Take a look at 7 ongoing Saudi Arabia's mega projects that will teleport you in the future
Saudi Arabia is undergoing a series of megaprojects to make the country a dominant global economic force. Through massive investments as part of Saudi Arabia Vision 2030, the kingdom is expanding its economy beyond oil, creating jobs, and elevating its position as a key trade and tourism destination.
The Saudi Vision 2030 is a comprehensive plan aimed at reducing the country’s reliance on oil. It seeks to diversify the economy and improve public service sectors, such as health, education, infrastructure, recreation, and tourism. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman first announced the plan’s initial details on April 25, 2016. The vision is built upon three pillars: positioning the country as the “heart” of the Arab and Islamic worlds, becoming a global investment powerhouse, and transforming the country’s location into a hub connecting Afro-Eurasia.
Here is a look at seven ongoing megaprojects set to transform Saudi Arabia:
1. The Line
Location: Tabuk, NEOM, Saudi Arabia
The design consortium for this megaproject comprises Adjaye Associates, Morphosis, Studio Fuksas, and Coop Himmelb(l)au, which includes renowned firms such as Pei Cobb Freed & Partners, Tom Wiscombe Architecture, Oyler Wu Collaborative, HOK, Peter Cook’s studio CHAP, Delugan Meissl Associated Architects, Studio Fuksas, UNStudio, and OMA.
The Line, set within the ambitious NEOM project, remains a subject of ongoing debate, with critics highlighting concerns over human rights and environmental impacts. NEOM forms a pivotal aspect of Saudi Vision 2030, aimed at bolstering the Kingdom's economy diversification efforts and spearheading global development initiatives. The Line, touted as one of the most extensive and intricate infrastructure ventures globally, is slated to commence construction in 2021 as part of NEOM's continuous expansion.
Distinguished by its innovative urban planning approach, The Line spans 170 kilometers, encompassing multiple interconnected communities featuring natural landscapes and pedestrian-centric zones. Emphasizing the well-being of inhabitants and environmental sustainability, significant portions of land are reserved for conservation purposes. The Line's 34-square-kilometer footprint links the Red Sea coast to the northwest region of Saudi Arabia.
2. Trojena
Location: Tabuk, NEOM, Saudi Arabia
Design firms involved in the project include BIG, Lava Architecture, Bureau Proberts, Zaha Hadid Architects, and others.
Trojena, a new mountain tourism destination within the NEOM mega-development, was announced by Mohammed bin Salman, the Crown Prince and Chairman of the NEOM Company Board of Directors, in May 2022. Lava Architecture, a German-based firm, crafted the masterplan for this venture, slated for completion by 2026.
The year-round tourist attraction will encompass a ski village, upscale family and wellness resorts, as well as a variety of retail outlets and dining establishments. It will host sporting events, art exhibitions, musical performances, and cultural festivals. By 2030, Trojena anticipates drawing 700,000 visitors annually and accommodating 7,000 permanent residents within the project and adjacent residential areas.
All construction endeavors will adhere to NEOM’s commitment to minimizing environmental impact and ensuring long-term sustainability. Trojena is projected to create over 10,000 employment opportunities and contribute SAR3 billion to the kingdom’s GDP by 2030. Situated at the heart of NEOM, 50 kilometers from the Gulf of Aqaba coast, Trojena is subdivided into six districts: Gateway, Discover, Valley, Explore, Relax, and Fun.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman remarked, “Trojena will revolutionize mountain tourism globally by creating a destination grounded in ecotourism principles, underscoring our dedication to preserving nature and enhancing community well-being, in alignment with the objectives of Vision 2030. It reaffirms our commitment to global environmental conservation efforts. Trojena will be a significant addition to regional tourism, showcasing Saudi Arabia's ability to develop destinations that leverage its geographical and environmental diversity.”
3. Sindalah
Location: Red Sea Coast, Saudi Arabia
Design Firm: Luca Dini Design and Architecture
Sindalah, a key element of Saudi Arabia's 2030 Vision aimed at diversifying the nation's economy beyond oil dependence, is poised to become the inaugural tourist destination within the megacity. Scheduled to open in early 2024, the Sindalah island resort marks the first of ten regions to be completed as part of the NEOM mega-development in northeastern Saudi Arabia. Spanning 840,000 square meters along the picturesque Red Sea, this luxury island retreat prioritizes the preservation of its pristine surroundings, implementing a comprehensive rewilding initiative.
The resort enclave will feature multiple upscale hotels, an expansive yachting marina, a beach club, a wellness center, and exclusive shopping venues. Visitors to Sindalalah can indulge in a plethora of activities including kayaking, kite surfing, water skiing, and exceptional opportunities for scuba diving.
Central to the resort's design is an 86-berth marina and yacht club crafted by Luca Dini Design and Architecture, renowned for their expertise in luxury yacht creation.
Crown Prince Bin Salman commented, "Sindalah will mark NEOM's debut luxury island and yacht club destination on the Red Sea, serving as a picturesque gateway to the region and emerging as the premier tourism hotspot. It will offer travelers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse themselves in the natural splendor of Neom and Saudi Arabia, both above and below the waterline, positioning Sindalah at the forefront of luxury travel."
