Saudi Arabia’s 7 Most Ambitious Tourism Projects Reshaping the Desert Landscape

Saudi Arabia's 7 Most Ambitious Tourism Projects Reshaping the Desert Landscape - NEOM The Line Creates 170km Long Car Free Desert City Opening First Phase December 2024

Saudi Arabia's NEOM project is forging ahead with its ambitious "The Line" development, a 170-kilometer-long, car-free city planned deep in the desert. The first phase of this futuristic urban experiment is slated to open its doors in December 2024, marking a significant step in the region's ambitious tourism and economic diversification plans. The Line's vision revolves around a sustainable urban model that prioritizes zero-carbon emissions, waste reduction, and environmental consciousness. Designed to accommodate up to 9 million residents, the city will be built as a linear structure, featuring mirrored facades and relying on cutting-edge technologies and renewable energy sources. A high-speed rail system will be the primary mode of transportation, promising to connect the entirety of the 170km stretch in mere minutes. The project, located in Tabuk Province, is a massive undertaking that raises questions about its practicality, viability, and environmental impact. Ultimately, The Line showcases how Saudi Arabia is aggressively pursuing the creation of unique, future-oriented destinations in a traditionally overlooked region. It remains to be seen if this unprecedented endeavor can achieve its ambitious goals of fostering a harmonious urban environment and becoming a beacon for innovative urban planning.

NEOM's The Line, a 170-kilometer-long, car-free urban development in Saudi Arabia's Tabuk Province, is a fascinating engineering challenge pushing the boundaries of city design. Its first phase is slated to open in December 2024, marking a significant step towards its ambitious goal of housing 9 million people within a remarkably narrow, 200-meter-wide footprint.

The project envisions a vertical city with multiple levels for living, work, and leisure, a striking departure from traditional sprawling urban layouts. The core of its transportation system is a high-speed rail network, promising 20-minute commutes across the entire length of The Line. This reliance on rail and autonomous vehicles signifies a bold attempt to reimagine urban mobility.

The Line's design leverages advanced technologies like AI-driven urban planning to manage vital aspects of the city, including energy distribution and transportation. Furthermore, it has incorporated flood management systems to navigate the desert climate and occasional rainfall, incorporating both elevated structures and drainage features.


The project's focus on sustainability is notable, with renewable energy sources powering the entire city. This independent energy model positions The Line as a model for future urban development that operates with minimal reliance on traditional energy infrastructures. However, the extreme desert climate poses unique challenges, particularly the scorching summers that regularly exceed 40°C. Using reflective materials and ventilation techniques to mitigate these conditions will be crucial to maintaining a comfortable environment.


The project’s designers envision a lively and connected urban experience, incorporating cultural spaces that encourage community engagement and foster a unique sense of identity. Whether this grand vision can be realized within the stringent parameters of the project is a question that remains to be answered. Time will tell whether The Line will truly transform urban living or face unforeseen challenges in its execution.

What else is in this post?

1. Saudi Arabia's 7 Most Ambitious Tourism Projects Reshaping the Desert Landscape - NEOM The Line Creates 170km Long Car Free Desert City Opening First Phase December 2024
2. Saudi Arabia's 7 Most Ambitious Tourism Projects Reshaping the Desert Landscape - Red Sea Project Welcomes First Guests at Six Senses Southern Dunes Resort
3. Saudi Arabia's 7 Most Ambitious Tourism Projects Reshaping the Desert Landscape - Qiddiya Entertainment City Adds Formula 1 Racing Circuit 45 Minutes from Riyadh
4. Saudi Arabia's 7 Most Ambitious Tourism Projects Reshaping the Desert Landscape - AlUla Ancient City Opens New Luxury Desert Camp Near Hegra UNESCO Site
5. Saudi Arabia's 7 Most Ambitious Tourism Projects Reshaping the Desert Landscape - AMAALA Triple Bay Marina Yacht Club Opens With 300 Berths for Mega Yachts
6. Saudi Arabia's 7 Most Ambitious Tourism Projects Reshaping the Desert Landscape - Diriyah Gate Transforms Historic Mud City into Arts District with Raffles Hotel
7. Saudi Arabia's 7 Most Ambitious Tourism Projects Reshaping the Desert Landscape - Sindalah Island Development Brings Mediterranean Style Beach Clubs to Red Sea

