JEDDAH – A day after Makkah Emir Prince Khaled Al-Faisal dedicated the first phase of the new Jeddah Corniche Development Project on Tuesday night, citizens and residents relished the stretch of seafront that offered them a relaxing recreation space. Even the weather conspired to give the large number of early morning revelers at the Corniche a lift with a cool breeze wafting across the developed stretch. And the early morning visitors were just enchanted. The newly developed area stretches from the Border Guards headquarters in the south to the Nawras Square covering four kilometers. The area includes playgrounds for children, ample parking places, green spaces, pedestrian lane, aesthetic sites and fountains at varied locations. The people who made the morning trip to this stretch were all praise. “The beauty of the place just dazzles us,” said a Saudi, who had come along with his friends. While expatriates visiting the Corniche too expressed their great admiration for the projects carried out there. Speaking to Al-Madina Arabic daily, Naif Al-Bugumi said, “We've come to the seashore at this early hour so as to enjoy the cool breeze and beautiful scenery, and I am not disappointed.” “The accomplishments are beautiful and words are not enough to describe the services provided to the visitors of the Corniche,” he said, as his friends Thamer Al-Shareef and Ahmad Abdul Razzaq echoed his sentiments. Abdullah Al-Wafi said, “We are proud of the achievement, which speaks for itself. We cannot express the degree of our admiration for the development of the seafront. The places, utilities and services are magnificent. They are all there for the visitor and picnicker to enjoy.” Abdulhameed Al-Hazmi too expressed his appreciation for the projects and the services being accorded to the visitors. Othman Saeed Baqee, who had come to the Corniche with his family, said, “I came to this place with my children so they could play and enjoy the beautiful weather. The facilities are safe and clean.” Abdullah Al-Shihri said the seafront in Jeddah attracts residents and visitors from other governorates. Many people come from Makkah, Taif and other regions. Now with the completion of this phase of the project the Jeddah seafront will be worth the long distance traveled by such visitors. Abdulrahman Muhammad Jameel, meanwhile, has found a place at the Corniche to practice his favorite hobby – roller-skating. He expressed happiness with the accomplishments made. He said the facilities at the Corniche are admirable and families can relax here. Jameel expressed his thanks to the Kingdom's wise leadership and all those who contributed to beautifying the seafront. Jeddah Mayor Hani Abu Ras said at the inauguration that the next phase of the development would extend for nine kilometers from the north of the Nawras Square. He added that designs and plans have already been submitted. — SG
