Can’t wait for their launch
These past few years we have seen Saudi Arabia, open up in ways it hasn’t before. The former conservative state opened up cinemas and brought in regional and international stars for sell-out shows. Now, the Kingdom has taken it a step further, by officially opening its doors to international tourists.
The Gulf state is home to many historical sites including Red Sea port city of Jeddah, Al Hejaz Railway station in Medina, and Masmak Fortress – a Unesco World Heritage Site. But that’s not all, soon while visiting Saudi, tourists will be able to enjoy other incredible projects including the world’s fastest rollercoaster.
Here are the five upcoming projects that will help the Kingdom become a touristic hotspot.
NEOM
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One of the most ambitious and one of the earliest projects announced by HH Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohamed Bin Salman. So what is NEOM? It is planned to be a cross-border city in the Tabuk Province and will incorporate smart city technologies, while functioning as a tourist destination. The Public Investment Fund has invested $500 billion in the futuristic city, which is set to be more than 35 times the size of Singapore.
Ad Diriyah
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Diriyah was the original home of the Saudi royal family, also known as the “pearl of Saudi Arabia.” Even though the UNESCO-listed site hasn’t been open to the public since 2010, it became home to the Formula E championship, Ad Diriyah ePrix, the first to be held in the Middle East.
Not only that, but the city is expected to welcome 27 million tourists, according to Jerry Inzerillo, Chief Executive of Diriyah Gate Development Authority.
Amaala
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Another ambitious project in Saudi’s ever-growing list. Amaala is set to be established at the northwestern coast of the Red Sea, and has already been dubbed the “Riviera of the Middle East”. The extremely luxurious touristic destination will be the go-to for those looking for a wellness and health retreat.
Qiddiya
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This destination will surely be a favourite amongst tourists traveling to Saudi Arabia. Qiddiya is one of the Kingdom’s most anticipated project, as a lot rests on its shoulder. Expected to be the country’s “pre-eminent entertainment, sports, and cultural destination,” we can’t wait to see what’s in-store for us. The upcoming entertainment hub will feature a theme park, a water park, a motorsports center, and sports and art venues. But, it is not just a theme park, it is America’s iconic Six Flags, opening for the first time in the Middle East.
The Red Sea Project
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One of the treasures of Saudi, is that it is exposed to a big chunk of the Red Sea. The project is focused on tourism, hoping to attract tourists to visit and explore the country’s untouched coast. The plan boasts 90 islands, volcanoes, deserts, and mountains that are strategically placed at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.
The first phase is expected to be completed by 2022 when 3,000 hotel rooms will open along with an airport, marina and recreation centres.
Media: Instagram
