Imagine a metropolis where a floating industrial complex coexists alongside a thriving global tourist hub and a sprawling urban landscape, all functioning seamlessly and powered entirely by sustainable energy sources.
What might seem like a far-fetched dream is actually being transformed into a reality in the Tabuk Province of northwestern Saudi Arabia. The city of NEOM, a sprawling urban oasis expanding over 10,200 square miles, is taking shape in this region, situated north of the Red Sea, with Egypt to the east, across the Gulf of Aqaba, and Jordan to the south. This "smart" city is poised to revolutionize the concept of urban living and become a modern marvel.
What Is NEOM
If you are interested in exploring Saudi Arabia's modern and ambitious side, NEOM is a project you shouldn't miss. Led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, NEOM is an initiative to create a new region of the country that combines cutting-edge technology, sustainable living, and luxurious amenities.
While many call it a smart city, NEOM is more than that. It's a collection of cities, resorts, and other projects that aim to create a new future for Saudi Arabia. Its name, NEOM, combines the Greek word 'neo', meaning new, and the Arabic word 'mustaqbal', meaning future. And the 'M' in NEOM represents the crown prince's name.
The project is part of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 plan, which aims to diversify its economy, develop public services, and reduce its reliance on oil. NEOM is a key part of this plan and will become a hub of innovation, tourism, and sustainable living.
What All Will Be Inside NEOM
If you are a traveller with a thirst for exploring new frontiers, then NEOM is a destination you should definitely add to your bucket list.
NEOM comprises ten projects, each with its own distinctive character. Among them, The Line is a game-changer, a linear city that spans over 170 kilometres, offering stunning views and accommodation for nine million people. And then there's Oxagon, the world's largest floating structure and a marvel of modern engineering, which is set to become a port and logistics centre.
Trojena, the ski resort nestled in the Sarwat Mountains, is sure to pump your adrenaline if you are looking for adventure. With year-round skiing opportunities and the 2029 Asian Winter Games scheduled to take place there, Trojena is a winter sports paradise.
And if you are a fan of the sea and yachting, then Sindalah, the island resort in the Red Sea, is the perfect destination for you. With its 86-berth marina and numerous hotels, it's a place where you can soak up the sun and indulge in the finer things in life.
When Will NEOM Be Built
NEOM has set some highly ambitious timelines to complete much of the project by 2030. In 2022, drones captured footage of preparations underway for The Line, the ambitious linear city traversing 170 kilometres from east to west that will accommodate nine million people. But that's not all. NEOM's developer aims to welcome its first guests to the luxurious Sindalah island in early 2024, so mark your calendars This island resort in the Red Sea is targeted towards the yachting community and will feature an 86-berth marina and numerous hotels. Following that, Port City Oxagon will be completed, with the first residents expected to move in by 2024. And get this it's set to be the "world's largest floating structure" and serve as a port and logistics centre. Finally, the ski resort Trojena in the Sarwat Mountains is scheduled to open in 2026, just in time for the 2029 Asian Winter Games.
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