One of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s most transformative urban initiatives, the Jeddah Central Development (JCD) leverages forward-thinking, sustainability-driven, and human-centred design to set a leading benchmark for thriving, dynamic communities in a sustainable, future-ready environment. Master planned and designed by Dar, the first phase of Jeddah Central has now officially been awarded LEED Platinum for Communities certification by the U.S. Green Building Council.

This achievement represents the highest distinction within the global LEED v4.1 for Communities: Plan and Design framework and celebrates the project’s excellence in progressive urban planning, innovative and integrated design, and long-term climate resilience.

Stretching over 5.7 million m² along the coastline, this project is designed to become a world-class destination, improving the national economy and elevating the city’s global standing through cutting-edge technologies and international sustainability standards.

This visionary destination brings together cultural landmarks, public spaces, hospitality, and vibrant mixed-use districts to create a connected environment where culture, tourism, business, and community life instersect, in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.

Dar delivered the detailed master plan for Phase 1, which includes four signature landmarks: the Opera House, the Stadium, the Oceanarium and Coral Farms, and the Museum. In line with the expectations of the Jeddah Central Development Company, Dar master planned a sustainable community that engulfed public realm, mobility systems, and supporting smart infrastructure networks; this laid the groundwork for the LEED Platinum for Communities achievement.

Dar’s planning and design strategy was rooted in a rounded vision of sustainability, liveability, and technical excellence. This approach delivered exceptional results across all LEED categories:

• Integrative process: Met foundational planning requirements.
• Natural systems and ecology: Awarded for ecosystem assessment, pollution prevention during construction, provision of green spaces, light pollution reduction, and full resilience planning.
• Transportation and land use: Received full points for compact, mixed-use and transit-oriented planning, walkability and bikeability, access to quality transit, alternative fuel vehicle infrastructure, smart mobility policies, and designation of high-priority sites.
• Water efficiency: High performance in integrated water management, access to water and sanitation, stormwater management and reuse, wastewater treatment, and smart water metering systems.
• Energy and greenhouse gas emissions: Commended for efficient lighting, resilient power infrastructure, grid harmonization, renewable energy integration, and emissions management.
• Materials and resources: Strong performance in construction and demolition waste management, solid waste services, recycling infrastructure, responsible sourcing, organic waste treatment, and smart waste systems.
• Quality of life: Prioritized through demographic assessment, public health access, social infrastructure, emergency management, and mobility policies.
• Innovation: Full marks for exemplary waste practices, water use reduction, shaded streetscapes, LEED-accredited professional engagement, and additional innovation strategies.
• Regional priority: Full score for addressing local environmental priorities, including stormwater management, integrated water planning, brownfield remediation, and renewable energy strategies.

Dar’s Director of Operations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Said Hayek added: “We are honoured and grateful for the opportunity to support JCDC in its vision to create communities that can thrive without climate strain, ensuring that care for our planet and for future generations is designed and built into every decision we make. This LEED Platinum for Communities certification is a meaningful recognition of that mindset and effort. It reaffirms our collective commitment to designing places that endure, enrich, and rise to the challenges of tomorrow.”

This LEED Platinum for Communities certification is a meaningful recognition of that mindset and effort. It reaffirms our commitment to designing places that endure, enrich, and rise to the challenges of tomorrow.