th floors on an area of 870 square meters. The office floors, with a gross leasable area of 46,000 square meters, occupy 27 levels, starting from the 7th floor to the 36th floor, and can accommodate 246 offices - an average of 9 to 10 offices per floor. Office areas range between 66 to 240 square meters. The offices in the western side overlook the corniche and Red Sea, while offices in the eastern side view King's Road and Saudia City, the northern offices overlook the north of Jeddah and the Red Sea, and the southern offices overlook Jeddah Fountain, south Jeddah and the Red Sea. Offices of senior executives are located at 33rd and 34th floors and enjoy spectacular views of the sea. The 37th floor of the tower has an airfield for helicopters and a private reception hall with an area of 230 square meters.