Saudi Arabia's 7 Most Ambitious Tourism Projects Reshaping the Desert Landscape - Red Sea Project Welcomes First Guests at Six Senses Southern Dunes Resort

The Red Sea Project, a major tourism initiative transforming Saudi Arabia's desert landscape, has taken another step forward with the debut of the Six Senses Southern Dunes Resort. Opening its doors to the public in 2023, it's the first hotel to welcome visitors within this ambitious project. The resort's design, inspired by the region's Nabataean heritage, aims to seamlessly blend with the surrounding desert and coastal environment. Located within a vast area encompassing 28,000 square kilometers of diverse landscapes, the resort promises a unique desert escape.

One of the key aspects of the resort's development is its dedication to sustainability. Six Senses Southern Dunes is on track to achieve a LEED Platinum certification, underscoring its commitment to environmental consciousness. It's powered entirely by solar energy, showcasing how the project integrates renewable energy into its operations. Renowned architects Foster + Partners were integral in shaping the resort's environmentally friendly design.

The resort features a range of accommodation options, including 36 guest rooms and 40 pool villas, catering to a variety of travelers seeking luxury and immersion in the untouched natural surroundings. With prices beginning around Dhs 2,837 per night for a standard room, the resort offers a glimpse into Saudi Arabia's efforts to create new tourism destinations within its borders as part of the Vision 2030 economic diversification strategy. While it remains to be seen if the ambitious project can sustain itself long-term, the opening of the Six Senses Southern Dunes certainly presents a fascinating opportunity for travelers to discover a previously unexplored corner of Saudi Arabia.

The Red Sea Project, a vast undertaking spanning 28,000 square kilometers of reefs, islands, and desert, has recently welcomed its first guests at the Six Senses Southern Dunes Resort. This resort, which opened its doors in 2023, is the first of many planned luxury accommodations within the project, showcasing Saudi Arabia's ambition to diversify its economy through tourism, a key component of its Vision 2030 initiative.

The Six Senses Southern Dunes Resort boasts 36 rooms and 40 pool villas, all meticulously designed to reflect the local Nabataean heritage and the surrounding desert landscape. Notably, it's set to be the first hotel in Saudi Arabia to achieve LEED Platinum certification, emphasizing its commitment to sustainability. This commitment is further reflected in its reliance on entirely solar-powered energy generation, aligning with the project's broader goals of minimal environmental impact.

The resort's design, masterminded by the renowned architectural firm Foster + Partners, demonstrates innovative approaches to building in extreme desert environments. Utilizing thermal massing techniques helps to manage temperatures, minimizing the energy needed for cooling during the region's scorching summer months. Materials and design choices are inspired by traditional building styles, which contribute both to aesthetics and efficient temperature regulation, retaining warmth overnight and reducing reliance on external power sources.

Six Senses is just the first piece in the hospitality puzzle that the Red Sea Project is aiming to create. Plans include a network of luxury resorts connected by eco-friendly transportation, potentially offering a seamless and sustainable way to travel and explore this previously less-visited region. However, the financial feasibility of the transportation network and its long-term environmental impact will bear close observation.

The resort's dining offerings emphasize local cuisine, prioritizing ingredients from sustainable farms in the region. This approach promotes regional culinary traditions and could set a new standard for gourmet dining experiences in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, smart technologies, from individualized climate control to automated lighting, are integrated into guest rooms, reflecting the intersection of luxury and technological innovation in the hospitality sector.


Water scarcity is a considerable challenge in this environment, and the resort has adopted innovative solutions to minimize water consumption. Greywater recycling systems are a key part of the strategy, diverting treated wastewater for landscape irrigation. The resort's location offers unique opportunities for exploring the surrounding desert ecosystem, with the chance to gain insights into the local flora and fauna and the delicate balance of the environment. The initiative's location along new airline routes, spurred by Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, potentially facilitates international access, while boosting the local economy through tourism and opening up remote destinations to new traveler markets.

Ultimately, the Red Sea Project represents a remarkable endeavor, merging luxury tourism with a focus on sustainability and cultural immersion. It remains to be seen whether this ambition can be sustained long-term, both from a financial and an ecological perspective, but it's undeniably shaping the landscape and possibly ushering in a new era of responsible tourism in a previously overlooked region.

