As part of the Kingdom’s transformational and forward-thinking Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia has begun an ambitious path of economic diversification and infrastructural development through a number of giga and mega projects.
By attracting investors and generating job opportunities across the Kingdom, these varied initiatives seek to fuel the nation’s burgeoning economy.
Here are some notable mega projects around Saudi Arabia:
Project: NEOM
Location: Tabuk Province (Northwest of Saudi Arabia)
Start of Construction: 2018
Expected Completion: 2030
Neom is a futuristic and sustainable city being built from scratch in the northwest region of the Kingdom. It focuses on innovation and plans to incorporate advanced technologies like artificial intelligence, robotics, and automation into its infrastructure. It also envisions a model for sustainable living with a strong emphasis on renewable energy source and eco-friendly practices and to develop a world-class tourism and entertainment destination. The first phase of the project is anticipated to be completed by 2025.
Project: The Red Sea Project
Location: Between the cities of Umluj and AlWajh (West coast of Saudi Arabia)
Start of Construction: 2019
Expected Completion: 2030
Under the supervision and management of the Red Sea Group, the Red Sea Project is transforming the picturesque and pristine coastline of the Red Sea. Stretching approximately 28,000 square kilometers, this project aims to develop a luxury tourism destination which will include 50 hotels, 8,000 rooms, up to 1,000 residential properties, entertainment facilities, a nature reserve, and its own airport on its completion in 2030.
Project: Qiddiya
Location: Southwest Riyadh
Start of Construction: 2019
Expected Completion: 2030
Seeking to be a global hub for entertainment, sports, and arts is the Qiddiya project which is located 40 km away from Riyadh’s city center. Qiddiya will offer a wide range of attractions, including theme parks, water parks, sports facilities, cultural venues, shopping centers, and luxury hotels. Phase one, which will feature Six Flags Qiddiya as a family attraction, has been announced to open some time in October 2024. It will feature theme parks, sports venues, cultural attractions, and a wide variety of recreational activities.
Project: Amaala
Location: Red Sea Coast in northwestern Saudi Arabia
Start of Construction: 2018
Expected Completion: 2027
Another premier destination in the works is the Amaala project that focuses on developing an ultra-luxury tourism destination on Saudi Arabia’s northwest coast. Also under the supervision of the Red Sea Group, this project will cover an area spanning more than 3,800 square kilometers and will offer a unique blend of stunning natural beauty and opulent resorts, and world-class facilities. Amaala will boast pristine beaches, breathtaking mountains, and a vibrant ecosystem making it a haven for nature enthusiasts. Its completion in 2027 will provide tourists more than 3,000 hotel rooms across 25 hotels, as well as around 900 luxury residential villas, apartments, and estate homes, along with high-end retail establishments, fine dining, wellness, and recreational facilities.
Project: Diriyah Gate
Location: Ad Diriyah, Riyadh
Start of Construction: 2019
Expected Completion: 2024
The Diriyah Gate project is a major development initiative in Riyadh that aspires to transform the historic area of Diriyah into a cultural and lifestyle hub while showcasing the rich history and heritage of the Kingdom. It involves construction of museums, galleries, hotels, residential area, and commercial spaces alongside the restoration and development of cultural and heritage sites including the UNESCO World Heritage site of At Turaif District. Diriyah Gate is a magnificent heritage and tourism project headed by Diriyah Gate Development Authority.
Project: King Salman Energy Park
Location: Between Dammam and Al Ahsa
Start of Construction: 2018
Expected Completion: 2035
A project that focuses on the energy sector is the King Salman Energy Park. Known as SPARK, it is a mega-industrial hub located in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia that aims to reduce the country’s dependence on oil and promotes economic development. With the main goal of attracting local and international companies in the energy field, promoting research and development and creating job opportunities, SPARK covers an area of 50 square kilometers which will provide dedicated areas for various industries including upstream and downstream oil and gas, petrochemicals and renewable energy.
Project: Riyadh Metro
Location: Riyadh
Start of Construction: 2014
Expected Completion: End of 2023
The Riyadh Metro is a rapid transit system currently under construction in Riyadh, the Kingdom’s capital. It is divided into six metro lines that will cover a total length of 176 kilometers and serve various areas of the city. With a total of 85 stations consisting of both underground and elevated sections, the Riyadh Metro aims to provide efficient and reliable transportation services to the residents and visitors of Riyadh.
Project: King Salman Park
Location: Riyadh
Start of Construction: 2019
Expected Completion: 2024
Not to be confused with the King Salman Energy Park, the King Salman Park, which spans over over 16 square kilometers, is set to be the largest urban park in the world currently under development at the center of Riyadh. Being at the core of the Kingdom’s capital, King Salman Park’s location is linked to various main roads, five stations of Riyadh Metro, and ten stations of the Riyadh Bus network – making it easily accessible to visitors and tourists. This project consists of a wide range of elements such as environmental through its various gardens and sanctuaries, cultural through museums and event plazas, and physical as it will also include running and biking routes, sports complex, and a golf course.
Project: New Murabba and Mukaab
Location: Northwest of Riyadh
Announced: 2023
Expected Completion: 2030
With a floor area of 25 million square kilometers, the New Murabba is set to transform downtown Riyadh and offer residential units, hotel rooms, retail and office spaces, leisure assets and community facilities. It will feature an iconic landmark which will be the largest inner-city building in the world called the Mukaab, which means “cube” in Arabic, measuring 400 meters each in height, width, and length with a modern Najdi architectural design.
Project: North Pole (Rise Tower)
Location: North of Riyadh
Announced: 2023
Expected Completion: Unannounced
Described as the “city of the future,” The North Pole project will be an extensive urban area stretching over 306 square kilometers across Riyadh’s northern part. It aims to highlight the slim and sleek Rise Tower which the precise height is yet to be revealed. The North Pole project redefine urban living through blending modernity and nature.
Project: Al Widyan
Location: North of Riyadh
Start of Construction: 2023
Expected Completion: 2030
Measuring 7 million square kilometers of floor area which will contain residential, commercial, retail, and leisure amenities, Al Widiyan, which translates to “valleys,” is a progressive project developed by Al Akaria Saudi Real Estate Company (SRECO) which is partially owned by Public Investment Fund (PIF). Dubbed as a “city within a city,” the initial works for Al Widyan has begun.
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The ambitious yet exciting mega projects currently underway around the country are set to redefine Saudi Arabia’s future through reducing the dependence on oil revenue and creating countless opportunities in employment, investment, and sustainable development.
These projects are set to attract more tourists from around the world as they showcase more of Saudi Arabia’s rich historical and cultural traditions, stunning natural landscapes, and world-class hospitality.
It is evident that a new era of growth, prosperity, and global prominence awaits.
