Knowledge Economic City (KEC) in Madinah is one of many megaproject launched by the government in recent years to diversify the country’s economy and decrease dependence on oil.
The Economic Cities concept include five other projects, three of them have been launched in Rabigh, Hail and Jazan, and two more are expected to be launched later this year in Tabuk and the Eastern Province. It is still not known where exactly in the EP they plan to build the economic city, but I hope they choose either Qatif or Ahssa as both regions has not received the development they deserve in the past.
Building huge projects like these is a big challenge, and making them work efficiently is a bigger challenge. SAGIA, the government’s arm that oversees these projects, have a vision for the economic cities contribute between a quarter and a third of the aspired national growth rate, to create over a million jobs, and to become home to 4-5 million residents by 2020.
KEC, with a total investment worth US$ 7bn, is particularly interesting because it will focus on knowledge based industries, tourism and services. As part of their effort to raise awareness and create excitement around the project, SAGIA are organizing the first ever Islamic Conference for Science & Knowledge (Noor). The event will take place later this month in Madinah.
I hope that some bloggers from the Western region would register to attend the event as it will tackle some topics of importance to them such as healthcare and information communications technology. I would like to attend but I won’t be done with my finals until the 23rd, and on the 25th I will leave the Kingdom to attend the GV Summit 08 in Budapest, Hungary.
Saudi Jeans 
Hi there,I’m a regular reader and I really appreciate who u keep ur readers updated. Checking ur blog is the first thing I do in the morning after having breakfast..But there are somethings that kinda bother me as a reader seeking to objective materials..
In ur writing about the International Knowledge Forum in Madinah, why do u mention Qatif and Al-Ahssa in particular? Is it becasue these two cities are home for most of the Saudi shiite?There are many other cities in the sounth and center of Kingdom that haven’t received the appropriate attention..U claim to write objectively but ur baisness appears repeatedly.. U criticize the Sunni clerks’ decisions and totally ignore commenting on the shiite clerks who encourage people to barbarically hurt themselves in Ashora and who allow pleasure marriage (jwaz Al Muta’h). Another thing, the list u made of the top saudis whom u wish to meet.. How many shiites are there on that list? Was it a mere chance..
When u say something, stick to ur words. Don’t claim that ur shiite background has nothing to with ur writings!!!!
NOW, I DON’T EXPECT U TO KEEP MY COMMENT BUT IT’S OK. Having u read it is enough for me.
Regards,
Houstonian
oppps excuse my typos but I’m in a hurry
How* u keep
Seeking to **read objective ..
nothing to do** with your..
The population of the EP is predominantly Shiite, but I mentioned Qatif and Ahssa in particular due to the fact that both regions has been neglected in the past development plans. Now I won’t say this is because these regions are mainly Shiite as other regions in the north and the south have been neglected too. The previous development plans were pretty much centralized and the new megaprojects give hope for more balanced development.
If you believe that I’m always biased due to my religious background — although I’m not a religious person — then it is unlikely that there is anything I can say to make you change your mind. I try my best to be objective but if I fail you should not waste your time reading my rants.
But I have to say that I am amazed by people who think they know what I should (or should not) write about. If this blog doesn’t offer what you are looking for, then go google whatever that may please you.
As for the list, there are only 2 Shiites on it, and if that’s too much for your liking, you are more than welcome to make up your own list. Finally, this seems to be going way off-topic, so if you would like to discuss it further please go here.
Dude I can give you a ride to the airport! I’m not some sort of freak either :P
I am here at a forum newcomer. Until I read and deal with the forum.
Let’s learn!
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