What Tourists Can Expect from Saudi Arabia's Mega Projects?
From desert kingdoms to high-tech cities, Saudi Arabia is building a tourist future like no other. Saudi Arabia has been progressing rapidly. It has undertaken many mega projects in line with Vision 2030. This initiative aims to grow its economic power and cater to many areas like recreation, tourism, and infrastructure.
As an international tourist, you should certainly not miss visiting Saudi Arabia mega projects like NEOM, Qiddiya, and others. Learn more about what to expect from them below.
What You Can Expect From NEOM in Saudi Arabia?
NEOM refers to the concept of the land of a new future. Its name is derived from the Greek word ‘Neo’ (new) and Mustaqbal (future in Arabic). The letter M also denotes the first letter of the crown prince, Mohammad Bin Salman.
It includes The Line, Sindalah, Trojena, and Oxagon.
The Line refers to the city where more than 90% of the land will be conserved as a resource. When you visit the place, you will get to breathe clean air due to the usage of green energy. You will also be able to enjoy ideal weather, high-speed rails, and easy access to resources.
Oxagon is an integrated port that will combine technology, humans, and nature. It involves advanced manufacturing facilities and a logistics factor. This site is spread out over an area of 48 square kilometers and aims to house 90,000 inhabitants by 2030.
The project also aims to run on 100% clean energy. When you visit the place, expect to see AI-driven planning, IoT, robotics, and automation.
Sindalah is a destination for yacht and island lovers and enthusiasts. Expect 51 luxury outlets and 38 dishes spread over an area of 840,000 square meters. You can also get to see 600 native organisms of the Red Sea.
Trojena is an adventure sports and sustainable mountain tourism destination. It will offer 3 months of winter skiing, 3600 hotel apartments and rooms, and a 2.8 square kilometer lake.
You can enjoy various types of adventure water sports on this lake. As you can see, NEOM is one of the well-known Saudi Arabian mega projects.
What can You Expect from the Red Sea Project in Saudi Arabia?
The Red Sea Project is another important mega project of Saudi Arabia. It involves two main phases. The first phase of this project involves 16 different luxurious islands and a functional airport.
On the other hand, the second phase of this project involves unveiling 34 more hotels and 1000 homes for people.
Of these 16 islands, Sheybara Island is perhaps the most futuristic. It runs on clean energy and has an off-grid system. It also follows a no-waste-to-landfill policy to ensure a pristine ecosystem.
When you go there, you will also be impressed by the way the seawater is being utilized. The people there are desalinating the seawater with the help of solar power. This resort is also focusing on conserving the reefs in the Red Sea.
You can go diving to view these reefs and the corals that they’re working to restore as well.
During your stay there, you can travel around the islands in solar-powered buggies. If you wish to visit the other islands, you can do so with the help of hydrogen-fueled yachts and electricity-powered boats.
This Saudi Arabia mega project also uses IoT and AI to monitor and analyze the use of energy and waste management. Apart from these sustainable initiatives, you will also get a chance to feel like a Bedouin
That’s because the island has storytelling nights under the stars where Bedouins will share ancient stories around a campfire. For the shopper in you, the project also has markets where you can shop for handicrafts.
What can You Expect from Qiddiya in Saudi Arabia?
Qiddiya is a city that is only going to focus on entertainment and tourism. This city is going to host the Six Flags Qiddiya and Aquarabia Water Theme Park. Think of it like the Las Vegas of Saudi Arabia, except you’ll be playing for adrenaline instead of high stakes.
The project will have over 28 rides, and also the Falcons’ Flight. This will be the world’s fastest and longest roller coaster. Some other rides that you should ride are the Spitfire, Sirocco Tower, and the Gyrospin.
The Spitfire is an exciting rollercoaster, while the Sirocco Tower will be an adrenaline-pumping drop tower ride. If you’re more of a daredevil type, then go for the Gyrospin. It is basically a pendulum swing-like ride, except with a 53 metre altitude.
After you get your heart pumping, you can cool down at the Aquarabia Water Theme Park. This water park will have 22 themed rides as well as the world’s tallest water coaster and double-loop water slide.
Don’t miss the Surftopia at this Saudi Arabia mega project. It will feature a surf pool, so you feel like you’re out in the open ocean when you surf.
But that’s not all. You can also expect to see live shows at the Performing Arts theatre. For sports lovers, the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium will host many sports events. If you love football, the Stadium will also host the 2034 World Cup.
Esports gamers can also expect more than 73,000 places to game to their hearts content. You can also form clubs there with the help of the gamer clubs there.
What Can You Expect from Diriyah Gate in Saudi Arabia?
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia originated from the Diriyah Gate. When you visit the place, expect 40 hotels, more than 300 places to stay, an art centre, and a park as well.
While the project is still underway, you can enjoy the Bujairi Park. The Park also has picnic spots. You can also stay at the Bab Samhan Hotel, which is a project by Marriott.
Expect to dine at international cafes and restaurants during your visit to this Saudi Arabia mega project.
You can also indulge your cultural side at its museums and art centers. Shoppers can look forward to the Diyah Square Project, which will include shops with more than 400 retail brands.
This project also includes the Turaif gate, which is another designated UNESCO World Heritage site. When you visit the Turaif Gate, expect to catch a learn about the history of the location through educational programs.
If you’re a foodie, then you can enjoy dishes at the Michelin-starred restaurants like Chez Bruno, Long Chim, and Hakkasan.
Entry Requirements for Canadian Tourists to Saudi Arabia
As an international tourist, you are eligible to apply for an eVisa online to visit these Saudi Arabia mega projects. This visa will remain valid for a year, during which each stay must not exceed 90 days, as it’s multiple-entry.
What Documents Do Tourists Need To Visit Saudi Arabia?
You will require a valid passport. It should remain valid for 180 days after you leave Saudi Arabia. You should also have two crystal clear photographs. Avoid taking photographs with any headgear or sunglasses on.
You should also possess your travel itinerary, accommodation details, and a valid credit or debit card.
How To Apply For The Saudi Arabian Visa?
You can apply for the visa by visiting our portal, clicking the button, and filling in the details. These details will include your name, email address, country of residence and citizenship, and others
Please cross-check these details after you fill out the form. Pay the fee on the payment page after that.
Once you do, you’ll have to wait until the authorities approve your visa. They’ll then send it to your email address.
In Review
There are many Saudi Arabia mega projects that are worth seeing in the Kingdom. However, before you travel, do ensure to pack modest clothing.
Modest clothing refers to clothes that cover your elbows and do not expose your shoulders. You should also take care to wear loose-fitting trousers or bottom wear that reaches your ankles. Ensure that the clothes you pack do not have any indecent phrases, art, or similar graphics.
Also, remember to cover your head in religious places and learn some basic phrases like Salam Aleikum (Hello), Kayf Halik (How Are You). This will help you get about easily.
Looking For The Perfect Saudi Arabian Adventure?
Start planning your trip and stay updated as projects open. Also book your visa accordingly, and reach us at the helpdesk in case of any issues!
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Many pilgrims wish to explore Saudi Arabia’s cultural and historical attractions when they visit the country for Umrah. They try to balance their spiritual fulfilment with travel experiences, so that their visit becomes even more worthwhile. Find out more at Planning Your Umrah with a Side of Sightseeing in Saudi Arabia.
Check your eligibility for Online Saudi Visa and apply at least 3 days in advance of your flight to KSA.