Saudi Arabia has allocated SR9 billion ($2.4 billion) for several key development projects in the Western region including a proposed airport in the coastal city of Qunfudah, said a report.

The majority of the funds will be spent on development of infrastructure for the education, health and communications sectors, reported eyeofriyadh.com, citing Makkah Governor Prince Khaled Al Faisal.

"Some 302 projects are being carried out in Qunfudah in education, health, municipal services and investment sectors. These include two university projects in the northern and eastern parts of the province," stated Prince Khaled.

He pointed out that the earmarked projects were well under way and would be completed within the given timeframe.

The prince made this statement at the conclusion of his tour of four provinces - Qunfudah, Adhm, Laith and Artiyat - in the western region, said the report.

On the proposed airport, the governor said the General Authority for Civil Aviation (GACA) had already secured land for the project in the Jabal Murshid area, southeast of the Jeddah city, it added.