Saudi Arabia is about to turn into one gigantic living museum as it rolls out plans to build over 200 projects that will take its history and heritage to the future and showcase them to the world.
These mega projects are being spearheaded by Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Recent efforts are focused on transforming Al Ula in the country’s northwest into a global destination.
The projects will range from theme parks, entertainment areas, sports facilities, hotels, residential units, commercial centres, and family destinations.
Saudi Arabia’s mega projects are turning the Kingdom into a living museum in the truest sense of the word, combining fun and educational activities to provide an experience that brings back history to life.
Shaping the future of Saudi Arabia
Usually, mentioning Saudi Arabia brings to mind sand dunes, oil, difficulty getting a visa, or suppression of women’s rights.
These stereotypes have been reinforced even more by the Western media.
However, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is in the midst of a transformation.
The government is investing billions of dollars into mega projects that are changing the country’s landscape.
These projects are not only creating jobs and stimulating the economy, but they are also highlighting the Kingdom’s efforts toward social and cultural diversification.
Investing in entertainment, shopping, and tourist destination like no other country
Saudi Arabia is home to some of the world’s most impressive mega projects.
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 is set to mark one of the most radical changes in the nation’s history.
It represents a significant transformation of the economy, environment, appeal to tourists and more.
Very few countries can claim to have as ambitious plans for the future as Saudi Arabia has shown.
The Vision 2030 blueprint organises the country’s unique strengths and capabilities into a long-term strategic plan to propel the country into a new era.
And make no mistake… These developments are no vanity projects.
They are going to have a significant impact on economic growth.
Increased worldwide demand for such destinations
In recent years, there has been an increased worldwide demand for destinations that offer a mix of history, culture, and modern amenities.
Saudi Arabia’s mega projects are turning the Kingdom into just such a destination.
With its combination of natural beauty and man-made wonders, Saudi Arabia is quickly becoming one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, attracting the biggest investors from all over the world.
Let’s take a look at some of the most important projects:
- The Red Sea Project
The Red Sea Project is a property megaproject currently under development.
Announced by Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman in July 2017, the project focuses on ecotourism and luxury to attract both local and international visitors to the Red Sea coast.
It will include deserts, islands, volcanic, beaches, and mountain areas.
The project’s first phase began in 2019 and is expected to be completed by the end of this year.
The developers of this project want it to become one of the world’s most successful sustainable tourist resorts, with a zero waste policy, 100% carbon neutrality and a ban on single-use plastics.
- Neom
Think of Neom as the jewel in the crown of the Vision 2030 diversification program.
It is located in northwest Saudi Arabia, and this planned City has been described as a hyper-futuristic metropolis.
It will cost around $500 billion to construct alone and is being funded by the Saudi government and private investors as well.
Once completed, Neom will be home to more than 1 million people and will feature high-tech industries, AI, and renewable energy.
Also, this year, Prince Mohammed also launched The Line – a civilisation revolution only 200 metres wide but 1,7km long.
It will be home to 9 million people living in interconnected societies designed to coexist with nature.
- Jeddah Economic City
Previously known as Kingdom City, it is a project being developed in Jeddah, a city in the Hejaz region.
The Jeddah Economic City will consist of 210 towers, with its centrepiece being Jeddah Tower, which will overshadow Dubai’s Burj Khalifa (currently the world’s tallest building.)
This tower will be a mix of residential units, apartments and hotels, with a Four Seasons hotel expected to open within.
Despite the fact that this $1.4bn project has faced several delays since construction began seven years ago, more than 70% of the construction work is done.
- Al Sharaan Nature Reserve
Al Sharaan Nature Reserve is a 925-square-kilometre space set to make the most of the rocky landscape of Al Ula.
This project will focus on the natural integrity and aims to re-establish the biodiversity that once flourished here.
Inside the reserve, a luxury retreat will open in archaeologically rich surroundings.
It will consist of 25 suites, and five resort-style residential estates (among other things), with completion expected in 2023.
Think of it as luxury within nature.
- Diriyah Gate Development Project
Ad Diriyah is known as the ‘pearl of Saudi Arabia’ and is set to put the Kingdom’s tourism wheels in motion.
It is the site of the first Saudi state and the original seat of power of Saudi Arabia’s Al Saud family.
The Diriyah Gate Development Project will encompass several luxury resorts, major international hotel brands, and more than 100 dining and entertainment options.
The new development is centred around the UNESCO World Heritage Site of At-Turaif.
At-Turaif was mostly destroyed, but the redevelopment project has introduced museums and a glimpse inside 18th-century Saudi Arabia.
- Qiddiya City Development Project
Qiddiyah City is an entertainment megaproject currently under development in Al Qidiya.
Occupying a planned build-up area of 223 km2, with more than 100 km2 set aside for nature conservation.
The city project has been divided into five development nodes
The Resort Core
The City Centre
The Motion Core
The Eco Core
A gold and residential neighbourhood.
Upon completion, the City will be a disruptive destination recognised on the world stage as home to the most immersive experiences.
Changing the Kingdom’s landscapes and tourism
Vision 2030 has three main pillars: a vibrant society, a thriving economy, and an ambitious nation.
The first theme is vital to creating a solid foundation for economic prosperity.
The second theme calls for a booming economy with opportunities for all.
The third theme is built on a practical, transparent and high-performing government.
Combined, these three pillars provide the perfect landscape for entrepreneurs, small enterprises, and corporations alike.
These mega projects are not only limited to diversifying the economy of Saudi Arabia.
They are actually designed to make Saudi Arabia one of the most competitive countries in terms of innovation in hospitality.
So, be part of the change and the future.
Invest in any of these or similar projects and help transform Saudi Arabia into a modern tourist destination.