A short tour of Neom

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Just five years ago, few people believed in the Neom project; respected publications and experts added the remark «of course, it’s unlikely to ever become a reality» to news and reviews. Today, in 2024, the construction of «the city of the future» in Saudi Arabia is going according to plan and will be one-fifth completed in February. Let's figure out what Neom is and what it means for the progress of all mankind. Since the process is ongoing and the information is constantly updated, we will try to touch on the basic aspects and the most current news.

The Neom pilot project was announced in 2017 by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the Future Investment Initiative conference in Riyadh. The construction of an entire futuristic space that brings together tourism, business, industry, culture and environmental initiatives, is part of the Saudi Vision 2030 program, within which it is planned to accomplish several tasks at once, and not only within the borders of the region.

Neom — is a global initiative that ideally aims to change the entire world.

The authors of the project want to realize the dream of a postoil era of high technology, where innovation exists in harmony with nature, without destroying it. Therefore, when constructing their facilities, Neom engineers first of all try to integrate them into the landscape and use safe materials, in accordance with the principles of sustainable development.

Chris Newman, Executive Director, NEOM Hotel Development: «Powered by 100% renewable energy and working in harmony with nature, our properties will respect the principles of environmental responsibility, with sustainable and regenerative practices guiding how we both build and operate the hotel ecosystem. With 95% of the land protected for nature, NEOM offers incredible biodiversity and unique nature-based experiences. We are at a critical moment in time as the world faces up to the challenges of climate change and we have a unique opportunity to redesign how we think about contributing to this global goal. We put this responsibility at the forefront of our daily decision-making as we work towards realizing NEOM’s sustainability targets.»

Active tourist flows are planned to be launched in Neom as early as 2024. At the moment, regions and locations have been announced, each with a unique concept.

GULF OF AQABA

A tourist cluster in the Gulf of Aqaba, where examples of impressive eco-friendly architecture built into the natural landscape will be collected, as well as other locations for recreation, various activities and cultural events. It consists of hotels and resort complexes, each of which performs its own task.

LEYJA

The entire region is a natural valley in the mountains. Positioned as an ecotourism center. So far, three hotels have been announced with a total of 120 rooms. The Adventure hotel, designed by van Duijn with its original avant-garde forms, is organically built directly into the rock, taking into account its relief. The other, the Oasis hotel, designed by Italian architect Cucinella, grows upward from the rock. The observation  deck will offer an incredible view of the entire valley. Also, Shaun  Killa's Wellness hotel is an entire architectural ensemble consisting of two mirrored parts with swimming pools on the roof.

EPICON

A resort complex built in the name of luxury. Luxury life will be in full swing here in accordance with the latest hospitality standards. In the desert stands a structure of two high-rise buildings,  impressive in its architectural complexity and originality. Inside is everything you need for the most luxurious holiday in apartments and suites. Also nearby is a resort area where guests can enjoy 45 beach villas and 120 comfortable rooms.

SIRANNA

A project focused on organic fusion with nature. A fantastic hotel shines in the rock massif. Guests can enjoy 65 rooms, 35 residences, wellness centers and spas, and, of course, endless opportunities to explore the carefully preserved landscape, which can be explored on foot and horseback riding.

UTAMO

The kingdom of tourism and hospitality is not complete without a cultural center — this is Utamo, a unique theater of the future where multisensory performances will reach a whole new level.

Reality and the digital universe merge thanks to the latest equipment and audiovisual systems. The main multifunctional space, VIP rooms and restaurants are fully equipped to host exhibitions, artistic performances, corporate events and other public cultural events.

NORLANA

An entire community and residential complex on the coast of the Gulf of Aqaba. Villas, mansions, apartments — a total of 711 real estate properties. Hidden in the mountains is a huge 18-hole golf course and an equestrian center nearby.

However, the very heart of Norlana and its main focus is the infrastructure for yachting and water sports enthusiasts from all over the world. Yacht owners will have access to a 120-berth bay and a luxury yacht club, plus various activities such as sailing and diving.

AQUELLUM

A unique futuristic object hidden inside a mountain range — you can get there through a hidden underground channel. The complex is a multi-story digital ecosystem with hotels, restaurants, recreation and entertainment areas, as well as innovative research laboratories. Moving between floors is easy thanks to the developed internal transport system.

OXAGON

An octagonal port city based on the principles of clean industry. This will be a space of science and innovation, well-thought-out infrastructure and developed logistics, connecting Neom with global trade routes. Business projects, scientific initiatives and, of course, a creative and conscious community will develop in the city.

THE LINE

A unique project that has no analogues — a linear city in the desert 170 kilometers long, 250 meters wide and 500 meters high above sea level. The concept is based on working on the mistakes of our usual urban design, focusing on the conservation of natural resources and renewable energy sources, and living without harmful emissions and pollution.

City services will be largely managed by artificial intelligence, and movement between locations will be provided by a network of modern high-speed and environmentally friendly transport.

TROJENA

A region for lovers of active recreation and skiing. The infrastructure, fully equipped with everything necessary for extreme sports, is planned to be built by 2026. The project has more than 3,500 thousand accommodation spaces, including hotel rooms and apartments, 36 kilometers of ski slopes, an amphitheater on the mountainside with 3,000 seats, and of course a huge complex of restaurants and retail space.

SINDALAH

A modern high-tech resort on a beautiful natural island in blue waters, where everything is designed for a luxurious holiday: a yacht club and a bay for 86 yachts. The Suez Canal provides easy access to popular routes to the Mediterranean Sea, so the location promises to be a hit with yachtsmen from all over the world. The architecture of residential and hotel complexes fits harmoniously into the island landscape, and environmentally friendly and safe natural materials are used for construction. In addition to infrastructure for yachtsmen, the resort plans to open a spa center, a beach club and premium hotels.

This is where the first Marriott Autograph Collection Hotels in Saudi Arabia will begin its operations.

Antoni Vives, head of urban planning at NEOM: «As with all of NEOM’s projects, our commitment to redefine conservation and environmental preservation comes first. NEOM is developing Sindalah to be a premium destination that co-exists in harmony with the environment that surrounds it.»

WHAT ELSE INCREDIBLE WILL NEOM OFFER?

The plans of the creators include a real revolution in planning the conscious future of humanity. Scientists are already working on rationalizing the use of water resources, creating artificial reservoirs, a large coral reef and a new food program to produce food without harming the planet’s ecosystems.

Neom's ambitious plans cover a huge number of areas: from technical innovation to design and creativity, and are already allowing us to rethink humanity's experience in building a healthy and conscious society.