An important step in the country’s transition from an oil-dependent economy to a top luxury travel destination has been taken with the official opening of Sindalah, the first phase of Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Neom giga-project. Luca Dini Design & Architecture created Sindalah, an opulent island retreat only 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) off the coast of Saudi Arabia. This ultra-exclusive location, which covers 83 hectares (207 acres), is designed to draw wealthy tourists and provide a preview of the futuristic projects Neom has in store.
Sindalah’s primary feature is an 86-berth marina and yacht club, complemented by offshore docking for large super yachts. The island also offers upscale restaurants, boutique retail stores, and a beach club that transforms from a serene day lounge to a vibrant music venue by night. For golf enthusiasts, there’s an 18-hole course set amid lush landscapes, while eventual accommodation offerings will include 440 hotel rooms, 88 villas, and 218 serviced apartments.
Beyond luxury on land, Sindalah’s waters host a vibrant marine ecosystem, with over a thousand fish species, 45 of which are unique to the area, and more than 300 species of coral. Diving and snorkeling experiences will let guests explore these pristine surroundings firsthand.
While Sindalah opens in phases, access remains exclusive, with the island expected to accommodate a maximum of 2,400 guests per day by 2028. Nadhmi Al-Nasr, CEO of Neom, highlights that Sindalah embodies the ambition of Saudi Vision 2030, guided by the vision of His Royal Highness Mohammed bin Salman. This is just the beginning for Neom’s expansive developments, which include other audacious projects like The Line, Treyam, and Epicon.
Sindalah’s debut reflects Saudi Arabia’s transformative agenda, supported by other mega-projects such as the towering Mukaab skyscraper and aspirations to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup. If successful, these developments are set to reshape the Kingdom’s global image in the coming decades.