Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia has unveiled its luxury island destination, Sindalah, part of the $500-billion NEOM mega-project, as the Kingdom intensifies efforts to expand its tourism sector. 

NEOM announced that the project, developed over two years with the involvement of four local contractors and 60 subcontractors, has welcomed its first guests, signaling a new era of high-end tourism in Saudi Arabia, according to a press release. 

Such giga-projects are central to Saudi Arabia’s strategy for economic diversification, aligning with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 tourism goals. The National Tourism Strategy aims to draw 150 million visitors by 2030 and increase tourism’s contribution to gross domestic product from 6 percent to 10 percent. 

“NEOM is committed to supporting the Kingdom’s new era of luxury tourism, with the opening of Sindalah. The realization of this landmark destination, the gateway to the Red Sea, is due to the visionary leadership of His Royal Highness Mohammed bin Salman and Saudi Vision 2030,” said Nadhmi Al-Nasr, CEO of NEOM.  

He added: “NEOM’s inaugural destination offers visitors a ‘first glimpse’ of what the future holds for our extensive portfolio of destinations and developments.”  

Located 5 km off NEOM’s northwest coast, Sindalah spans 840,000 sq. meters and is set to welcome up to 2,400 guests daily by 2028, creating 3,500 jobs and driving growth in Saudi Arabia’s hospitality and tourism sectors. 

Sindalah’s waters are home to 1,100 fish species, including 45 unique to NEOM, and over 300 coral species.  

“In line with NEOM’s commitment to sustainability and conservation, preservation of Sindalah’s natural marine habitat has been central to the island’s development, and guests are invited to dive beneath the surface to explore its wonders for themselves,” stated NEOM.  

The destination will feature a yacht club, beach club, and golf club, as well as docking facilities, additional offshore buoys for super yachts, and comprehensive yacht management services.