TOURISM PROJECTS

SUSTAINABILITY TAKES CENTRE STAGE IN SAUDI’S TOURISM PROJECTS

Aquellum, NEOM’s latest project, is the latest development set to transform Saudi Arabia’s tourism landscape.

The unique project, which will be integrated within a 450-metre-high mountain range, aims to leverage cutting-edge technology to create an authentic experience and a new tier of tourist attraction in the region.

Nestled along the Gulf of Aqaba coastline, Aquellum presents a futuristic ecosystem featuring the world's first floating marina. From here, guests embark on a specially designed vessel that will navigate through a concealed underground canal to reveal Aquellum's hidden community, offering an unparalleled sensory experience.

“Aquellum incorporates an omnidirectional internal transit system for easy access to upper floors, transporting residents and visitors to homes and hotels with rooftop gardens offering breathtaking coastal views,” the company said.

 Once inside, visitors will be treated to a 100-metre-high vertical experience with a courtyard stretching from the water to the sky. The community creates vibrancy and interconnectivity through seamlessly blending hotel accommodation, apartments, retail spaces, leisure and entertainment zones and innovative hubs, according to the company.

                  

This unveiling comes amidst NEOM's commitment to sustainable tourism and innovation, as mentioned in recent announcements about projects like Leyja, Epicon, Siranna, Utamo, and Norlana, all contributing to the holistic development along the Gulf of Aqaba.

In tandem with Aquellum's introduction, several other groundbreaking projects are transforming the landscape of Saudi Arabia as part of the NEOM mega-development.

The Line is a 170-kilometre urban development prioritising people and the environment, connecting the Red Sea coast to northwest Saudi Arabia.

Trojena, another NEOM Project, is a mountain tourism destination with a ski village, ultra-luxury resorts, and cultural events, expected to attract visitors and residents. Marriott International, Inc. recently agreed to open two luxury properties in Trojena. The agreement includes Saudi Arabia’s first W Hotel, and a JW Marriott property. Trojena will be the host of the 2029 Asian Winter Games.

Meanwhile, Sindalah is a luxury island resort emphasising rewilding programmes and offering upscale amenities like hotels, marinas, and recreational facilities. Sindalah's 86-berth marina and 75 offshore buoys will become a new spot for the world’s most spectacular vessels, located in the Red Sea.

Oxagan is billed as the world's largest floating structure. The floating city is expected to contribute to Saudi’s economic growth, sustainability, and technological advancement. Oxagan will establish the world’s first fully integrated port and supply chain ecosystem for NEOM. The port, logistics and rail delivery facility will be unified, providing world-class productivity levels with net-zero carbon emissions, setting global benchmarks in the adoption of technology and environmental sustainability.

In addition, Amala is an ultra-luxury tourism destination developed along the Red Sea coast, blending ecological principles, experiential marine life centres, and immersive travel.

Separately from NEOM, the Red Sea Project is another tourism development with a focus on sustainability and minimal environmental impact, designed by Kengo Kuma and Associates and Foster + Partner.

These projects collectively underscore Saudi Arabia's commitment to innovation, sustainability, and transformative development on a global scale. Aquellum, with its pioneering experiences, stands as a testament to NEOM's vision for the future of luxury and lifestyle.

   

The plans also dovetail with Riyadh Air, which seeks to connect passengers to 100 destinations globally by 2030, fostering Saudi hospitality and acting as a catalyst for the National Transport and Logistics Strategy and the National Tourism Strategy.

Riyadh Air, a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund, is the country’s newest carrier and poised to play a key role in boosting Saudi aviation’s global competitiveness.

In 2023, it finalised a substantial order for 39 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft. This was quickly followed by a deal for 90 GEnx-1B engines to power its burgeoning fleet. The GEnx-1B engines, renowned for their cutting-edge technology, will not only propel Riyadh Air's fleet with remarkable efficiency, but also deliver a 1.4% fuel burn savings for the typical 787 mission compared to competitors, translating to substantial annual fuel savings of USD 300,000 per airplane. The fuel efficiency will contribute to an annual reduction of over 2 million pounds of CO2 emissions per aircraft to ensure sustainability in tourism