Saudi Arabia is quickly becoming a land of awe-inspiring and larger-than-life developments, all thanks to the ambitious Saudi Vision 2030 led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The goal is to put the kingdom firmly on the map as a must-visit tourist destination.
Picture this: skyscrapers towering higher than you’ve ever seen, sustainable cities straight out of a science fiction movie with flying taxis, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. We’re not just talking megaprojects, folks, these are gigaprojects worth billions of dollars!
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So fasten your seatbelts and get ready for an unforgettable ride. These are currently the most innovative and fascinating megaprojects taking place in Saudi Arabia. Allow your creativity to soar!
Green Riyadh
In order to make Riyadh one of the top 100 most livable cities in the world, King Salman announced the massive Green Riyadh project as part of Saudi Arabia’s 2030 program. 7.5 million trees will be planted in 3,330 community gardens with the intention of expanding green spaces and fostering a healthy lifestyle.
Additionally, the city will have 43 parks, 9,000 mosques, 6,000 schools, 64 universities, and 390 healthcare institutions. Recycled water will be used to water the entire development, improving air quality and lowering temperatures. The Green Riyadh project, with a projected development cost of $32 million, has the potential to have a big impact on the city’s inhabitants and environment.
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King Salman Park
King Salman Park is set to become Riyadh’s green oasis, offering a lush, nature-filled destination for residents and visitors alike. Covering an impressive 16 square kilometers, it will be the largest urban park in the world, dwarfing even New York’s Central Park. With its prime location, access to major roads and a planned connection to the King Abdul Aziz Public Transport Project, the park is designed to inspire creativity, productivity, and innovation for generations to come.
Visitors will be able to stroll along a 7.2 km pedestrian path and admire the water elements, landmarks, and artistic icons at the heart of the park. And, with contracts worth over $1 billion already awarded, King Salman Park is well on its way to becoming a top tourist destination.
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Neom
Neom, Saudi Arabia’s half a trillion-dollar futuristic city, was first announced in 2017 and has been described as the world’s most ambitious project. It’s a purpose-built new city within a country, complete with flying cars, a fake moon, and cutting-edge technology. The city will consist of 16 different sectors, including tourism, biotech, technology, and energy, and aims to generate an estimated annual income of $100 billion.
Neom will occupy a strategic location between Asia, Europe, and Africa, and will be accessible to almost 40% of the world’s population within four hours. The city aims to transform Saudi Arabia into a global financial marketplace by 2030. With a planned population of one million people, Neom is seeking foreign investment to help develop the city.
The utilization of “cloud seeding” technology to construct artificial clouds that will deliver more rain than is naturally achievable in the desert is one of the fascinating aspects of Neom. Additionally, the city wants to have the “best education system on the planet,” with hologram teachers guiding students in their studies. Giant artificial moon will shine in Neom at night, and glow-in-the-dark sand will border the Red Sea shore.
Neom Bay, the first phase of the mega-city, is now being built, and Neom Airport is almost constructed and registered as an official international airport, indicating some progress has already been made on the project.
While it all sounds like something straight out of a sci-fi movie, it remains to be seen if the Saudi government can deliver on all of its promises, including sustainability and ethical development.
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Amaala
Amaala, located along the Red Sea in the Tabuk province, will be a prime tourist destination bordering Neom and the Red Sea Project. Dubbed the “Riviera of the Middle East”, Amaala will feature 30 hotels, 3,000 hotel rooms, and a 200-outlet retail area, as well as an academy of arts.
Sprawling over 3,000 square kilometers across three sites, the development will have its own airport to cater to luxury travelers. The first phase of the project is expected to be completed by the end of 2024, according to Jay Rosen, CFO of The Red Sea Development Company and Amaala. This incredible project will come with a price tag of an estimated $15 billion.
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Jabal Omar
Jabal Omar is one of the largest and most ambitious developments in Saudi Arabia, covering an area of 0.4 square kilometers and costing around $5 billion. The project will feature towering hotels and residential buildings, and once completed, will be able to accommodate 36,000 guests annually.
