Ruwais district of central Jeddah has shown that between 52 and 59 percent of its inhabitants lack the most basic of services. According to the study, the Al-Ruwais population is made up of 32 percent Saudis, 39 percent non-Saudi Arab speaking nationals, 15 percent Asians, and 14 percent from other nationalities. Fuwad Sarouji, technical manager of the Al-Ruwais Development Project, said the study reflected the “real need” for development of the area urgently. “That is the vision already laid down by Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, Emir of Makkah, and which has been taken up by the Jeddah Mayor's Office,” Sarouji said. “That vision has become one of the top goals of Saudis living in the district and who, according to the figures, represent only one third of the inhabitants. One available alternative is for them to be moved to a better environment in planned residential zones.” He said that whole district needs redeveloping as per the goals sought by King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to address randomly-built unplanned residential areas in the country's cities. “Replanning the area and replacing infrastructure to meet the highest standards will not only help in economic development but also go a long way to addressing social and environmental problems,” he said. Al-Ruwais development works have begun with the removal of properties in accordance with a Cabinet ruling issued last month designed to address unplanned residential areas in the Makkah region.
