What is NEOM?

NEOM is a futuristic city offering science-bending technology. The project will be along the coast of the Red Sea in Saudi Arabia’s Tabuk province. The sprawling 26,500 square km site will be a self-sufficient residential and tourist haven driven entirely by renewable energy. It is a super-ambitious $500 billion smart city project that will attract five million visitors by 2030. NEOM will have three districts stretching across mountains, deserts, and the sea. The plans for NEOM include flying drone taxis and a fantasy amusement park inspired by Jurassic Park. The project highlights a giant artificial moon that will light up the night skies.

NEOM regions

NEOM comprises three regions. The Line is a 170 km long sustainable city capable of housing a million residents. The Oxagon will be the world’s largest floating industrial complex. The Trojena is a fantasy in the pristine ranges of the Sarawat Mountains. It will be the ultimate example of engineering innovation and architectural creativity.

1. Oxagon

Oxagon is designed to be the economic and industrial zone in NEOM and will be the largest floating structure in the world. The core development area will be 48 square kilometers and accessible to 40 percent of the world through a four-hour flight. Designed as the economic blueprint for the work and living of the future, Oxagon will be the epitome of sustainability. The city will redefine the world’s approach to future industrial development while remaining focused on protecting the environment and creating jobs.

2. The Line

The Line is a 170 km-long linear modern city touted as the ultimate model of urban living. It has multiple hyper-connected communities. All amenities are available within walkable and seamlessly integrated stunning landscapes and public parks. The Line will be a car-free city. The physical and digital infrastructure will be beneath the ground and offer all the essential utilities. Everything in the city will be powered by 100 percent renewable energy. The Line will be innovatively hyper-connected by an intelligent digital framework using artificial intelligence and robotics. NEOM data will be analyzed to create a predictive system. It will help in shaping ever-improving service solutions for residents and businesses.

3. Trojena

Trojena is planned to be the beyond fantasy iconic, world-class destination like no other on this planet. It blends natural and developed landscapes to create visually dramatic locations. Trojena will have six districts designed to deliver customized, human-centric experiences for residents and visitors alike. The city is located 50 km from the Gulf of the Aqaba coast and has elevations ranging from 1500 m to 2600 m. Other highlights include a ski slope, water sports, mountain biking, and advanced wellness facilities. An interactive nature reserve is also part of the Trojena infrastructure. Everything will be housed in an area encompassing 60 square kilometers.

Tourist attractions in NEOM

Authorities anticipate NEOM to be the world’s most unique and path-breaking tourism project. Its USP comes from the fact that it is built on the most ancient land and shaped by the world’s leading design experts. NEOM will stand apart for its immersive digital experiences and seamless tourist spots.

Some of the key highlights of this spectacularly designed and challenging tourism platform are:

• Innovative design-led form
• Heritage and culture of unmatched authenticity
• Nature experiences in its truest form
• Travel designs that encompass the latest technologies
• Authentic Arabian service culture
• Out-of-the-world luxury experiences
• Regenerative travel solution

The top tourist attractions in NEOM are:

1. Wadi Tayyb – ESM

Wadi Tayyb-Esm is an ancient canyon that gets water from a spring. It is one of the world’s most beautiful canyons and creates stunning visuals as the water weaves through the 400m tall basalt, sandstone, and granite towers. Finally the water flows into the Gulf of Aqaba. The Wadi offers the perfect opportunity for adventure lovers to indulge in hiking, snorkeling, and swimming. Tourists can also go for spotting wildlife.

2. Midian Tombs

The Midian Tombs are stated to be the last remnants of the prehistoric Midian lands. They are located on the northwest side of the Arabian Peninsula, on the east shore of the Gulf of Aqaba. The place has a rich history dating back to the 12th century. Midian is said to be the place where Prophet Moses stayed for ten years in exile. The tombs are carved into the mountains encircling Al-Bad. They are mentioned in the Quran and the Bible. Tourists can enjoy the unique sight of an oasis in a parched area when they visit Midian. Water from the shallow wells in this region help cultivate mango orchards and other fruits offering serene views.

3. Hisma Desert

The Hisma desert located in Tabuk is famous for its dreamlike scenery and rich traditional heritage. The mountains here extend all the way to the Wadi Rum in Jordan. The Hisma desert was used as a reliable pathway by pilgrims and merchants. Some incredible rock formations make up for the informational tourist destination. The landscape has giant trees to add to the place’s splendor. The vessel-shaped Shaddad Mountain is famous for its inscriptions in Thamudic, Nabataean, Sheba, and Arabic.

4. Jebel al Lawz

Jabel al Lawz, or the Mountain of almonds, is located in northwest Saudi Arabia and rises 2549 meters above sea level. It is one of the highest peaks in the Kingdom. The height and location of the mountain, which lies uniquely between the desert and the Gulf of Aqaba, can drive the temperature of the area below zero. It is also the only place in the country which gets snowfall nearly every year. Jebel al Lawz is famous for its archeological sites, including an ancient quarry and very old rock art. Visitors can also view some rock paintings and carvings.

5. Gayal Beach

Gayal Beach is one of the most stunning coastlines along the Red Sea. The beach is famous for its kaleidoscopic coral reefs and a variety of marine life. Tourists can enjoy the sight of a majestic sunset as the sun goes down the Tiran Island in this secluded cove. Gayal Beach presents a genuinely unique picture-perfect scenario with its impressive golden sands framed by the crystal-clear waters of the Red Sea. The swath of glittering palm trees completes the breathtaking picture. Tourists can also enjoy swimming and snorkeling on Gayal Beach or relax and soak in the abundance of natural beauty.