The development plan calls for the construction of 38 towers, including 16 international hotels with four and five-star ratings, as well as apartments, malls, and residential units. The first phase of the project, which includes residential buildings, 10 hospitality towers, and ten luxury penthouses, is already complete, with the other phases nearing completion at 80%, 90%, and 65% respectively. The project is on track for completion in 2024.
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Al Widyan
In the future, Al Widyan will be known as the ultimate destination for all things entertainment, education, and leisure. Located just north of Riyadh, this city within a city will span an incredible seven million square meters and be divided into 12 vibrant districts.
As the epitome of cosmopolitan cool, Al Widyan will feature everything you could want in a city and more. With a diverse range of entertainment options, top-notch education facilities, and endless opportunities for leisure, this will be the place to be.
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And let’s not forget about the heart of Al Widyan – a sprawling park covering over half of the seven million square meters. This green oasis will feature winding wadis, tranquil walkways, and breathtaking scenery, offering residents a true escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
With 20,000 new homes for residents to call their own, Al Widyan will be the perfect blend of urban living and suburban comfort. So in the future, if you’re looking for a place to call home, to learn and grow, or just have some fun, look no further than Al Widyan.
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Aseer Development Project
As the world looks towards the future, the Aseer Development Project emerges as one of the most anticipated megaprojects in Saudi Arabia. The region, renowned for its breathtaking mountain ranges, is poised to become a top tourist destination, thanks to the efforts of The Arabian Highland.
The project is a celebration of Aseer’s rich history, including landmarks like the historic Rijal Almaa village, the Jaresh archaeological site, and the Heritage House in Al Namas. And let’s not forget the Abha Summer Festival, which adds to the region’s allure during the summer months.
With The Arabian Highland, Aseer will soon become a must-visit destination for both locals and international travelers, as the project aims to transform the region into a hub for tourism, offering a range of attractions perched at the peak of its majestic mountains. Get ready to explore Aseer’s beauty and cultural heritage like never before!
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Diriyah Gate
In the future, Diriyah will be the epitome of combining rich history with modern innovation. This Arabian megaproject is destined to be a hub of tourism, attracting a projected 100,000 residents and 25 million visitors each year. With its emphasis on sustainability, Diriyah is poised to become a thriving cultural center, brimming with trendy shops, eateries, and hotels, including renowned establishments such as Anantara Diriyah, Armani Hotel Diriyah, and LXR Hotels & Resorts.
Step back in time as you explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Al Turaif, and gain a unique perspective on the kingdom’s storied past. And mark your calendar for Diriyah Season, an annual extravaganza that brings together an electrifying lineup of entertainment, sports, and dining experiences.
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Jeddah Central Project
The cultural heart of Saudi Arabia is about to beat even stronger with the completion of Jeddah Central Project. This $20 billion megaproject is set to transform the city of Jeddah into a hub of art and entertainment, cementing its reputation as the arty capital of the kingdom. By 2027, Jeddah will be home to a world-class opera house, sports stadium, museum and oceanarium, offering a diverse range of cultural experiences.
Visitors will be able to stay in luxurious hotels and beach resorts, or opt for a more permanent stay with the addition of homes. The marina will be a hub of activity, lined with restaurants, cafes and shops, perfect for a day out or an evening stroll. Get ready for Jeddah’s cultural revolution.
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Jeddah Economic City
As the city of Jeddah continues to grow and evolve, it is poised to take center stage with the arrival of Jeddah Economic City. This expansive development, stretching over 5.3 million square meters, will be home to a variety of residential and commercial properties, including hotels, offices, and luxurious homes.
But the real highlight of this project will be the world-renowned Jeddah Tower, set to be the tallest building in the world at an awe-inspiring height of one kilometer. This magnificent structure will offer breathtaking views from its highest observation deck, as well as world-class shopping, dining, and residential options for residents and visitors alike. Get ready, Burj Khalifa, Jeddah is coming to take the lead.
