Mega Projects in Saudi Arabia
An Overview of Mega Projects in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Vision 2030 draws a comprehensive blueprint unveiled by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, aimed at steering the kingdom towards a prosperous and sustainable future. From the shores of the Red Sea to the vast deserts of the Arabian Peninsula, Saudi Arabia’s mega projects epitomize the scale of ambition driving this transformation.
These initiatives not only aim to diversify the economy but also aspire to elevate the kingdom’s status as a regional hub for commerce, tourism, and innovation. From futuristic cities to cutting-edge infrastructure, each project embodies the spirit of progress and modernization that defines Saudi Arabia’s vision.
These ambitious endeavors are reshaping the landscape of the kingdom and capturing the world’s attention. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most remarkable projects that are set to redefine Saudi Arabia’s future.
NEOM: A Futuristic Megacity
NEOM, hailed as the “city of the future,” is perhaps the most ambitious of Saudi Arabia’s mega projects. Stretching across the northwest region of the kingdom, NEOM aims to be a hub for innovation, technology, and sustainability. With plans for advanced infrastructure, renewable energy sources, and cutting-edge research facilities, NEOM seeks to attract the brightest minds from around the world to collaborate on groundbreaking projects that will shape the future of humanity.
NEOM will cost $500bn, cover 26,500 square kilometers and be 100% powered by renewable energy.
In October 2023, NEOM has announced the inauguration of its strategic investment arm, the NEOM Investment Fund (NIF), NEOM’s wholly owned subsidiary which is set up to support the buildout and development of NEOM’s 14 priority sectors and deliver long-term value while enabling the creation of jobs in NEOM.
Jeddah Central Project: Transforming the Urban Landscape
The Jeddah Central Project is a transformative urban development initiative aimed at revitalizing the city’s downtown area. With its mix of commercial, residential, and recreational spaces, this ambitious project seeks to create a vibrant and dynamic urban hub that reflects Jeddah’s status as a cosmopolitan city.
The Red Sea Project: A Paradisiacal Resort Destination
Nestled along the pristine shores of the Red Sea, The Red Sea Project promises to redefine luxury tourism in the region. Spanning over 28,000 square kilometers of untouched coastline, this ambitious project aims to create a collection of luxury resorts, pristine beaches, and vibrant communities, all while preserving the natural beauty and biodiversity of the area.
The Red Sea Project is one of the three major investment channels detailed in Saudi Vision 2030. The project will be located between the cities of Umluj and Al Wajh, along the western coast of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The area will include more than 90 islands.
Qidiya: A Thriving Entertainment Hub
Qiddiya, dubbed as the “future capital of entertainment, sports, and the arts,” is set to become a global landmark in entertainment and leisure. Located just outside the capital Riyadh, this sprawling development will feature theme parks, sports venues, cultural attractions, and much more, catering to the diverse interests of residents and visitors alike.
Qiddiya is located southwest of Riyadh on a site that spans 376 square kilometers. It is being developed by the Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC), which was incorporated in 2018 and is wholly owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF).
In 2022, Qiddiya awarded a SAR 2.8 billion contract to develop the region’s biggest water park and the first within Saudi Arabia.
Roshn: A Sustainable Residential Development
Roshn is poised to revolutionize residential living in Saudi Arabia with its focus on sustainability, community, and quality of life. Located in Riyadh, their master-planned developments will feature a diverse range of residential options, green spaces, and amenities designed to promote well-being and connectivity.
In 2022, Roshn launched the ALAROUS community in Jeddah, spanning 4 million square meters which will include over 18,000 residential units.
Announcements in 2023 include WAREFA in Riyadh, spanning 1.4 million square meters and including more than 2,000 residential units, and ALFULWA in the Eastern Province, on 10.8 million square meters of land and including 18,000+ units
Diriyah: Preserving Heritage, Embracing Modernity
Diriyah, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is undergoing a remarkable transformation to become a vibrant cultural and tourist destination. With its rich history dating back centuries, Diriyah is being revitalized to showcase the kingdom’s cultural heritage while embracing modernity through museums, galleries, and recreational facilities.
Established in 2022, the Diriyah Company is dedicated to developing Diriyah, the ancestral home of the Al Saud royal family, which includes a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Diriyah Company aligns with the PIF’s strategy to focus on unlocking the capabilities of sectors, including tourism and culture to support Saudi Arabia’s position regionally and internationally. This USD 62.2 bn development is delivering initiatives focused on water conservation, energy efficiency, wellness, culture and heritage preservation, and climate change resilience. This new city will be 100% walkable, promoting a healthy population.
King Salman Energy Park (SPARK): Powering the Future
King Salman Energy Park (SPARK) is a strategic initiative aimed at bolstering Saudi Arabia’s position as a global leader in the energy sector. Located in the Eastern Province, SPARK will serve as a hub for energy-related industries, fostering innovation, collaboration, and investment in the sector.