6. Catalina Seaplane

The military seaplane is the remnants of the ruins left behind after an American family landed the plane on Arabian Beach. The firing by the locals, who mistook the aircraft for some hostile elements, rendered it unfit for flying, causing its abandonment. The Catalina Seaplane’s enormous wreckage has been lying on the windy beach for over half a decade and is a giant magnet for tourists. At times, the tide can be really high and reach the plane. Visitors can reach out to this page of history and click pictures to make their visit memorable.

Project objectives

The aim of NEOM is to become the most competitive free zone on Earth. NEOM will operate independently of Saudi Arabia’s laws and regulations. It is a model city with its regulations and authority. The $500 million megacity is a part of the Kingdom’s plan to move away from oil as its primary driver of the country’s economy. The land of the future will have sustainability as its core idea. NEOM will offer a range of unique development opportunities for investors and business owners, such as:

• Direct access to the Saudi markets
• Comprehensive supply systems powered by innovative techniques
• Favorable industry-specific regulatory settings
• An idyllic environment designed to deliver a rich quality of life
• Futuristic urban planning

The key pillars of this futuristic project include prioritizing human lives and their comforts, enhancing tourism to manifold and introducing the next generation of living and transport systems powered by AI. Digitalization and sustainability will be the hallmark of the NEOM project.

NEOM will be the most exciting and vibrant global hub epitomizing the future of human civilization. The goal is to offer its inhabitants everything they need to lead an idyllic lifestyle powered by extraordinary economic prospects. NEOM seeks to push the boundaries of innovation and tech-powered creativity and tourism in Saudi Arabia like never before.

Suggested Read: Saudi Arabia Tourism 2022: Top Cities, Itinerary, Do’s and Don’ts

NEOM FAQs

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NEOM, which will be thirty-three times the size of New York City, is marketed as “The Place of the Future”. It is a part of Saudi Arabia’s effort to diversify its finances away from fossil fuels. According to the project’s CEO, Nadhmi Al-Nasr, Saudi Arabia’s $500 billion futuristic metropolis NEOM will be ready to welcome visitors and investors by 2024.

In an interview with Asharq, Al-Nasr noted, “We spent two years developing the vision into a plan since this strategy affects all areas of NEOM” (via Arab News).

“Last year, we completed with strategies, then went on to preparation and design, and now we’re at the implementation phase” Al-Nasr explained.

Giga projects in Saudi Arabia

In its quest for contractors and investors, NEOM, which borders the Red Sea off the coast of Aqaba, recently welcomed approximately 150 engineering and building businesses. Renewable energy will be used to power the destination. At Shushah Island, NEOM has teamed up with the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology to develop the world’s most extensive coral garden.

“At NEOM, one of our aims is to rethink conservation to benefit the natural environment and future generations” Al-Nasr added. “One of the ways we’re accomplishing it is through our coral reef relationship with KAUST”.

NEOM officials stated that the first hotel will open by the end of 2022, with 15 hotels set to open between 2023 and 2025.

According to the project’s head of tourism, Saudi Arabia’s $500 billion metropolises of the future, NEOM, will receive millions of tourists by 2030. Andrew McEvoy told The National that he expects two million “NEOMians” to call the city home within the next decade. He further stated that instead of Saudis, the people would be referred to as “NEOMians”. According to him, around 2,000 NEOMians and 10,000 construction workers already live there.

Mr. McEvoy spoke on the sideline of the Arabian Travel Market, which is presently taking place at Dubai’s World Trade Centre. “You will see a lot of movement starting in 2024 when our first tourism assets open” Mr. McEvoy added. “Work has already begun, and tourism initiatives will be implemented shortly”. The Trojena highland attraction will be one of the many tourist attractions in NEOM.

Attractions at NEOM

It will contain a ski slope, mountain biking, and watersports amenities in 2026. Interactive nature reserves will also be present. NEom is being built as a smart city that will run on renewable energy. According to The Wall Street Journal, it has drawn international attention due to previously published ideas that include flying taxis, classrooms managed by holographic professors, and an artificial moon. Mr. McEvoy stated that NEOM would be considered a distinct state from the rest of Saudi Arabia, with its own set of regulations. According to him, this will make it more appealing to those thinking to migrate there as well as to visitors.

He declined to rule out selling alcohol to lure individuals from other nations to come to the country for jobs or visits. He said, “Alcohol is not off the menu”. Selling alcohol would be Permitted. “We need to compete, and to do so, we need to match what other places have to offer”.

He also stated that the project will be car-free by 2030. Mr. McEvoy told, “The city is being developed to be fully car-free, but I believe there will be a short adjustment time”. “Many future mobility choices are already available, such as electric hybrids, and we’re experimenting with flying taxis”. “This is about giving tomorrow’s tourism”.

The project’s sustainability is also a significant priority. Mr. McEvoy explained that this is being pushed by young people who are more involved in combating climate change than earlier generations.

“The most strong reason behind this is many young Saudis who enthusiastically embrace a brighter beginning and regard NEOM as a light of that future”, says the group chevalier.

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