Neom evokes both its name and future potential. A linear city in Saudi Arabia.
New NEOM projects include an island destination, seaport, and mountain ski city – each an ambitious engineering feat in scale and scope.
Shusha Island Coral Park
KAUST and NEOM, an internationally acclaimed development company in Saudi Arabia’s northwest region, have come together to build the largest coral garden ever. Called Shusha Island Coral Park, it will cover 100 hectares on the Red Sea. Here will be showcased innovations to protect and restore coral reefs and marine organisms; accelerate conservation solutions, and mitigate climate change effects.
The project will employ an innovative hybrid of marine farming and transplantation with international expertise to accelerate coral restoration efforts. Their team has devised a methodology for growing clones of corals under controlled environments before transporting them to sites degraded by pollution or disease, mimicking natural conditions necessary for coral to flourish and protect Kingdom marine ecosystems at once.
Shusha Island, home to more than 300 native coral and 1,000 fish species, will become the site for new coral gardens that will feature marinas, hotels and villas, beach clubs, and underwater museums – creating an immersive marine environment that attracts scientists, eco-tourists, and researchers.
Trojena Ski Resort
Located in Tabuk, northwestern Saudi Arabia, the NEOM project will host both an outdoor ski resort and the 2029 Asian Winter Games. As part of a larger $500 billion plan to build smart cities, trade ports, research centers, and ultra-luxury hotels; its development also encompasses ecotourism initiatives. However, while excitement surrounds this new destination there are concerns regarding its sustainability – according to reports, producing snow and ice requires vast amounts of energy and water resources – leaving much less for other development efforts such as smart cities or research centers, or ultra-luxury hotels compared with alternatives such as smart cities or trade ports or research centers being built at once.
Development projects also threaten to displace tribespeople, sparking outrage from human rights organizations and leading one tribal activist to commit suicide after posting videos online regarding his eviction to make way for these projects.
To address these concerns, the project has been designed with sustainable features in mind. These will include solar thermal energy plants and rainwater harvesting systems as well as centralized waste management systems which aim at reducing waste while mitigating pollution.
Explore, Discover, Gateway, Valley, Relax and Fun will comprise six unique districts at this ski resort – Discover, Gateway Valley Relax, and Fun will each provide unique experiences based on your individual needs; for instance, the Valley District will host art exhibits concerts cultural events while Relax will offer spa services and wellness programs while Discover will feature an observatory with educational technologies to enhance night sky viewing experience.
Oxagon Port
Oxagon will be located along the Red Sea coast and equipped with an automated port that integrates smart supply chain management. It aims to foster innovation, attract global talent, and resuscitate manufacturing innovations.
NEOM is part of an ambitious plan by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) to develop an advanced and green industrial hub.
This year, construction of Duba Port will commence with its initial phase. This project includes building a cargo terminal and quay walls by Belgian firm Besix and Dutch dredging company Boskalis as part of an overall scheme to transform one of Saudi Arabia’s smaller ports, Duba Port, into an efficient logistics hub.
The circular design of the port will minimize its environmental impacts and preserve 95% of the area. Furthermore, its structure will support various maritime transport activities, such as containerization and offshore oil and gas exploration.
The Port will be served by The Connector, a new high-speed rail line running along the Red Sea coast from Neom’s Oxagon port city to its linear city, The Line. Webuild, a joint venture of Weir Group and Shibh Al Jazira Contracting Company signed this week a contract to build 57km of The Line railway track.
Sindalah Island Resort
Sindalah will serve as NEOM’s gateway for unique nautical experiences surrounded by a vibrant marine environment. The destination will host sophisticated cultural events, grand sporting spectacles, glamorous social celebrations, and luxurious social celebrations throughout the year. Sindalah features an exclusive 86-berth marina with offshore buoys for superyachts as well as luxury hotels; additionally, there will be a beach club, yacht club, and 38 unique culinary destinations included in this project.
The project will also include the Kingdom’s inaugural Autograph Collection Hotel, scheduled to open its doors in 2024. With 66 luxurious rooms and suites – including one and two-bedroom villas – and numerous dining and leisure options, as well as a spa experience featuring different treatment rooms and relaxation lounges, this will become the crowning achievement of this ambitious endeavor.
Sindalah Island Resort will feature a golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones II with panoramic views of both the Red Sea and mountains, incorporating an innovative dual tee system for added variety and perspectives during play – it will be the first such golf course ever constructed in Saudi Arabia!
