< Previous30 September 2023 A TRIBUTE TO THE KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA From September to November, visi- tors can access a wellness summit, alternative medicine, discovery week, yoga retreat, artist residency and enter- tainment residency. From December to March, which is the winter season, visitors can look forward to skiing, snowboarding, winter fashion week, ice skating, music festival and a lm festival. For adventure season, which runs from March to May, visitors and resi- dents at Trojena can opt for a high-alti- tude training, witness an adventure triathlon, take part in a yoga retreat, go mountain biking, paragliding and even climbing. During Lake Season, which runs from May to September, visitors can visit a music festival, food festival, art fair, cultural week, light show and attend a yoga retreat. Other key highlights at TROJENA include: a ski village, the vault, the lake, the wildlife reserve, the observatory, the bow and the ultra-luxury mansions. “Outdoor skiing is a unique feature of TROJENA that will provide a unique experience never before witnessed in the region, especially in Gulf countries known for their desert climates,” NEOM said earlier this year, adding that amateurs and professionals alike will be able to “enjoy the many ski runs of vari- ous difficulties with an array of contrasting and breath-taking views.” The coldest place in the kingdom will also feature The Bow Hotel, an architectural masterpiece that will o er an unrivalled hotel experience. In terms of residences, the snowy development will also include the Slope Residences. “These will be located near the ski slope overlooking the lake, designed to blend in with the surrounding land- scape, as well as luxurious mansions with panoramic views designed to re ect the beauty of the environment,” NEOM said. Trojena is expected to attract 700,000 visitors and 7,000 permanent residents to live in the development and its adjacent residential districts by 2030. “All construction activity will adhere to NEOM’s strict environmental princi- ples, which include a commitment to minimise disruption to the local ecology and to ensure long-term sustainability,” the statement said. In line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals, Trojena aims to create over 10,000 jobs and add SAR3bn ($800m) to the kingdom’s GDP by 2030. Oxagon Saudi Arabia’s NEOM is building a oat- ing city – Oxagon - in the Red Sea near the Suez Canal. $800 The expected contribution of Trojena to Saudi Arabia’s GDP by 2030 Trojena is expected to attract 700,000 visitors and 7,000 permanent residents to live in the development and its adjacent districts by 2030arabianbusiness.com 31 A TRIBUTE TO THE KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA The city is designed to revolutionise global manufacturing by creating a new logistics centre that will redefine the world’s approach to industrial develop- ment. The city’s unique shape re ects its name, and it will mainly comprise facto- ries, manufacturing facilities, and logis- tics-related sites, though it will also house around 90,000 residents by 2030. The city will be one of the world’s most technologically advanced logistics hubs, with state-of-the-art integrated port and airport connectivity. It will focus on seven sectors: Sustainable energy; autonomous mobil- ity; water innovation; sustainable food production; health and well-being; technology and digital manufacturing; and modern methods of construction. The city is planned around the king- dom’s net-zero goals and will feature the world’s rst fully integrated port and supply chain ecosystem. Oxagon already has confirmed tenants, including Air Products, ACWA Power, and NEOM’s hydrogen project, Gulf Modular International, Hyzon Motors, and Desert Technologies. Oxagon will also include residential communities that are integrated with nature, and most of the communities will be waterfront. The project will be cooled and controlled using the ocean’s natural moderating e ects, and will be resilient to sea-level rise. People can commute via hydrogen-powered modes of trans- portation or walk to their destinations. Oxagon will also feature an innovation campus that will rival established global centres. It will create a collaborative envi- ronment built around research and inno- vation to create a truly circular economy. The city’s full completion is expected by 2030, and some of its key features, includ- ing advanced logistics solutions facilities, are expected to take shape by 2025. Sindalah Saudi Arabia’s NEOM is set to open Sindalah, an island o the coast of the development in 2024. Covering an area of approximately 840,000 sq m, Sindalah is a group of islands that will be devel- oped 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 gate- way 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 signi cant moment for NEOM and a major step in the king- dom realising its tourism ambitions under Vision 2030,” the crown prince said, adding that “Sindalah will be NEOM’s rst luxury island and yacht club destination in the Red Sea, provid- ing 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 travellers 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, inspi- rational views and amazing experiences – all supported by advanced technology. Interestingly, the island is in the shape of a seahorse, and that’s a great meta- phor, because like that creature, the island is superbly unique and di erent,” NEOM chief urban planning officer Antoni Vives said in an interview. 