Saudi Arabia's 7 Most Ambitious Tourism Projects Reshaping the Desert Landscape - Qiddiya Entertainment City Adds Formula 1 Racing Circuit 45 Minutes from Riyadh

Located a short 45-minute drive from Riyadh, the Qiddiya Entertainment City project is adding a new Formula 1 racing circuit to its growing list of attractions. This ambitious addition, planned for completion by 2027, is a central piece of the larger Qiddiya project, a multifaceted entertainment zone set to transform the region. The racetrack design boasts 21 corners, suggesting a track designed for thrilling races and exciting spectator viewing. Interestingly, the designers have incorporated elements of nearby amusement park features into the circuit's overall layout, suggesting a unique experience for both fans and spectators. This venture shows how Saudi Arabia is striving to attract global attention to its growing tourism sector and diversify its economy. Whether it will become as popular as the Jeddah street circuit or a complement remains to be seen. Ultimately, it is yet another indication of the country's eagerness to showcase its commitment to developing new and exciting experiences for both local and international visitors, a core component of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030.

Qiddiya Entertainment City, located about 45 minutes from Riyadh, is developing a new Formula 1 racing circuit. It's part of a broader effort, initiated in 2019, to establish Qiddiya City as a major entertainment hub. The circuit itself is envisioned to be a unique experience, with 21 corners designed to offer a dynamic race. It's anticipated to eventually replace the Jeddah street circuit as the venue for Saudi Arabia's annual Formula 1 Grand Prix, which has been on the calendar since 2021.


The proposed Qiddiya circuit boasts a modern aesthetic, incorporating elements of an amusement park, as shown in the digital renderings released so far. Rollercoasters and other attractions are planned to be woven into the design, suggesting a potential fusion of motorsport and entertainment. This 'Speed Park', as it's referred to, aims to push the boundaries of racing venues with innovative track configurations.



The construction timeline remains somewhat uncertain, with completion anticipated by 2027. This development is clearly aligned with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, which aims to bring in tourism and diversify the country's economy. It’s intriguing that the stunning Tuwaiq Mountains provide a natural backdrop for the track, potentially adding another layer of appeal.

Interestingly, the possibility exists that Saudi Arabia might keep the Jeddah circuit active, potentially hosting two Formula 1 events annually. That decision will likely be based on the pace of Qiddiya's development. It remains to be seen if this ambitious plan will ultimately prove feasible from a logistical and financial standpoint. This project, though, highlights the broader ambitions of Saudi Arabia in the tourism sector, transforming parts of its landscape into entertainment destinations. It’s certainly an interesting engineering challenge, the outcomes of which will likely shape how other countries approach building entertainment infrastructure in arid environments.

Saudi Arabia's 7 Most Ambitious Tourism Projects Reshaping the Desert Landscape - AlUla Ancient City Opens New Luxury Desert Camp Near Hegra UNESCO Site

AlUla, a city with a history stretching back 200,000 years, has recently opened a luxury desert camp in close proximity to the Hegra UNESCO World Heritage Site. This new camp aims to solidify AlUla's position as a premier destination for discerning travelers seeking unique experiences in a remarkable setting. Hegra, also known as Madain Salih, is famed for its well-preserved Nabataean tombs, a testament to the region's ancient past. These tombs, similar to Petra's, have become a significant draw for those interested in history and archaeology.

The new luxury camp provides visitors with a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in AlUla's natural beauty and rich history. The design likely blends modern comforts with an appreciation for the region's heritage, appealing to a segment of travelers looking for a more refined experience compared to standard desert camping.

Saudi Arabia has made tourism a central component of its Vision 2030 initiative, seeking to develop alternative economic drivers. This project is part of that broader effort, demonstrating that the country is willing to invest in high-end infrastructure to attract a new segment of visitors to experience both the historical and natural wonders of AlUla. Whether this type of tourism is sustainable in the long-run and will help to further develop the local economy and create job opportunities for the residents of AlUla will be an interesting dynamic to observe in the coming years.

