Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman stated that NEOM’s first luxury island destination Sindalah will be home to superyachts and high-end apartments as he introduced the newest project aimed at boosting Saudi Arabia’s tourism industry.
Sindalah is one of a set of islands that will be developed as part of the giga-project, and it is planned to provide 3,500 jobs in the tourism sector as well as hospitality and recreational services.
According to the Saudi Press Agency, the island will serve as a primary gateway to the Red Sea, offering personalised nautical experiences, and is slated to begin receiving passengers in early 2024.
The Crown Prince said: “This is another significant moment for NEOM and a major step in the Kingdom realizing its tourism ambitions under Vision 2030.
“Sindalah will be NEOM’s first luxury island and yacht club destination in the Red Sea, providing a scenic gateway to the Red Sea that will become the region’s most exciting and attractive tourism location.
“It will be a destination where travelers can experience the true beauty of NEOM and Saudi Arabia, above and below the water, making Sindalah the future of luxury travel.”
In an interview with Arab News, Chris Newman, executive director of hotel development at NEOM, described the variety of events and activities that would take place on the island once it opens.
In an interview with Arab News, Chris Newman, executive director of hotel development at NEOM, described the variety of events and activities that would take place on the island once it opens.
“Sindalah expects to host sophisticated cultural events, grand sporting spectacles and glamorous social celebrations throughout the year,” he said, adding “There will be a year-round calendar of imaginative experiences, curated across various seasons.”
These will include a social season from December to February, during which guests will have access to exclusive music performances, art and culture activities, and other events staged in inspirational creative spaces.
The ‘Glamour season’ will last from March through May, then again in October and November, corresponding with the peak yachting event season. As part of the glamorous season, guests will have unique access to music, fashion, and gourmet festivals.
From June to September, the active season will provide guests with a variety of family-friendly beach and leisure activities.
“Sindalah is one of many islands in NEOM. There are additional islands in development, and we will make the announcements in due course as more information becomes available,” Newman added
Mohammed bin Salman, who also serves as the chairman of NEOM’s Board of Directors, stated that the launch of Sindalah represents a significant step in realising the Kingdom’s tourist ambitions, as expressed in Vision 2030.
Sindalah will feature an 86-berth marina, 413 ultra-premium hotel rooms, and 333 top-tier serviced residences.
Other attractions in Sindalah include a luxury beach club, a yacht club, and 38 diverse gastronomic selections that will provide an unforgettable Red Sea experience.
Sindalah is also intended to become a famous golfing resort by providing aficionados with a world-class 6,474-yard (5,920-meter) par 70 course. The Sindalah golf course, with its 18 tees, will provide two distinct nine-hole experiences.
NEOM, Saudi Arabia’s $500 billion smart metropolis, is one of the most important initiatives supporting the Kingdom’s national tourist strategy, as the Kingdom slowly diversifies its economy, which has been highly reliant on oil for decades.
Speaking at the World Travel and Tourism Council Global Summit in November, Nadhmi Al-Nasr, CEO of NEOM, stated that the smart city’s hanging stadiums will cause travellers to reinvent and picture the future.