90,000 The projected number of residents living in Oxagon City by 2030 Saudi Arabia’s NEOM is building a oating city – Oxagon – in the Red Sea near the Suez Canal (top picture). Sindalah will be NEOM’s rst luxury island and yacht club destination in the Red Sea (above).32 September 2023 A TRIBUTE TO THE KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA Vives added: “Sindalah is a new frontier for leisure, exploration and self-ful llment. 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.” Qiddiya Qiddiya is set to revolutionise the enter- tainment, sports, and arts industries in Saudi Arabia. Launched by Crown Prince Moham- med bin Salman as part of the Saudi Vision 2030 plan, Qiddiya will help diversify the country’s economy, create new job opportunities, and empower its youth and female population. The ambitious project, located on the outskirts of Riyadh, will o er a wide range of experiences based on five cornerstones: Sports and Wellness, Nature and Environment, Parks and Attractions, Motion and Mobility, and Arts and Culture. From family-friendly theme parks and sports arenas suitable for interna- tional competitions to academies for sports and the arts, concert and enter- tainment venues, and racetracks for motorsport enthusiasts, Qiddiya will cater to visitors of all ages and interests. The development’s ground-break- ing ceremony, led by King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, showcased the vision and magnitude of the project. With highlights including a perfor- mance by Ayed Yousef, a rising Saudi star, and a three-act show examining Saudi Arabia’s past, present, and future, the ceremony culminated in a spectac- ular reworks display over the Tuwaiq mountain cli . Qiddiya’s master plan, revealed in 2019, and its Visitor Experi- ence Centre, opened the same year, offer glimpses into the future of the project. In the design and construction phase, Qiddiya is currently offering numerous opportunities for investors, contractors, suppliers, and infrastruc- ture partners, as well as healthcare providers. With Qiddiya’s innovative o erings and commitment to advancing the potential of Saudi Arabia’s youth, it is poised to become a leading global desti- nation. The project’s impact is already being felt locally and internationally, with its development being followed by media outlets worldwide. As Qiddiya continues to take shape, it represents a bold new era for Saudi Arabia’s economy, society, and culture. As the world awaits its completion, it is clear that the project’s impact will be felt far beyond the borders of the kingdom. 4.2M The square metres of open space planned for the Riyadh Sports Boulevard project As Qiddiya continues to take shape, it represents a bold new era for Saudi Arabia’s economy, society, and culturearabianbusiness.com 33 A TRIBUTE TO THE KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA Riyadh Sports Boulevard The Saudi Vision 2030 initiative, launched in 2019, aims to put Saudi Arabia on the map as one of the top 100 cities in the world. The Sports Boule- vard, one of Riyadh’s ambitious projects, will play a crucial role in real- ising this vision. The Sports Boulevard is a 135-km stretch of land that runs through Riyadh, connecting Hanifah Valley in the West to Al Salai Valley in the East. The development is designed to promote healthy living through sports and exercise, and encourages Riyadh’s residents to walk, cycle, and ride horses. The project provides 4.2 million sq m of open space, including a desert park that covers 20 sq km. The park features event venues, outdoor museums, and movie theatres, along with areas designated for recrea- tional and commercial activities. The project also includes investment zones, landmarks and public art installations that will enrich the cultural lifestyle of the city. The Boulevard is divided into seven main zones, each with a unique o ering. The Hanifah Valley Zone will cater to cyclists, while the Arts District will feature cultural and art facilities. The Urban Wadi Zone will run alongside the Al Aysen Valley and will have a water canal. The Entertainment District will have a viaduct for professional cyclists and a movie theatre. The Athletics District, which