AlUla, nestled in northwestern Saudi Arabia, is an area of immense geological interest. Its sandstone cliffs and rock formations, sculpted over eons by erosion, reach impressive heights of over 1,000 meters, making for a striking backdrop for a new luxury desert camp that has recently opened near the Hegra UNESCO site. The area's history is equally intriguing, with evidence of human settlement dating back 100,000 years, hinting at a cultural heritage that significantly predates many of the civilizations we typically associate with ancient history. Hegra, also known as Madain Saleh, provides a glimpse into the Nabataean era, with over 100 remarkably preserved rock-cut tombs, reminiscent of the famed Petra.

Recent archaeological work in AlUla highlights its role as a major hub in ancient trade routes, connecting the Arabian Peninsula to the Mediterranean region. This long-standing commercial significance is a fascinating piece of the region's historical puzzle, pointing to a thriving exchange of goods and ideas over millennia. This newly opened desert camp strategically leverages its proximity to Hegra, allowing guests to immerse themselves in this ancient history. Beyond its historical significance, AlUla boasts remarkably dark night skies, a result of its remote location with minimal light pollution. This feature offers incredible opportunities for stargazing and astrophotography, making it a potential prime location for celestial studies.


The luxury desert camp's architecture is intriguing from an engineering perspective, adopting a design that incorporates local materials and traditional building techniques while still utilizing modern engineering to enhance thermal efficiency. The desert climate is severe; however, AlUla experiences a pleasant period between October and April, with average temperatures around 20-25°C, making this a more desirable window for tourism compared to the scorching summer months.

This luxury camp is part of a larger initiative to diversify the Saudi economy, a key part of the Vision 2030 plan. The target is ambitious, hoping to increase tourist arrivals from 39 million to 55 million annually by 2030. It is interesting to observe how the camp's modular design utilizes modern engineering approaches that potentially enable flexibility in relocations, if needed, based on changing demand.

Finally, the culinary aspect of the desert camp will focus on showcasing the region’s local produce, highlighting the agricultural history of this surprisingly productive region that thrives despite the predominant arid climate. This culinary focus could highlight the adaptability and ingenuity of the local farming communities in developing sustainable practices for food production in a challenging environment. While the economic impact and long-term viability of the camp remain to be seen, it represents an intriguing experiment in how modern luxury tourism can integrate into an area steeped in ancient history and remarkable natural landscapes.

Saudi Arabia's 7 Most Ambitious Tourism Projects Reshaping the Desert Landscape - AMAALA Triple Bay Marina Yacht Club Opens With 300 Berths for Mega Yachts

The AMAALA Triple Bay Marina Yacht Club, with its 300 berths designed for mega yachts, including some capable of accommodating vessels up to 130 meters long, is a notable step in Saudi Arabia's efforts to become a premier destination for luxury yacht enthusiasts. It represents a strategic shift toward a more diverse tourism landscape, built on the principles of Vision 2030, a plan that aims to reposition Saudi Arabia as a prominent player on the global tourist map. Located along the Red Sea coast, the facility integrates the natural beauty of the surrounding area with Arabic architectural design elements. It's planned to be a major player in the luxury yachting sector, fostering a distinct atmosphere and serving as a vital meeting point for the land and sea.

The club's developers sought to create a luxurious experience by including features like a tender service that seamlessly connects yacht guests with the marina's VIP entrance. Whether it can truly realize its ambition to become a major player in the yachting scene, and become a genuine contributor to the local economy, will likely depend on how well it manages to attract a sizable clientele of high-net-worth individuals who are interested in luxury travel experiences in a still relatively under-developed region. Time will tell if the investment pays off, and the yacht club successfully integrates into the evolving travel landscape of Saudi Arabia.

The AMAALA Triple Bay Marina Yacht Club, situated along Saudi Arabia's northwestern coast within the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Nature Reserve, is an ambitious project aiming to reshape the tourism landscape of the region. This newly opened marina boasts 300 berths specifically designed to accommodate mega yachts, with some capable of handling vessels exceeding 130 meters in length. This focus on large yachts underscores the project's goal of establishing Saudi Arabia as a prominent hub for luxury yachting in the Red Sea.

