MARAFY Canal Project in North Jeddah Draws New Interest

The MARAFY mixed-use development in North Jeddah, built by ROSHN, has drawn new developer interest as construction advances on its centrepiece canal. In 2026, ROSHN made 300,000 square metres within the project available for development by other companies, opening the door to wider participation in one of the city's largest waterfront schemes.

MARAFY spans more than 9.3 million square metres and is planned to accommodate more than 130,000 residents. At its heart is a navigable canal planned to run 11 kilometres in length and 100 metres in width, connecting with and extending Obhur Creek. By April 2026, work on the relevant canal section was reported at roughly 60% completion, with excavation at around 90% and three vehicle bridges under construction.

The masterplan brings together residential, commercial, office, hospitality, retail and entertainment components alongside landscaped public spaces and pedestrian promenades. Planned features include floating restaurants, hotels, water taxis, bus links, and a dedicated Metro Red Line station intended to tie the district into the wider transport network.

Why it matters

For residents and investors in Jeddah, MARAFY signals continued momentum in the city's northern coastal corridor, with the potential to add new homes, jobs and leisure destinations. Opening land parcels to additional developers may also help accelerate delivery across the site.

MARAFY remains a project under development. No operating visitor venues, floating restaurants, water-taxi service or public canal attractions have been confirmed as open to the public, and no confirmed investment value, prices or fees were identified. Saudi Living will share further details as the project progresses.

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