His Highness Prince Saud bin Abdullah bin Jalawi, Governor of Jeddah, inaugurated today the Wadi Jeddah Innovation Complex and the Wadi Jeddah Innovation and Business District. These projects belong to the Wadi Jeddah Company, the knowledge-investment arm of King Abdulaziz University (KAU).

The ceremony was attended by Dr. Ahmed bin Hamed Naqadi, member of the KAU Board of Trustees; Dr. Tarif bin Yousef Al-Aama, President of KAU; and Dr. Sattam Linjawi, CEO of Wadi Jeddah. The initiative aims to transform scientific research into competitive commercial entities, bolstering the knowledge economy in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030.

Event Highlights

Following a tour of the district’s facilities, the ceremony commenced with the Royal Anthem, followed by a visual presentation showcasing Wadi Jeddah’s journey and achievements.

His Highness also witnessed the signing of several agreements between Wadi Jeddah and the Saudi Obstetrical and Gynecological Society, the Saudi Surgical Specialties Society, and the Al-Sulaiman Charitable Foundation. These partnerships aim to enhance the local business environment. At the conclusion of the event, the Governor honored the project’s sponsors.

Strategic Infrastructure

The Wadi Jeddah Innovation and Business District is designed to attract major corporations to establish regional headquarters, leveraging the university’s infrastructure. At the heart of this district lies the Wadi Jeddah Innovation Complex, specifically dedicated to supporting startups and converting scientific theories into viable commercial ventures.

Key Specifications:

Total Area: 81,791 square meters.

Built-up Area: 40,000 square meters across 7 buildings.

Capacity: 700 parking spaces.

Location: Strategically situated on Prince Majid Road, providing easy access to the airport and vital city centers.

The district offers an integrated ecosystem that connects innovators with global and local firms, providing added value through direct access to academic talent, research centers, and a network of international decision-makers.

Fostering the Knowledge Economy

Dr. Sattam Linjawi, CEO of Wadi Jeddah, stated that the district’s launch is part of ongoing efforts to bridge the gap between academic research and the private sector. By turning scientific innovations into scalable commercial projects, the company seeks to provide high-quality investment opportunities with sustainable economic and social impact.

He added that the district serves as an integrated platform for entrepreneurship, featuring specialized infrastructure such as innovation labs, business incubators, accelerators, and modern co-working spaces to facilitate strategic partnerships and expertise exchange.

About Wadi Jeddah: > As the investment arm of King Abdulaziz University, Wadi Jeddah focuses on developing strategic investments that support the knowledge economy, technology transfer, and localization, while fostering an environment of innovation and entrepreneurship to meet the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.