Saudi megaprojects: A guide to the 10 incredible NEOM regions
The future is firmly in NEOM…
Saudi Arabian megaprojects are as diverse as they are ambitious – with a string of incredible new destinations shaping the Kingdom into the ultimate destination for leisure, business and tourism.
But among the most awe-inspiring is NEOM, an industry-redefining, $500 billion development in the northwest of Saudi Arabia. Set to become a new economic model for how we live, work and experience NEOM is a destination made up of 10 regions, which have all now been revealed.
From jaw-dropping hotels to mountain resorts, residential developments and otherworldly events spaces, here, we’re breaking down the 10 NEOM regions for you.
Aquellum
One of six sustainable destinations unrolling along the northwest coast in the vast Gulf of Aqaba, Aquellum is an invitation to discover the future. Disguised within the craggy 450-metre mountain range, it’s integrated into its natural surroundings, while also fusing cutting-edge technology with daring architecture and forward-thinking concepts to catapult guests into the future. Among its more wow-worthy features, it will come with the world’s first floating marina, an 100-metre-high vertical experience and a dynamic boulevard that winds through the courtyard. Among the highlights will be ‘The Generator,’ where creative thinkers and innovators will be invited to work in research labs, and there will be residences, offices, hotels, boutiques and restaurants all interconnected and seamlessly blending in to each other.
Epicon
Also set within the Gulf of Aqaba, Epicon is all about the finer things in life. This ultra-luxury sanctuary promises to be an otherworldly escape split across two striking towers of 225 metres and 275 metres. There’ll be a trio of experiences across this architecturally dazzling project: a 41 key hotel, luxury residences, and a resort set a short distance away, unrolling along the beach with a collection of rooms and residential beach villas. An escape unlike any other, the world-class facilities will include a luxe beach club, pampering spa, and slew of watersports, plus more low-tempo experiences like a library, lounges and pools.
Leyja
Another luxury eco-tourism destination set within the Gulf of Aqaba, rising among the dramatic mountains in Leyja. Winding from the coastline to a natural valley, Leyja is development designed to blend into the natural landscape, framing the natural beauty of the area through a trio of experiences. There will be three hotels of just 40 keys each within Leyja, each with its own distinct offering and all operated by Habitas, already behind a duo of stunning hotels in AlUla. One, a staircase-looking structure is designed for the active adventurer, and promises high-octane experiences and rugged topography. The second, which rises from the rock at the heart of the wadi’s largest oasis, promises unmatched views of the valley. The final property is self-described as an ‘immersive wellness retreat,’ and has a high-tech, reflective façade mirroring the surrounding beauty and valley walls. Activities here will include dips in a rooftop infinity pool, guided wadi walks, culinary collaborations with top chefs, and more.
The Line
A head-spinning architectural marvel unlike anything ever done before, The Line is Saudi Arabia’s visionary vertical city, welcome to what the future of living looks like. Stretching 170km from the mountains of NEOM through desert valleys to the coast of the Red Sea, this mirrored structure towers 500 metres above sea level, but runs 200 metres wide, making it a space-saving city that will eventual house 9 million residences. You’ll never be further than two minutes’ walk away from serene natural spaces dotted around multiple levels, and there’ll be no roads or emissions, with a high-speed railway getting residents from end-to-end in 20 minutes. Plus, it’s all powered by 100 per cent by renewable energy.
Norlana
A celebration of wellbeing and watersports awaits visitors to Norlana, also located within the Gulf of Aqaba. Designed around a spectacular waterfront promenade, this destination offers active, experiential living across a community that’s been designed to encourage human connection. With 711 modern properties ranging from apartments to beach villas and mansions designed for some 3,000 residents, it’s all designed to complement the local nature rather than destroy it. A central hub will be the 120-berth marina, but residents can also look forward to perfecting their swing on an 18-hole golf course, and get involved with horsey pursuits at the equestrian and polo centre.
Oxagon
Oxagon is NEOM’s futuristic answer to the traditional industrial model. This reimagined industrial city will pioneer entrepreneurship and provide futuristic solutions in sectors such as clean industries, port and supply chain and research and innovation labs. Thanks to its central location, Oxagon will establish a best-in-class port with a single physical and digital platform to service its supply chain that will allow it to offer supply, logistics and connectivity to global trade routes. It will also be a pioneering development that creates products of the future across renewable energy, sustainable mobility, and modern construction. But as well as its industrial activity, Oxagon promises community-focused sustainable living for its talents, with outdoor living incorporated into social and living spaces. So far, confirmed hotels and residences at Oxagon include House Residence by Kerten Hospitality, bringing 200 apartments to Oxagon’s first residential community in 2025; a 250-key Hotel Indigo from IHG Hotels & Resorts set to open in 2026; and playful budget hotel Yotel, which will debut in the Kingdom at Oxagon in 2025.
Trojena
Challenging perceptions that Saudi Arabia is a summer destination of sand, sea and desert is NEOM’s breathtaking Trojena development. Covering an area of nearly 60km, it ranges in elevation from 1,500m to 2,000m, and is split into six distinctive clusters. As a mountain tourism pioneer, it plans to add 30km of ski slopes that range from entry level to the toughest runs. Elsewhere, Trojena will feature an outdoor ski village a nature reserve, and watersports, making it a year-round destination for adventure. Hotels-wise, there’s already a string of hospitality big-hitters on board, including W, JW Marriott, Anantara, 25hours, Morgans Originals and Chedi Hotels. Although it’s still a few years away from opening (the first guests are expected to hit the slopes in 2026), Trojena has already been confirmed as the host of the 2029 Asian Winter Games.
Sindalah
The first piece in the NEOM puzzle will be Sindalah, and it’s set to welcome guests this year. An oceanic-inspired getaway that draws inspiration from the beauty of its Red Sea surroundings, this island promises unforgettable experiences both above and below the water. Set to attract yachting enthusiasts from near and far, Sindalah’s 86-berth marina will be the beating heart of the island’s allure. But guests landing on its shores can look forward to so much more. A golf course, 50 shops and restaurants, a glamourous yacht club, glittering beach club, and a trio of hotels from Marriott’s Luxury Collection and Autograph Collection brands will welcome guests into the alluring world of luxe coastal living.
Siranna
An idyllic seaside destination for escaping it all, Siranna is a dramatic structure that gazes out towards the serene bay. Housing 100 hotel rooms and apartments, within a unique, tiered design, the distinctive hexagonal pillars replicate the rugged mountain surrounds. Reachable via boat, the entrance of the property is guarded by grand natural rock formations. Once at Siranna, guests can look forward to an ultra-luxury beach club, a relaxing spa, and futuristic wellness facilities that encourage guests to switch off and relax. Alfresco pursuits can include hiking the discovery trails, horseback rides to the wadi, and an array of watersports.
Utamo
Set to become an incredible new destination for world-class performances, Utamo is the final piece of the Gulf of Aqaba puzzle, and is self-described as a theatre of the future. A multipurpose performance space, visitors will be wowed by immersive shows and concerts that promise to push the boundaries of performance. Add in some luxe VIP lounges and a collection of signature restaurants, and you’ve got one of the world’s most show-stopping events spaces.