NEOM: 10 Cities of Saudi Arabia’s $500bn Gigaproject Revealed
Saudi Arabia’s ambitious gigaproject, NEOM, has unveiled plans for the creation of ten new cities as part of its groundbreaking $500 billion initiative.
NEOM, the brainchild of Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, aims to transform the Kingdom’s economy and diversify its revenue streams beyond oil.Each of the ten cities is tailored to specific industries and sectors, with a focus on attracting global investments and fostering economic growth.
1. The Line
The Line is a linear city megaproject located in NEOM, Saudi Arabia. It is a carbon-neutral vertical city that promotes walkability and discourages the use of cars.
Spanning 170 kilometres, it will provide essential amenities such as housing, schools, workplaces, and parks within easy reach by foot, public transportation, or high-speed rail.
The city aims to optimise resource efficiency and offer a high quality of life for approximately 9 million residents.
Its vertical design minimises land and energy consumption while facilitating social interaction through shared spaces.
The inclusion of tall structures up to 500 metres tall will accommodate modular mixed-use pods, enabling constant social engagement and access to outdoor areas.
Advanced technologies like autonomous transport will contribute to sustainable living. Once completed, The Line has the potential to revolutionise urban planning and connectivity, while also reducing Saudi Arabia’s environmental impact as part of its Vision 2030 initiative.
2. Oxagon
NEOM, in Saudi Arabia, is developing a floating city called Oxagon near the Suez Canal in the Red Sea.
Oxagon, like its name, takes the distinct shape of an oxagon and will primarily consist of factories, manufacturing facilities, and logistics sites.
Its main purpose is to serve as a significant logistics and industrial center, focusing on sectors like renewable energy, food production, and digital technologies.
Oxagon aims to be a fully sustainable, zero-carbon city and will include the world’s first integrated port and supply chain ecosystem.
It has already attracted prominent corporate tenants and is expected to generate around 90,000 jobs by 2030.
Alongside industrial areas, Oxagon will feature residential communities near the waterfront, integrated with nature. These communities will use ocean cooling and be designed to withstand rising sea levels.
Residents will have the option to commute within the city using hydrogen-powered transport or by walking.
Additionally, Oxagon will include an innovation campus to drive research and promote a circular economy.
While some initial logistics facilities may be ready by 2025, the full development of Oxagon is planned to be completed by 2030, establishing Saudi Arabia’s NEOM region as a global hub for advanced manufacturing and innovation.
3. Trojena
Trojena, situated in NEOM in the northwest of the kingdom, spans 60 square kilometres with elevations ranging from 1,500 to 2,600 metres above sea level.
It is scheduled to be finished by 2026 and will feature skiing and other winter sports facilities to host the 2029 Asian Winter Games.
The project aims to promote mountain tourism in Saudi Arabia by leveraging the region’s sub-zero winter temperatures.
Apart from hosting the Games, Trojena will include residential areas for up to 7,000 people, along with hotels, restaurants, and other amenities.
Notable features will include a ski village, wildlife reserve, and luxury mansions. The objective is for Trojena to attract 700,000 visitors annually and contribute $800 million per year to Saudi Arabia’s GDP by 2030, as part of the country’s Vision 2030 plan to diversify its economy.
The mountain destination is expected to generate over 10,000 jobs and establish Saudi Arabia as a hub for winter sports tourism.
4. Sindalah
Saudi Arabia’s NEOM megaproject is set to launch a new island destination called Sindalah in 2024.
Located off the coast of NEOM, Sindalah comprises a cluster of islands spanning over 840,000 square metres. It will consist of three high-end resorts, a yacht club, more than 50 luxury brands, and 86 piers.
The development of Sindalah is expected to generate approximately 3,500 employment opportunities in the tourism and hospitality sector.
The primary purpose of Sindalah is to serve as an entry point to the Red Sea, offering personalised boating experiences to visitors.
Its objective is to attract a daily footfall of over 2,400 individuals by 2028. Sindalah is designed to be entirely pedestrian-friendly, devoid of roads and cars.
The public spaces are crafted to foster social interaction and maximise scenic views, with all facilities conveniently accessible within a five-minute walk from one another.
This opulent island getaway aims to showcase NEOM and Saudi Arabia’s potential for Red Sea tourism in alignment with Vision 2030.
5. Leyja
Leyja is an upcoming tourism destination in NEOM, a significant project in the northwest region of Saudi Arabia.
Situated near the Gulf of Aqaba, Leyja will revolve around a natural valley encompassed by tall mountains.
The primary focus is to preserve 95 percent of the area for nature, with three hotels seamlessly blending into the surrounding landscape.
Each hotel will feature 40 rooms and provide distinct experiences tailored to adventure, relaxation, and wellness.
Leyja aims to offer a range of sustainable and nature-centered activities, including renowned dining options, wellness amenities like infinity pools, and guided pursuits amidst the breathtaking mountain scenery, such as hiking and rock climbing.
