Welcome to Saudi Arabia’s vision for tomorrow! The country is on a mission to transform its desert landscapes into hubs of innovation and luxury. Join us as we embark on an exploration of Saudi Arabia’s ambitious vision for the future.
11 Upcoming Mega Projects of Saudi Arabia to Watch Out For
Saudi Arabia is on a transformative journey, embarking on numerous mega projects to establish itself as a leading global economic powerhouse. With substantial investments under the banner of Saudi Vision 2030, launched by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the country aims to decrease its dependency on oil. This strategic plan is dedicated to diversifying the economy and enhancing public service sectors.
Let’s explore the mega projects currently underway that promise to redefine the country:
Neom
Neom is Saudi Arabia’s dream project, a futuristic city in the northwest that’s all about innovation and sustainability. With a whopping $500 billion investment from Saudi Arabia’s own funds and help from investors, Neom aims to run completely on clean energy.
The city’s design focuses on making life easier and greener. People will get around using public transport and self-driving cars to cut down on pollution and traffic. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman introduced Neom in 2017, proposing a city that changes how we think about urban living. With projects like The Line, Trojena, Sindalah, and Oxagon, Neom is shaping up to be a place unlike any other, blending high-tech living with eco-friendly practices.
The Red Sea Project
Launched in 2017, the Red Sea Project is a game-changer for tourism in Saudi Arabia. This luxurious destination surrounds the world’s fourth-largest coral reef, offering more than 28,000 square kilometers for exploration. The area also has a collection of more than 90 islands, inactive volcanoes, mountain canyons, and historical sites.
Moreover, the Red Sea Project is creating unique accommodations like mountain resorts and overwater villas, all while prioritizing environmental conservation. Other plans include the introduction of mangrove forests to appeal to nature enthusiasts. On completion in 2030, the plan is to have 8,000 rooms in 50 hotels and 1,000 residential properties.
Amaala
Amaala stands as another innovative project about to redefine tourism in Saudi Arabia. Spanning more than 4,000 square kilometers, Amaala offers the ideal mix of activities to suit everyone’s interests.
Furthermore, the entire place will run on 100% renewable energy, aiming for no carbon footprint. When completed in 2027, AMAALA will have over 25 hotels and 943 luxury apartments, alongside wellness and leisure facilities.
Diriyah
With its $62.2 billion development project, Diriyah is on track to become a landmark that showcases Saudi Arabia’s rich history. Established in 1446, Diriyah was originally the residence of the Saudi royal family and the capital of the First Saudi State. Up until when Riyadh became the capital of the Second Saudi State in 1824, Diriyah continued to hold historical significance.
The Diriyah Gate Development Authority is at the forefront of preserving Diriyah’s legacy, focusing on restoring key sites like the Al Turaif District, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its traditional mud-brick architecture. The authority aims to finish all restoration efforts by 2025.
AlUla
AlUla is a historic site famous for its well-preserved ancient tombs and stunning natural rock formations. Located just 25km southeast of the Prince Abdul Majeed bin Abdulaziz International Airport, AlUla is a must-visit for travelers. One of AlUla’s crowning glories is Mada’in Salih, a UNESCO World Heritage site with 111 impressive ancient tombs carved into the rocks.
The AlUla Development Company, backed by the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), started its mission in January 2023 by constructing better infrastructures to boost the area’s tourism. The development plans include building 7,500 hotel rooms, 5,000 residential units, and a village for staff with more than 1,000 homes.
Qiddiya
Qiddiya aims to establish itself as one of the world’s largest hubs for sports, culture, and entertainment. From international sports arenas, live concert venues, and art academies to racetracks, outdoor adventures, and family-friendly parks, Qiddiya has something for everyone.
