Saudi Arabia’s futuristic mega-city project, NEOM, has taken a significant step towards reality with the unveiling of its first physical showcase—Sindalah, a luxury island in the Red Sea. The announcement came on Sunday, just ahead of the "Davos in the Desert" investor forum set to begin in Riyadh. Sindalah is set to feature world-class restaurants, hotels, and yachting facilities, amid ongoing questions surrounding the viability of the NEOM project. Here's all you need to know about Saudi Arabia’s futuristic mega-city project: How big is Sindalah? Spanning over 840,000 square meters (approximately 200 acres), Sindalah is designed to accommodate up to 2,400 guests daily by 2028, according to a statement released by NEOM. Future guests will have a choice of 440 rooms, 88 villas, and 218 luxury serviced apartments, with world-class amenities and fine dining curated by Michelin-starred chefs. The island will offer breathtaking views and a blend of nature and cutting-edge architecture by renowned designer Luca Dini. NEOM’s broader vision: The Line NEOM is best known for "The Line," a pair of 170-kilometer-long, mirror-encased skyscrapers set to extend from the Red Sea coast inland. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, in his 2022 unveiling, projected that over one million people would reside in The Line by 2030, eventually growing to nine million by 2045. However, revised projections reported by Bloomberg suggest that only 300,000 people will be living in The Line by the decade's end, and just 2.4 kilometers of the structure will be completed by then. Sindalah presents the new global yachting season. Offering a world-class golf club, a state-of-the-art marina and vibrant social spaces like The Village and Promenade, it sets a new standard for luxury.#Sindalah #NEOM pic.twitter.com/bYaVTQOSqA — SINDALAH (@NEOMSindalah) October 27, 2024 Sindalah: Architectural excellence on display Sindalah stands as a blend of natural beauty and technological innovation, designed to showcase architectural excellence. Created by the prominent yachting architecture firm LUCA DINI Design & Architecture, the island offers an unparalleled experience with its luxury hotels, venues, and restaurants. As NEOM's first physical showcase, Sindalah aims to attract the global yachting community, serving as a key Red Sea destination just 17 hours by boat from major Mediterranean yachting hubs. Its 86-berth marina and 75 offshore buoys for superyachts further emphasize its appeal. A new and uncharted destination is now open to the world's luxury seekers. 🛥️ Set sail for Sindalah, a luxury island escape and year round yachting hub promising unique experiences above and below the water. #Sindalah #NEOM pic.twitter.com/NfRCvryMJb — SINDALAH (@NEOMSindalah) October 27, 2024 A step towards Saudi Arabia’s post-oil future? The development of NEOM and Sindalah is part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, a strategic initiative led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to reduce the country’s reliance on oil. In addition to NEOM, the kingdom has several large-scale projects in the works, including preparations to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup. Despite these ambitious plans, Saudi officials have indicated that some major projects could extend beyond the 2030 target, though it remains unclear which ones will be affected. Sindalah, as the first tangible piece of NEOM, reflects Saudi Arabia’s efforts to establish itself as a major player in the global tourism and luxury market, while also signalling its shift towards a diversified, post-oil economy.
