first luxury island of Neom, Saudi Arabia unveils its bold bet for tomorrow’s tourism

Saudi Arabia takes a step forward in its post-oil vision with the inauguration of Sindalah, the first luxury island within Neom. Launched by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in December 2022, this seaside resort extends over 840,000 m² in the waters of the Red Sea, five kilometers from the coast of Neom. The result of a colossal project that mobilized 30,000 workers and 60 subcontractors, the island marks the start of a series of projects aimed at redefining Saudi tourism.

A strategic island for luxury tourism

Sindalah is located 17 hours of navigation from the main Mediterranean destinations, with infrastructure designed to accommodate a yachting clientele. A marina with 86 berths, buoys for super yachts and a yacht club designed by Stefano Ricci constitute the backbone of this project, which hopes to attract up to 2,400 daily visitors by 2028. Riyadh, faced with the decline in oil revenues, is resolutely turning to tourism to balance its accounts.

Protection of the marine ecosystem and sustainable ambitions

In addition to its modern infrastructure, Sindalah highlights the conservation of its environment. The surrounding waters, which are home to 1,100 species of fish including 45 endemic to Neom, as well as more than 300 species of coral, are a key part of the island’s offering. The project is part of an approach to preserving marine biodiversity, an essential aspect for Neom, often criticized for its technological ambitions considered invasive.

The kingdom had to review the dimensions of the Neom project. The Line, initially thought of as a 170 kilometer corridor, should only cover 2.4 kilometers by 2030, with an estimated population of 300,000 inhabitants instead of the 1.5 million announced in 2017. Presented as a future “Silicon Valley » of the Middle East, this megacity nevertheless symbolizes the colossal challenges of Saudi ambition in terms of urban development.

Economic diversification and tourism expansion

Saudi Arabia is now banking on Vision 2030 to build an economy less dependent on oil. Tourism and air transport are becoming priorities: the kingdom is aiming to triple annual traffic to 330 million passengers by the end of the decade. “Vision 2030 motivated our decision to conclude this important agreement, which will create jobs (…) and contribute to the national economy“, explains Ibrahim al-Omar, CEO of Saudia.

Recently, Neom also announced a partnership with Zannier Hotels Group to develop an eco-resort in Zardun, Magna region. This complex will extend over four square kilometers, with 100 rooms and suites integrated into a semi-desert environment overlooking the waters of the Gulf of Aqaba, consolidating Neom’s desire to combine tourism development and sustainability. The solution of a diversified economy for a post-oil future?

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