This city isn’t just about fun; it’s about creating a brighter future for Saudi Arabia. When it’s all done, visitors can look forward to a Six Flags theme park, a top-tier golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus, a water park, a racing park, and a big sports stadium. To date, the Qiddiya City project has secured contracts worth 10 billion Saudi riyals (about $2.66 billion), planning to construct 60,000 buildings.
King Salman Park
King Salman Park, set to become one of the world’s largest city parks, was introduced in 2019. Located at the former Riyadh Air Base site, the park will feature sports facilities and an equestrian center. With a valuation of 4 billion riyals, this fund is designated to collaborate with private sector companies to develop more than 290,000 square meters of the park.
King Salman Park is also envisioned to be a major tourist attraction and a hub for outdoor activities. The park’s design will incorporate sustainable features and green spaces, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and families. Furthermore, King Salman Park is expected to be five times larger than London’s Hyde Park. The planned development includes the construction of approximately 1,500 apartments and townhouses.
Jeddah Central
The Jeddah Central Project is a major project aimed at transforming Jeddah into a premier global destination. Initiated in 2021 by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, this project is a blend of Jeddah’s historical charm and modern innovation. Spanning 5.7 million square meters in Jeddah’s core, the project, valued at over $19.9 billion, features many attractions.
The development will unfold in three stages, with the first phase—covering 45% of the project and including key attractions like the Opera House and Oceanarium—expected to be complete by 2027. The subsequent phase, finishing in 2030, will further enrich Jeddah’s role as a dynamic center for economy, culture, and entertainment.
Roshn
Roshn Group, supported by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, is on a mission to build 400,000 homes by 2030. This initiative aims to boost homeownership in the country to 70%. Launched in 2020, Roshn is dedicated to supporting the ambitious goal of 70% homeownership by 2030 and is doing so by making positive contributions to the nation’s real estate and infrastructure sectors.
Collaborating with local partners and generating employment, Roshn significantly contributes to the Kingdom’s growth and prosperity. The communities Roshn is developing are not just modern living spaces but also reflect the rich history and heritage of Saudi Arabia.
New Murabba and The Mukaab
In 2023, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman introduced the New Murabba project, a bold vision that’s transforming Riyadh. This new district covers 19 square kilometers, blending living, work, and fun in a fresh, exciting way. With over 25 million square meters of space, it will feature homes, hotels, shopping areas, plus spots for relaxation and community events. The New Murabba Development Company is making sure everything you need is right at your fingertips.
Now, let’s talk about the Mukaab. This centerpiece of New Murabba isn’t just any building; it’s set to be the largest of its kind, packed with shopping, culture, tourism, living spaces, offices, and places to play. The tower’s spiral base will also showcase innovative technologies and holographics, creating an immersive experience like no other.
Mohammed bin Salman Non-profit City (MISK)
In 2021, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman launched the world’s first nonprofit city in Riyadh, aiming to inspire Saudi Arabia’s youth. This city aims to cultivate future leaders through innovation, entrepreneurship, and learning in a community-driven environment. This unique city will be home to the Misk Foundation and its subsidiaries, alongside schools, academies, and spaces for both local and international organizations and entrepreneurs.
Moreover, the city will serve as a dynamic space for trying out new products and technologies. It will feature interactive retail spaces, offering unforgettable experiences. This initiative is a key part of Vision 2030, aiming to empower Saudi youth by enhancing the nonprofit sector’s role in meeting community needs and driving social progress.
Conclusion: Exploring Saudi Arabia’s Mega Projects
As Saudi Arabia moves towards a future bright with promise, its ambitious mega projects under Vision 2030 showcase a nation in transformation. Each project, from the innovative city of Neom to the cultural hub of Diriyah, reflects a commitment to sustainability and heritage preservation. These developments are not just about constructing buildings; they represent a vision for a dynamic, diverse economy and a thriving society. Through these initiatives, Saudi Arabia is promoting tourism, and investing in the welfare and future of its youth. As these projects progress, they promise to reshape the country’s landscape and offer new opportunities for global collaboration.
