Saudi Arabia’s ambitious $500 billion megacity, NEOM, has unveiled its latest tourism campaign: “Discover NEOM 2025.” This initiative marks a major milestone in the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 strategy, aiming to attract millions of international visitors to the northwest region of the country — where desert meets sea, and innovation meets sustainability.
With a goal of hosting 5 million tourists by 2030, NEOM is rapidly transforming from a bold vision into a tangible reality. The “Discover NEOM 2025” initiative is designed to showcase the region’s unique blend of natural beauty, cutting-edge architecture, and immersive experiences — all while promoting sustainable travel and cultural preservation.
What Is NEOM?
NEOM is a futuristic city being built in the Tabuk Province of northwestern Saudi Arabia. Announced in 2017 by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, NEOM is part of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 plan to diversify the economy beyond oil.
The city will span over 26,500 square kilometers, featuring smart infrastructure, renewable energy, and AI-driven services. It includes sub-projects like:
- The Line: A linear city with no cars or streets.
- Oxagon: A floating industrial hub.
- Trojena: A mountain tourism destination.
- Sindalah: A luxury island resort in the Red Sea.
What Is “Discover NEOM 2025”?
“Discover NEOM 2025” is a tourism-focused initiative that invites global travelers to experience NEOM’s emerging destinations. It includes:
- Curated travel packages for eco-tourism, adventure, and luxury stays.
- Interactive visitor centers showcasing NEOM’s vision and progress.
- Cultural immersion programs with local heritage and traditions.
- Sustainability tours highlighting conservation and green innovation.
The campaign emphasizes transformative travel — where visitors not only explore but engage with futuristic living, nature preservation, and community development.
Key Attractions Under the Initiative
| Destination | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Trojena | Skiing, hiking, and wellness retreats in the mountains |
| Sindalah Island | Yacht clubs, coral reef diving, and luxury resorts |
| The Line | Futuristic urban living with zero carbon footprint |
| Oxagon | Smart industrial zones and tech exhibitions |
| Desert & Coastal Tours | Stargazing, dune safaris, and Red Sea cruises |
Sustainability at the Core
NEOM’s tourism model is built on sustainable development, aiming to:
- Preserve natural landscapes and biodiversity.
- Use renewable energy for all operations.
- Limit visitor numbers to avoid over-tourism.
- Train local communities for hospitality roles.
According to NEOM’s official tourism sector, the goal is to create “transformative travel experiences” that balance innovation with environmental stewardship.
Economic and Cultural Impact
The “Discover NEOM 2025” initiative is expected to:
- Boost Saudi Arabia’s non-oil GDP.
- Create thousands of jobs in tourism and hospitality.
- Position NEOM as a global destination rivaling Dubai and Doha.
- Promote Saudi heritage through curated cultural experiences.
NEOM’s leadership has emphasized that tourism will be a pillar of economic diversification, with infrastructure already underway and international partnerships forming.
FAQs
When will tourists be able to visit NEOM?
Select destinations like Sindalah and Trojena are expected to open in phases starting in 2025. Full access will expand through 2026 and beyond.
Is NEOM open to all nationalities?
Yes. NEOM aims to welcome global travelers, with visa facilitation and international flight connectivity planned.
What kind of experiences will “Discover NEOM 2025” offer?
Eco-tourism, luxury stays, adventure sports, cultural immersion, and sustainability-focused tours.
How is NEOM different from other Gulf cities?
NEOM combines futuristic design, AI-driven infrastructure, and zero-carbon living with natural landscapes and heritage preservation.
Will NEOM be affordable for budget travelers?
While luxury tourism is a focus, NEOM plans to offer tiered packages for different budgets, including eco-lodges and cultural stays.
Final Thoughts
“Discover NEOM 2025” isn’t just a tourism campaign — it’s a statement of intent. Saudi Arabia is inviting the world to witness the future of travel, built on sustainability, innovation, and cultural pride. For tourists seeking something beyond the ordinary, NEOM offers a glimpse into what tomorrow’s cities might look like — and how they can coexist with nature.
As NEOM continues to rise from the desert, this initiative marks the beginning of a new chapter in Gulf tourism — one that blends vision with experience, and ambition with authenticity.