The objective is to develop environmentally friendly tourism in support of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 while safeguarding the distinctive valley’s natural environment.
6. Epicon
NEOM’s Epicon is a new high-end coastal tourism destination located on the Gulf of Aqaba.
It will consist of two towers reaching a height of 275 metres, accommodating a 41-key luxury hotel and upscale residential units.
Additionally, there will be a 120-room resort and 45 beachfront villas in close proximity to the hotel.
The development aims to redefine hospitality and architecture by providing extravagant amenities and experiences for guests and residents seeking an escape from their daily routines.
These offerings include a beach club, spa, watersports activities, and dining options with breathtaking views of the shoreline.
The luxurious residences and villas will feature cutting-edge innovations, world-class services, and facilities, striving to offer iconic living experiences.
Epicon aims to establish itself as a leading destination by providing unlimited access to state-of-the-art amenities accompanied by stunning views of the Gulf.
This initiative aligns with NEOM’s goal of strengthening its ecotourism sector, following the recent announcement of the sustainable tourism development Leyja, which is set in a natural valley.
Epicon and Leyja will enhance the experience offerings in NEOM and contribute to the broader Saudi tourism industry, in line with the vision of the Kingdom.
7. Siranna
NEOM’s Siranna, an exclusive tourism destination situated along the Gulf of Aqaba coastline in northwest Saudi Arabia.
Siranna will feature a luxury hotel with 65 rooms and 35 high-end residential properties, capitalising on uninterrupted views of the Red Sea.
The architectural design of the destination will harmoniously blend with the rugged mountains and surrounding flora, characterised by hexagonal pillars.
Guests will access the secluded bay by boat and journey through natural rock formations to reach the captivating entrance.
Siranna aims to provide a retreat for relaxation and creative thinking, offering amenities such as a beach club, spas, wellness facilities, and dining options.
The development of Siranna prioritises sustainability, employing techniques to preserve the natural landscape and heritage.
Visitors will have the opportunity to explore trails that traverse the interconnected sea, mountain, and wadi ecosystem.
Siranna aligns with NEOM’s regional vision, delivering an exceptionally luxurious hospitality experience while promoting future sustainable living.
It complements other recently announced tourism destinations in the Gulf of Aqaba, contributing to the creation of nature-centric spaces that foster creativity through conservation-oriented development.
8. Utamo
NEOM’s recently introduced Utamo, is an immersive destination for art and entertainment situated along the Gulf of Aqaba coastline in northwest Saudi Arabia.
Utamo will be nestled within a mountain and designed to harmonise with the natural surroundings, seamlessly integrating architecture with the scenic beauty.
The venue will offer a unique setting for hosting music, art, and cultural events, featuring advanced audio-visual systems that promise to create captivating sensory experiences.
Guests can access Utamo through a landscaped garden pathway, leading to a grand entrance hall standing 64 metres tall.
Sustainability is a primary focus, with state-of-the-art construction techniques employed to minimise environmental impact.
Utamo seeks to redefine entertainment by merging reality with the digital realm, providing exclusive performance spaces, VIP lounges, and signature restaurants for renowned artists to showcase their talents.
In alignment with NEOM’s regional development objectives, Utamo complements other sustainable tourism destinations recently announced along the Gulf of Aqaba coastline, such as Leyja, Epicon, and Siranna.
9. Norlana
Norlana is a modern residential community located in northwest Saudi Arabia as part of NEOM.
Situated along the Gulf of Aqaba coast, Norlana will consist of 711 properties, including various types of homes integrated with the natural dunes.
The community will offer a range of amenities such as a marina, golf course, equestrian center, and facilities for water sports and sailing.
Sustainability is a key focus in Norlana’s design and construction, aiming to preserve the coastal and marine environments.
The community aims to provide luxurious living while allowing residents to enjoy the location and engage in sports, wellness, and personal interests.
Norlana aspires to establish a new benchmark for contemporary sustainable communities and complements other tourism destinations in the Gulf of Aqaba as part of NEOM’s regional development plans.
10. Aquellum
NEOM’s Aquellum, is an innovative and luxurious space integrated into the mountains of northwest Saudi Arabia.
Aquellum features advanced technology, modern architecture, and forward-thinking concepts.
It offers a futuristic living experience through pioneering activities. The hidden community is accessed through a floating marina and an underground canal.
Inside, there is a vertical courtyard, blending various amenities like hotels, apartments, retail spaces, leisure zones, and creative hubs.
The dynamic boulevard connects social areas, hospitality, arts, events, shopping, and dining. Meanwhile, ‘The Generator’ serves as a research center for disruptors, innovators, and creative thinkers.
An internal transit system facilitates easy movement, and rooftop gardens provide coastal views.
Aquellum exemplifies the future of luxury, innovation, and lifestyle while promoting conservation and aligning with NEOM’s sustainable tourism initiatives in the Gulf of Aqaba.
