Jeddah City as A Contemporary Gateway: New Vision for City Smart Growth Management

Abstract

Throughout the history, the city of Jeddah acted as a main gate to the Holy cities, starting specifically in the era of the third Muslim Caliph Othman Bin Affan in 647 AC, when he ordered the city to be a port to welcome pilgrims coming for the Holy Pilgrimage. Since then and till now the city plays an important role as a main gateway. Regarding this importance many plans, initiatives and researches are being developed to enhance the city role to cope with potential challenges and requirements, especially focusing on renovating the city center and its connection with the city gates. Insights into gateways sustainable developments, demonstrates that Jeddah city incentives smart growth approach in terms of its important geographical location, heritage importance as well as connectivity to the Holy cities. This highlights the importance of elaborate urban management processes in terms of city future expansions, public activities as well as major functions including economic and business, knowledge, transport. A study of main urban solutions to support policy decisions strengthening sustainable smart growth of the Jeddah city. The methodology adopted in the research is focusing on presenting expected improvements on Jeddah master plan as well as adopted strategies in order to improve the livability and quality of life in a community public activities. Explicit Contextual proposal is demonstrated to stimulate the regeneration of Jeddah gate arising from the city core center area towards city's existing boundaries while diversifying activities and supporting economic growth, highlighting road networking and accessibility as well as transport infrastructures. The research presents sustainable scenario to maximize Jeddah Gateway potentials related to economic, cultural importance, in addition to maintaining its heritage and touristic approach.