Al Khobar, a coastal city in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province, will gain a new mixed-use development by 2029. Refad Real Estate Investment and Development Company confirmed construction is on schedule for Miraf District, a 42,000-square-meter project designed by architecture firm Gensler. Situated along the Persian Gulf, Al Khobar serves as a strategic economic and cultural hub in the region.
The development will include four main components: Miraf Residences, two residential towers with 152 units; an 18-story Business Tower offering over 20,000 square meters of leasable office space; The Plaza, a retail and entertainment hub with restaurants, cafés, and clinics; and Hotel Indigo, a 240-key property managed by IHG Hotels and Resorts. Hotel Indigo will target both business and leisure travelers, offering locally inspired design elements alongside international hospitality standards. The project will also feature more than 1,200 shaded parking spaces, designed to mitigate the region’s intense heat while accommodating the expected influx of visitors and residents.
Full mixed-use destination
Miraf District will span 200,000 square meters of built-up area, including 29,000 square meters of leasable commercial space. The design integrates residential, commercial, leisure, and hospitality elements into a single destination. Gensler has incorporated sustainable design principles. The development’s layout emphasizes open-air connectivity, with shaded walkways and landscaped courtyards designed to encourage outdoor activity.
According to Refad, the project is located in Khobar’s Corniche district, near the waterfront and downtown. The developer described the site as one of the city’s most active areas, offering easy access to urban amenities.
A company spokesman said the development will include outdoor spaces, a swimming pool, a gym, a supermarket, and cinemas. The goal, he added, is to create an integrated environment that meets the needs of residents, visitors, and businesses.
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Construction milestones have already been reached. The project recently completed all piling and support work, and foundation work is now underway. The spokesman said this reflects an accelerated pace of progress.
Project aligns with Saudi urban development goals
Refad said Miraf District supports the kingdom’s broader objectives for urban development and quality of life. The company’s vision focuses on high-quality projects that enhance living standards in the Eastern Province. Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative emphasizes the creation of lively, sustainable communities that reduce reliance on oil revenues by diversifying the economy.
The development is one of several large-scale projects underway in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province. Al Khobar has seen increased investment in recent years, particularly in real estate and infrastructure.
While the project is still years from completion, its scale suggests it could become a notable addition to the city’s skyline. The combination of residential, commercial, and hospitality spaces may also help meet growing demand for mixed-use developments in the area.
For now, construction continues as planned, with the first phases progressing without major delays. The 2029 handover date remains unchanged, according to the developer.
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