The development, driven by Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 initiative to diversify the economy and promote tourism, exemplifies a strategic investment in attracting a high-end traveler segment. It's noteworthy that HKS, renowned architects, were chosen to design the 7,900 square meter marina, with the intent of integrating local design influences and respecting the natural elements of the site. Interestingly, the design incorporates a VIP entrance at sea level, accessed via a tender service, creating a seamless transition between luxury yacht and shore.

The marina's completion in 2024 coincides with the wider AMAALA development which seeks to promote luxury tourism along the Red Sea Coast. This endeavor presents both an opportunity and a challenge. It remains to be seen if it will become a successful destination for affluent travelers and whether it can sustainably integrate itself into the existing environment. The success of such an exclusive destination will depend on maintaining the infrastructure and attracting a regular flow of clientele. The project's aim is to create a unique environment where the land and sea converge, serving as a vibrant meeting point for travelers seeking a luxurious maritime experience. While the initial concept appears compelling, the long-term impact on both tourism and the environment is still a topic that merits continued observation.

Saudi Arabia's 7 Most Ambitious Tourism Projects Reshaping the Desert Landscape - Diriyah Gate Transforms Historic Mud City into Arts District with Raffles Hotel

Diriyah Gate's metamorphosis into an arts district, highlighted by the addition of a Raffles Hotel, symbolizes Saudi Arabia's broader push to redefine its historical heritage into a tourist draw. This ambitious project seeks to seamlessly blend the historical charm of Diriyah's 18th-century mud-brick architecture with a modern urban vision, aiming for the region to become a cultural centerpiece. With a substantial investment of approximately $20 billion, this venture aims to draw in visitors, both domestic and international, hoping that the carefully crafted blend of historic preservation and high-end amenities can attract global interest.

The project is closely aligned with Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia's strategic plan to diversify its economy and bolster its standing as a major international tourism destination. This initiative highlights the potential for balancing cultural and economic development in an environmentally conscious manner. While ambitious and expensive, if this redevelopment of a key historic area is successful, it might contribute to Saudi Arabia's broader goals of diversifying its economy. Ultimately, it will be interesting to see if it can achieve the goal of establishing Diriyah as a world-class destination. Whether the project successfully creates a genuine cultural hub or simply serves as a lavish tourist destination will depend on how it interacts with the community and balances the delicate mix of old and new.

Diriyah Gate, a massive endeavor within Saudi Arabia, seeks to reinvent Diriyah, a historic city with roots stretching back centuries, as a cultural hub. It's an ambitious project, aiming to blend the city's traditional mud-brick architecture, a testament to its 18th-century heritage, with modern amenities and urban design principles. This careful balancing act of preservation and progress is intended to position Diriyah, a UNESCO World Heritage site, as a new cultural destination within Saudi Arabia.

The scope of the project is immense, encompassing a 7 square kilometer area and a projected budget exceeding \$20 billion. The Diriyah Gate Development Authority was formed in 2017 to guide this transformation. Their vision incorporates aspects like retail, hospitality, education, and cultural events all within a framework that emphasizes the area's historic context. A key component of this initiative is the integration of a significant number of hotels, with plans for 38 establishments including the addition of renowned brands like Raffles.

Diriyah's proximity to Riyadh, just a short 15-minute drive northwest of the capital, is advantageous in terms of attracting both local and international visitors. The masterplan for the Wadi Safar area, which is part of the broader project, already includes a commitment to building four new luxury hotels and the Royal Diriyah Equestrian & Polo Club. It is worth noting that Diriyah was recently incorporated into the Saudi Public Investment Fund, highlighting its importance to the country's growing tourism strategy.

The emphasis on fostering cultural understanding is apparent in the project's design. There's a focus on pedestrian-friendly spaces, the incorporation of green areas, and plans to host events like international art exhibitions and cultural festivals. Museums and education centers will also be integrated into the development, seeking to provide a deeper appreciation for Diriyah's historical significance and the cultural landscape of Saudi Arabia. While the project champions the use of local building materials and sustainable practices like energy-efficient systems, the reliance on smart technologies for visitor management and other aspects of urban function, are part of the project's design, indicative of a modern vision for cultural preservation.

