Saudi Arabia’s NEOM is set to open Sindalah, an island off the coast of the development, in 2024, the kingdom’s crown prince Mohammed bin Salman announced on Monday.
Covering an area of approximately 840,000 square metres, Sindalah is a group of islands that will be developed in the giga-project. It is expected to create 3,500 jobs for the tourism sector and hospitality and leisure services.
According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the island will act as a main gateway to the Red Sea, offering visitors customised nautical experiences and is expected to start welcoming guests from early 2024.
The luxury island will also be home to a yacht club, three luxury resorts, a spa, over 50 luxury brands and 86 piers.
“This is another significant moment for NEOM and a major step in the Kingdom realizing its tourism ambitions under Vision 2030,” the crown prince said, adding that “Sindalah will be NEOM’s first luxury island and yacht club destination in the Red Sea, providing a scenic gateway to the Red Sea that will become the region’s most exciting and attractive tourism location.
He added: “It will be a destination where travelers can experience the true beauty of NEOM and Saudi Arabia, above and below the water, making Sindalah the future of luxury travel.”
The island aims to attract over 2,400 visitors per day by 2028.
“Like The LINE, our aim is to achieve a five-minute walk to all the important services and amenities that people need. There will be no roads or cars. The public realm approach will be about enabling social interaction, inspirational views and amazing experiences – all supported by advanced technology. Interestingly, the island is in the shape of a seahorse, and that’s a great metaphor, because like that creature, the island is superbly unique and different,” NEOM chief urban planning officer Antoni Vives said in an internal interview.
Vives added: “Sindalah is a new frontier for leisure, exploration and self-fulfillment. We want to provide new and improved experiences in this world – with sustainability, connectivity and joy in mind. If we achieve this, anything beyond that would be added value.”
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