The exclusive island destination, Sindalah, opens in NEOM, aiming to boost Saudi tourism and economic diversification by 2030

Saudi Arabia has officially welcomed visitors to Sindalah, a luxury island destination in the groundbreaking NEOM development, aiming to draw high-end tourism to its shores. Set just 5 kilometres off NEOM’s northwest coast, this expansive 840,000 square-metre island offers a unique blend of opulence and natural beauty, a strategic move in the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 initiative.

After two years of intense development involving both local and international contractors, Sindalah has opened its doors. NEOM’s CEO, Nadhmi Al-Nasr, expressed enthusiasm for this milestone, noting it as a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s ambitious National Tourism Strategy. By 2030, the strategy hopes to attract 150 million annual visitors and significantly boost tourism’s contribution to the GDP from 6 to 10 per cent, transforming the Kingdom into a global tourism hub.

Sindalah is being marketed as a “gateway to the Red Sea,” promising a luxurious experience that melds world-class facilities with stunning natural settings. With accommodation offerings ranging from 440 elegantly designed rooms to 88 exclusive villas and 218 serviced apartments, Sindalah caters to a wide range of affluent travellers. The island is expected to accommodate up to 2,400 guests daily by 2028, providing a substantial economic boost by creating approximately 3,500 jobs in Saudi Arabia’s hospitality and tourism sectors.

The natural setting of Sindalah is a central attraction, particularly for its underwater marvels. Boasting a rich marine ecosystem, the waters around the island are home to 1,100 species of fish, including 45 unique to the NEOM region, along with over 300 species of coral. This emphasis on biodiversity supports NEOM’s focus on sustainable tourism and marine conservation. Guests will be able to explore these vibrant ecosystems through diving and snorkelling, witnessing firsthand the natural beauty that has been carefully preserved.

In addition to its natural offerings, Sindalah will cater to luxury travellers with exclusive facilities, including a yacht club, beach club, and golf club. It will provide docking services and yacht management for those arriving by sea, meeting the standards of international high-end tourism. NEOM has emphasised that booking information for Sindalah will be released soon, encouraging global visitors to experience the unique offering.

Sindalah represents the first of several planned destinations within the NEOM development, each designed to showcase Saudi Arabia’s natural landscapes while meeting the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 objectives for economic diversification and sustainable development.