In a bid to boost its entertainment and tourism sectors, Saudi Arabia has been investing heavily in major projects that look to utilize the country’s vast empty environments. With the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 plans underway, plans to create tourist and pilgrim friendly super cities are also being constructed using the kingdom’s natural resources with a view to diversify the economy.
Saudi Arabia is in the midst of developing 5 mega cities and this is everything you need to know about each of them
King Abdullah Economic City
King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC) is going to be the kingdom’s central hub for sports. Soon to be completed, Saudi’s new international sports destination sits across 173 square km and will host sporting events including, marine sports; diving and fishing, golf and GO karting. Not only will KAEC host sports tournaments, but will also host festivals, competitions and concerts throughout the year.
Investments have also been made by the government to build a culinary school on the premises.This particular new city is one of just 5 places that will be home to a Haramain Railway station which is where Saudi Arabia’s fastest high-speed train will station. The other 4 locations will be Jeddah, Mecca, Medina and King Abdulaziz International Airport.
Al Faisaliah City
Thought to be “an extension of the holy city of Mecca,” Al Faisaliah City is situated on 2,450 square km and is being constructed with a view to accommodate around 6.5 million people by 2050. With the number of pilgrims visiting the holy cities of Mecca and Medina, the government invested heavily into expanding the area so that there would be less congestion in the holy areas.The new city will also have its own airport, government offices, a marina and almost 1 million new residential units for both pilgrims and local people.
NEOM
We’ve been talking about Saudi’s mega-city, NEOM, for some time now as it is one of the kingdom’s biggest projects ever. Earlier this year, the first phase of the development was completed, and according to reports, the second phase of the project has already launched. NEOM is looking to be advanced and futuristic in its feel, and is situated across 26,500 square km along Saudi’s Red Sea coastline. The futuristic city has a driving force to be run by intelligent tech with features such as glow in the dark sand, flying taxis, robot cage fighting events and an island that resembles Jurassic Park.
Amaala
According to the Chief Legal Officer at the Public Investment Fund KSA – Amaala, Farah Zafar in Arabian Business, “Amaala will be better than the Maldives. Sustainability is one of the key driving factors of Amaala and Vision 2030 and this project has taken a lead on the preservation of the environment, the future of sustainability and the preservation of the oceans.” This idyllic city will be situated close to NEOM as a place for rest and recuperation with a resort dedicated to health and wellness.
Qiddiya Entertainment City
This project is one of Saudi Arabia’s most highly anticipated; The Qiddiya Entertainment City is one of the kingdom’s biggest and is set to be the “capital of entertainment, sports, and the arts.” Located just 40 km away from the capital of Riyadh, Saudi’s new entertainment hub sits on 334 square km and is set to open in 2022. The mega-city will feature the world’s fastest and longest rollercoaster, safari parks, water and snow activities, motor sport tracks and much more.
