The development, located on a hilltop to the north of Jeddah, will comprise more than 19,000 residential units, ranging in size from 500-1,500 square metres. They will be contained within 24 residential villages arranged in a hub-and-spoke model, and include schools, mosques, clinics and recreation areas.

EME, a joint venture between Dubai-based Emaar Properties and the local Al-Oula Development Company, says the residential units will go on sale early next year. The US' Turner Construction International is the project and construction manager.

'Jeddah Hills is truly a unique project,' says Emaar chairman Mohammed Ali Alabbar. 'Jeddah offers a new option in Saudi Arabia, and joins the first phase of our plans for expansion in the kingdom.'

Emaar is also developing the $26,800 million King Abdullah Economic City near Rabigh, and is working on another residential scheme near Jeddah. Called Jeddah City, the development will be located near the old airport, and comprise about 5,000 apartments ranging from four-six storeys and two office buildings of about 20 storeys (MEED 7:4:06, Cover Story).