will feature 60 sports sites, will be connected to Princess Nora bint Abdul Rahman University. The Environmental Zone will run along the Al Sulai Valley and promote environmental sustainability. Finally, the Al Sulai Valley Zone will cater to cyclists and horse riders and feature picnic and camping areas. The Sports Boulevard project will create a rich cultural, environmental, and recre- ational ambiance for residents and visi- tors alike. The project will help the citizens of Riyadh to follow a healthy lifestyle and participate in various sports and activ- ities, while also attracting investors and contributing to the growth of the city. Riyadh Metro The largest public transport network projects in the world, the Riyadh Metro project features a length of approxi- mately 176 km of railway lines, on which electric trains operate without drivers, in addition to 40 percent of the train route will be underground, which allows the continuation of the transportation movement in its natural form, according to reports. Riyadh metro is the largest single-phase public transport project ever developed. The announcement was reportedly made by Fahd Al Rasheed, the CEO of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City. The Riyadh Metro project is valued at a whopping $22.5bn, a report said, citing an o cial statement. Red Sea International Airport Saudi Arabia will soon be home to one of the largest airports – King Salman International Airport – the kingdom’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz announced. The announcement is in line with PIF’s strategy to diversify Saudi Arabia’s economy away from oil, and is also in line with the National Transport Strat- egy and the Global Supply Chain Resil- ience Initiative. The airport’s construction is led by architects Foster + Partners, which “reimagines the traditional terminal as a single concourse loop, served by multiple entrances. The terminal is $22.5BN Saudi Arabia’s investment in the Riyadh Metro project The Riyadh Sports Boulevard will help citizens to follow a healthy lifestyle and participate in various sports and activities34 September 2023 A TRIBUTE TO THE KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA very much of its place and connects passengers to the sensory experiences of the city, with natural elements, tempered light and state-of-the-art facilities,” the architecture studio’s head Luke Fox said. The airport, which is a “visionary development will play an important role in shaping the city into a global hub of creativity and innovation,” Foster +Partners senior partner Seif A. Bahaa Eldin added. The airport project is in line with Saudi Arabia’s vision to transform Riyadh to be among the top ten city economies in the world and to support the growth of Riyadh’s population to 15 to 20 million people by 2030, PIF said in a statement. King Salman International Airport is expected to cover an area of approx- imately 57 sq km, featuring six parallel runways and the existing terminals named after King Khalid. The airport will also include 12 sq km of airport support facilities, residential and recreational facilities, retail outlets and other logistics real estate. By 2030, the airport aims to accom- modate up to 120 million travellers and 185 million travellers, with the capacity to process 3.5 million tonnes of cargo by 2050. Jeddah Tower Jeddah Tower, the world’s tallest build- ing-in-waiting, began construction over seven years ago. The ambitious $1.4bn project will be home to a mix of residential units, serviced apartments and hotels, with a Four Seasons hotel set to open within. The central core of the tower currently stands at level 60, and the walls are 248 metres high. When completed, Jeddah Tower will stand at an estimated height of 1 km, towering over the current world’s tallest building, Burj Khalifa. The tower has been designed by Adrien Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture and covers a oor space of 243,866 sq m. It will also have the world’s highest observation deck, located 664 metres o the ground. Despite the project facing setbacks, Jeddah Economic Company, the build- ing’s developer, recently posted a video on its Twitter page promoting the tower as part of Saudi’s Vision 2030. The ambitious vision aims to reduce the country’s dependence on oil and modernise its economy. Although there is still no comple- tion date in sight, once Jeddah Tower is finished, it will undoubtedly be a marvel of modern engineering. With its impressive height and luxury ameni- ties, the tower will be a symbol of Saudi Arabia’s move towards a modern, diversi ed economy. $1.4BN The cost of the Jeddah Tower project King Salman International Airport is expected to cover an area of approximately 57 sq km (above, left). Jeddah Tower will be a symbol of Saudi Arabia’s move towards a modern, diversi ed economy (right)Next >