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Jeddah Metro
The buzz around Riyadh Metro is not the only transportation news in the region. Jeddah is also getting a new metro system, with plans approved in 2013 and a projected cost of $60 billion. Expected to be completed by 2025, Jeddah Metro will feature three lines under development, connecting King Abdulaziz International Airport to Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Stadium with style. British architecture firm, Foster + Partners, has been tasked with designing Jeddah Metro, which is expected to have a sleek look and feel.
King Abdullah Financial District
In the future, the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) in Riyadh will be a thriving hub of residential, commercial and entertainment activity. Spanning 1.6 million square meters, this megaproject will boast homes, workspaces and exciting amenities, providing a home for up to 50,000 residents. Commuters will benefit from its convenient location, as the KAFD metro station will be easily accessible. With top-notch design firms like Omrania and Foster + Partners leading the way, the KAFD is poised to become an architectural marvel.
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Qiddiya is set to become the ultimate family destination in Saudi Arabia, offering an array of entertainment options. The southwestern city will be home to thrilling water and theme parks, including Six Flag Qiddiya featuring the world’s tallest, fastest, and longest roller coaster. Visitors can also enjoy sports facilities like a golf course, an aquatic center, a stadium, and karting tracks. The cultural offerings include a performing arts center, multiplex cinema, and festival grounds.
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Riyadh Metro Project
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Sharaan Nature Reserve
Sharaan Nature Reserve is a unique megaproject in Saudi Arabia, as it places an emphasis on nature. Over a sprawling 925 square kilometers of rugged terrain, the goal is to revive the flora and fauna of the region. Efforts have already borne fruit, as sightings of Arabian wolves and red foxes have been reported in the area.
In 2024, the luxury retreat within Sharaan Nature Reserve will be open for business. By 2030, a world-first resort, designed by French architect Jean Nouvel who is responsible for the acclaimed Louvre Abu Dhabi, will come to fruition. This resort, nestled within rocks, will be unlike anything seen before.
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The Red Sea Project
The Red Sea Project, located in the Tabuk province between Umluj and Al Wakh, will soon be a leading destination for eco-luxury. Covering 28,000 square kilometers of islands, beaches, deserts, mountains, and even volcanoes, the megaproject aims to be 100% carbon neutral with no waste-to-landfill or single-use plastic.
The first phase of the project, including the Red Sea International Airport, is expected to open in 2024, and major hotel brands such as Hyatt Hotels, with Miraval The Red Sea and Grand Hyatt The Red Sea, and Faena Red Sea Resort, will be opening their doors to guests. This ambitious regenerative tourism project is expected to contribute $5.86 billion to Saudi’s GDP annually and attract one million visitors each year, making it one of the kingdom’s biggest sources of revenue.
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The Rig
Attention all adventure enthusiasts! Get ready for a holiday like no other – because this time, you’ll be staying on an oil rig! That’s right, The Rig located on the east coast of Saudi Arabia is an oil rig turned into the world’s first oil rig tourism destination. Get ready to enjoy three hotels, exciting adventure sports, and even an underwater restaurant all in one place. Spread over a massive 150,000 square meters, this offshore multipurpose structure is the largest of its kind. To reach the venue, guests can choose between a ferry, yacht or even a helicopter (it has its own helipad!) – it’s a vacation experience that you’ll never forget!
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Trojena
Get ready to experience the ultimate blend of nature and innovation at Trojena! This new super city is designed to offer a unique experience, combining real and virtual architectural marvels. With six different districts centered around tailored experiences, Trojena promises to be a destination like no other.
Located just 50 km from the Gulf of Aqaba, Trojena is the perfect place for year-round outdoor activities, including skiing and adventure sports. You’ll be amazed by the man-made freshwater lake and “The Vault,” a village that seamlessly blends technology, entertainment, and hospitality.
And the excitement doesn’t end there, Trojena will also be hosting the Asian Winter Games in 2029. And if you’re looking for a place to stay, Ennismore Hotels has got you covered with their 25hours and Morgans Original hotels in Trojena. Get ready to experience a new level of luxury in the great outdoors!
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