IN BRIEF
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In the heart of the Red Sea, Saudi Arabia unveils Sindalah, a revolutionary island that embodies the kingdom’s bold vision to redefine its tourism sector. With an area of 840,000 m², this luxury seaside destination has been designed not only to attract jet-setters from around the world but also to serve as a model for a new era of economic diversification in Saudi Arabia. This initiative is part of the Vision 2030 strategy, which aims to reduce the country’s dependence on oil revenues while preserving its natural treasures.
A premium destination
Sindalah is emerging as the first luxury destination of the ambitious Neom project. This idyllic setting has been designed to attract sailing enthusiasts. Accessible after 17 hours of sailing from major Mediterranean areas, the island features a marina with 86 berths, equipped with buoys for super yachts, as well as a yacht club designed by the prestigious designer Stefano Ricci. With forecasts to accommodate 2,400 visitors per day by 2028, Sindalah is asserting itself as a major player in the luxury tourism landscape.
A sustainable vision for the future
In an effort to marry tourism and ecology, Sindalah is committed to preserving the natural state of its surroundings. The waters that surround it contain an invaluable marine wealth, with over 1,100 fish species, 45 of which are unique to the Neom region, and more than 300 coral species. This biodiversity is at the heart of the island’s development strategy, combining modern infrastructure with marine ecosystem preservation. Values that are also shared by the The Luxury Collection brand of the Marriott group, which plans to establish hotels offering an authentic and environmentally respectful experience.
A flagship project for Saudi tourism
With the launch of Sindalah, Saudi Arabia is demonstrating its determination to transform its tourism image and attract an international clientele. Through this project, the kingdom is not just building a simple beach resort; it is crafting the contours of a tourist hub that could rival the greatest global destinations. The government’s ambition is clear: to diversify its economy and balance its finances in the face of the volatility of oil revenues.
A revised but bold urban development
The Neom project, while complex, continues to evolve. Initially envisioned as a mega-city spanning 170 kilometers, its reconfiguration entails a smaller area within a perimeter of 2.4 kilometers, but with adjusted population goals aimed at attracting 300,000 inhabitants by 2030. Despite these adjustments, the appeal of this project remains strong, with ambitious visions of combining technology and sustainable development.
An emerging opportunity for the aviation sector
As part of the Vision 2030 strategy, Saudi Arabia is also focusing on the expansion of its air network to accommodate an influx of tourists. The country plans to triple the number of air passengers, targeting 330 million annual arrivals by the end of the decade, thereby consolidating its efforts for a dynamic and flourishing tourism sector.
Open conclusion on a promising future
With Sindalah, Saudi Arabia positions itself at the forefront of a critical tourism turning point, blending luxury and sustainability. This bold project paves the way for a new era where the kingdom showcases its natural assets while meeting the expectations of an increasingly demanding international clientele. The future looks bright for this island, which could very well become a symbol of Saudi rejuvenation.