The success of Diriyah Gate, in attracting tourists and fostering economic activity, will hinge on the integration of modern facilities and infrastructure while remaining respectful of the region's historical roots. The project potentially holds the key to enhancing the region's visibility on the global stage, positioning Diriyah and Saudi Arabia as cultural destinations attracting visitors from around the world. Whether this balance of heritage and innovation can be effectively executed remains a fascinating engineering and architectural challenge.

Saudi Arabia's 7 Most Ambitious Tourism Projects Reshaping the Desert Landscape - Sindalah Island Development Brings Mediterranean Style Beach Clubs to Red Sea

Sindalah Island, a key element of the ambitious NEOM project, is being developed as a luxurious destination in the Red Sea, emphasizing a Mediterranean vibe with its beach clubs and high-end facilities. This 840,000 square meter island is envisioned as a magnet for wealthy tourists, offering exclusive beach access, upscale restaurants, a cutting-edge golf course, and cultural events. The island’s planned debut in early 2024 suggests it's a critical part of NEOM's goals to establish the Red Sea as a desirable spot for luxury travelers, particularly yachting enthusiasts. As Saudi Arabia continues to embrace its Vision 2030 plan, this project signals a commitment to creating a more diverse and tourism-focused economy. It will be interesting to see how sustainable and environmentally sound such a large-scale venture will be in the long run.

Sindalah Island, the inaugural mega-destination within Saudi Arabia's ambitious $500 billion NEOM project, aims to dramatically alter the Red Sea's tourism landscape. Envisioned as a haven for luxury travelers, the 840,000-square-meter island boasts an impressive array of upscale amenities, including a collection of world-class restaurants, exclusive retail experiences, and a calendar of curated cultural events designed to capture the attention of a discerning clientele.

The island's design philosophy is rooted in the aesthetics of Mediterranean coastal resorts, a deliberate choice to entice a clientele accustomed to the high-end beach club and resort experience often associated with destinations like Ibiza or Saint-Tropez. This focus on a specific market segment showcases a strategic approach to tourism development in the region, potentially raising questions about accessibility and pricing for a broader range of travelers.

The project highlights several interesting partnerships with globally recognized architects and design firms known for their work in premium resorts and luxurious spaces. The emphasis on quality design and execution, which is apparent in the island's numerous beach club concepts, each with unique offerings such as infinity pools, beachfront dining, and dedicated wellness retreats, positions Sindalah as a serious contender within the competitive landscape of global luxury travel.

While promoting a luxurious image, the project aims to be environmentally conscious by incorporating innovative transportation solutions. Plans include a network of electric shuttle services for traversing the island, which should reduce the overall environmental footprint and improve ease of movement for both residents and visitors. The project's pace of development, with a projected opening in early 2024, speaks volumes about Saudi Arabia's determination to rapidly elevate its standing in the global tourism arena. The sheer volume of planned accommodations, with over 2,000 luxury villas and hotel rooms, suggests the island aims to provide a diversified luxury experience, catering to a range of high-end travelers.


Furthermore, the culinary aspect emphasizes a variety of experiences. The island intends to host restaurants helmed by Michelin-starred chefs, blending international culinary excellence with local fare, thereby placing gourmet dining at the heart of the visitor experience. With aspirations to become a significant event hub, Sindalah is being positioned to attract international gatherings such as yacht exhibitions and festivals, a strategy aimed at attracting media coverage and solidifying its presence within the global tourism map.

To further facilitate international arrivals, the project includes the upgrade of a nearby airport to seamlessly connect Sindalah with major international travel hubs, making travel to this emerging destination more convenient. The initiative's alignment with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 plan demonstrates a commitment to diversifying the economy through tourism, aiming to create a large number of jobs in the hospitality and related sectors, thus contributing to the growth of the local economy.

However, the extent to which Sindalah can truly become a driver of economic growth and tourism in the region will depend on several factors. The island's exclusive focus on luxury travel, its ability to attract and retain a consistent clientele, and its potential environmental impacts all require careful consideration. Ultimately, Sindalah Island embodies the forward-thinking vision driving Saudi Arabia's tourism ambitions. It's an intriguing experiment in shaping a destination based on global luxury travel models and represents a significant investment in both infrastructure and the development of new experiences along the Red Sea. Whether this endeavor will fully realize its goals and integrate effectively into the region’s existing environment remains a fascinating topic for ongoing observation.