Saudi Gazette report JEDDAH — A new industrial city dedicated to businesses and factories run by women is being built by the Saudi Industrial Property Authority in Asfan area, Al-Madinah daily reported. The authority reported it is the first industrial city for women in Jeddah and the authority's fourth industrial city. The city is located northeast of Jeddah with an area of 5 million sq. meters. It is located 25 km away from King Abdulaziz Airport. The city will be dedicated to elite women-run businesses and factories. Qualified female staff will operate the city and the annual rent set by authority is SR3 per meter. The contract signed between the authority and contractors is valued at SR50 million. The authority has completed the first phase of the project. The authority has built the infrastructure of the city including the roads and sewage system, installed electricity cables and erected few buildings. A source from the authority said the project will have more job opportunities for women. “An entire city will need employees in various fields such as economic, industrial, medical and technical. The city will include facilities and services needed and used by women,” said the source. He added the rates set by the authority are a great incentive for businesswomen to invest their money on land. “A factory with an area of 10,000 sq. meters can be leased for SR30,000. The authority also offers government loans reaching up to 50 percent. The application for buying land is available online on the authority's website,” said the source.