Initiated in 2018, the King Salman Energy Park (SPARK) is a hub for the region’s energy sector, providing a full range of solutions to support businesses in Saudi Arabia.
When completed, the city will contribute to diversifying the Kingdom’s revenue streams and promote the adoption of clean energy technologies. The site will include a dedicated logistics zone and dry port, which will help facilitate the efficient movement of materials and goods.
The project will be managed by Aramco with investments worth around USD 1.6 billion (SAR6 billion) allocated for preparing and setting up infrastructure. It will be developed through three phases on a space of approximately 50 kilometers square.
AMAALA: Where Luxury Meets Nature
AMAALA, nestled along the pristine shores of the Red Sea, is set to redefine luxury living and tourism in Saudi Arabia. With its breathtaking natural landscapes and unparalleled hospitality, AMAALA aims to attract discerning travelers seeking exclusive experiences and rejuvenation.
AMAALA is a luxury tourist attraction located in the northwest coast of Saudi Arabia, within the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Natural Reserve covering 4,000 km². AMAALA’s first phase of development is focused on its Triple Bay masterplan, which will offer some 1,300 rooms in eight hotels – the first batch is opening in 2024. When completed in 2027, AMAALA will have over 3,000 hotel rooms across 25 hotels, 943 luxury residential villas, as well as high-end retail and food outlets, a yacht club, wellness, and recreational facilities.
THE LINE: A Revolution in Urban Living
THE LINE is a groundbreaking initiative that reimagines urban living for the 21st century. Stretching 170 kilometers, this linear city will prioritize walkability, sustainability, and connectivity, with all essential services and amenities located within a five-minute walk.
At its core, THE LINE is designed to enhance the quality of life for its residents by seamlessly integrating nature, technology, and community. The city is built around a linear park, providing residents with easy access to green spaces, recreational amenities, and cultural attractions. Pedestrian-friendly pathways and bike lanes traverse the length of THE LINE, encouraging active lifestyles and reducing reliance on cars.
THE LINE is more than just a city—it’s a model for sustainable urban development in the 21st century. Powered by renewable energy sources like solar and wind, THE LINE aims to be fully self-sufficient and carbon-neutral. Advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence and data analytics, are used to optimize energy usage, enhance security, and improve efficiency across the city.
AlUla: Where History Comes Alive
AlUla, home to ancient archaeological sites and breathtaking landscapes, is undergoing a remarkable transformation to become a global cultural and heritage destination. With its rich history spanning thousands of years, AlUla is being developed to showcase the kingdom’s cultural heritage through immersive experiences, interactive exhibits, and archaeological discoveries.
AlUla offers a USD15 billion masterplan opportunity for public-private partnerships, it is part of a series of major projects to diversify its economy through tourism and raise its profile from an international perspective.
The wider development strategy for AlUla – upon its full completion in 2035 – aims to deliver 38,000 new jobs amid a population grown to 130,000. With multi-economic drivers such as tourism, arts & culture and agriculture.
Riyadh Sports Boulevard: A Haven for Sports Enthusiasts
Riyadh Sports Boulevard is a dynamic sports and recreational development aimed at promoting active lifestyles and community engagement. Stretching over 135,000 square meters, this expansive boulevard will feature jogging tracks, cycling paths, sports fields, and outdoor fitness facilities, catering to athletes and enthusiasts of all ages and abilities.
The project offers an innovative combination of sports with cultural, artistic, and environmental opportunities, creating a modern destination for the residents, bridging towards an urban future for the city of Riyadh – achieving the Quality-of-Life objective of Saudi Vision 2030.
The Sports Boulevard extends through the city of Riyadh, connecting Wadi Hanifa in the west to Wadi Al-Sulai in the east through Prince Mohammed bin Salman Road, with more than 135 km to become the largest linear park in the world.
The Sports Boulevard, has awarded contracts worth USD 661.5 million to several Saudi national firms for the construction of roads, bridges, and infrastructure at the Hanifah Valley and the Art District.
Riyadh Metro: A Modern Transit Network
Riyadh Metro is a state-of-the-art transit system that will revolutionize transportation in the capital city. With six metro lines spanning over 176 kilometers, Riyadh Metro will provide fast, efficient, and environmentally friendly travel options for residents and visitors alike.
Saudi Arabia’s mega projects represent a bold vision for the future, characterized by innovation, sustainability, and progress. From futuristic cities to pristine natural landscapes, these ambitious endeavors showcase the kingdom’s determination to embrace change, drive economic growth, and create a brighter future for generations to come. As these projects continue to take shape, they serve as a testament to Saudi Arabia’s commitment to shaping a prosperous and sustainable future for its people and the world.
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