4. OXAGON
Location: Red Sea, Northwest of Saudi Arabia
Design Firm: BIG (responsible for masterplan)
OXAGON, touted as the "world's largest floating structure," is set to be erected in the southwestern region of NEOM, Saudi Arabia's visionary megacity forecasted to be 33 times the size of New York City. Positioned within the Red Sea, with an average depth of 500 meters, OXAGON symbolizes a monumental leap in architectural innovation.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman expressed, "OXAGON will serve as a catalyst for economic expansion and diversification within NEOM and the Kingdom, aligning with our aspirations under Vision 2030. It will redefine global industrial development paradigms, fostering environmental preservation while generating employment opportunities and spurring growth in NEOM. Furthermore, OXAGON will enhance Saudi Arabia's regional trade and commerce, positioning itself as a pivotal hub in global trade networks. We are delighted to witness the commencement of business and developmental activities on the ground, anticipating the rapid expansion of this groundbreaking city."
OXAGON aims to offer unparalleled quality of life harmonizing with its natural surroundings, echoing the ethos and principles espoused by THE LINE, unveiled in January 2021. Moreover, OXAGON will introduce the world's premier fully integrated port and supply chain ecosystem within NEOM. Seamlessly integrating port, logistics, and rail delivery infrastructures, it will achieve world-class productivity levels with net-zero carbon emissions, setting new benchmarks in technological advancement and environmental sustainability on a global scale.
5. Amala
Location: Red Sea, Northwest of Saudi Arabia
Design Firm: HKS (designing two complexes), Foster + Partners (creating "the world's first fully immersive experiential marine life center" and designing an airport for the Amaala resort)
AMAALA emerges as an ultra-luxury tourism enclave taking shape along the northwestern coastline of Saudi Arabia, nestled by the Red Sea. Encompassing over 4,000 square kilometers, AMAALA represents a beacon of opulence and serenity. The initial phase, slated for completion by mid-2024, will introduce more than 1,300 hotel rooms distributed across eight distinct resorts. Upon its culmination in 2027, the destination will boast over 3,000 hotel rooms spanning 25 hotels, alongside approximately 900 luxury residential properties, including villas, apartments, and estate homes.
Stretching along a 12-kilometer coastline approximately 800 kilometers north of Jeddah, AMAALA will feature three exclusive resorts, with HKS at the helm of designing two of these complexes. Foster + Partners, the renowned British architectural firm, is tasked with crafting "the world's first fully immersive experiential marine life center" within AMAALA, in addition to spearheading the design of an airport tailored for the resort.
AMAALA draws inspiration from the nomadic Bedouin tribes, whose profound reverence for their ancestral lands and seas echoes throughout the development. With a commitment to environmental stewardship, AMAALA pledges to limit its annual visitor count to 500,000, thereby mitigating any potential adverse environmental impact.
6. The Red Sea Project
Location: Red Sea, Northwest of Saudi Arabia
Design Firms: Kengo Kuma and Associates, Foster + Partners
The Red Sea Project, a transformative tourism endeavor situated on an archipelago of Saudi Arabian islands, is undergoing design by Kengo Kuma and Associates, in collaboration with Foster + Partners. Spanning 90 pristine islands nestled between Umluj and Al Wajh on Saudi Arabia's western coast, this ambitious project includes the establishment of a dedicated airport to facilitate access to the archipelago.
Under the stewardship of Kengo Kuma and Associates, 100 holiday villas are slated to be designed for the development, while Foster + Partners will be tasked with creating an airport to cater to the needs of the project and several hotel establishments.
Described by The Red Sea Development Company as "grounded in sustainability and sustainable tourism," the development endeavors to minimize its environmental footprint. Both architecture teams have adopted a conscientious approach aimed at mitigating the impact of the structures being erected.
Gerard Evenden, head of the studio at Foster + Partners, remarked, "Our proposals are respectful of the extreme environmental sensitivity of the region, embracing a 'light-touch' approach to minimize the adverse impact on the remarkable biodiversity of the islands."
By 2022, The Red Sea Project aims to have developed five of the archipelago's islands and two inland sites. Upon its completion in 2030, the project envisions the development of 22 islands and six inland sites, ushering in a new era of sustainable tourism and conservation in the region.
7. Diriyah Gate
Location: At Turaif, Saudi Arabia
Design Firm: Atkins Middle East – Planning, Landscape, and Urban Design Team
The master plan for Diriyah Gate, meticulously crafted by the Atkins Middle East – Planning, Landscape, and Urban Design Team, revolves around the UNESCO World Heritage site of At Turaif, which stands as the historical capital of the modern Saudi Kingdom. Drawing inspiration from the rich context of At Turaif, the project endeavors to fashion a distinctive district that not only conserves heritage but also mirrors traditional urban design principles while safeguarding and enhancing the natural surroundings for sustainable utilization.
The layout of the master plan is intricately developed in accordance with UNESCO guidelines, taking into account view cones, proximity to developments, and other requisite factors. A curated selection of 100 narratives dedicated to Diriyah is seamlessly integrated throughout the site, manifesting in various forms such as physical structures, activities, performances, sculptures, wayfinding elements, trails, and place names, all aimed at enriching the visitor experience.
The eastern district of the development boasts several key assets, including an Arena, Opera House, Convention Centre, Museum of Contemporary Art, Grand Mosque, and Innovation Cluster, all interconnected by a grand boulevard that extends to King Saud University located to the east of the site.
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