all of NEOM’s updates presented in 2023
In 2023, NEOM, Saudi Arabia’s futuristic giga city, sparked global excitement with the revelation of several new destinations. The ambitious project achieved significant progress in the early months of the year, hitting a noteworthy milestone as the CEO announced one-fifth completion by February. With the first wave of tourists expected in 2024, NEOM continues to unveil fresh locations and showcase rapid construction, underscoring the project’s momentum. Beyond the initial mega-cities, Sindalah, Trojena, Oxagon, and the LINE, the latest additions include the sustainable tourist hub named Leyja, the sleek Epicon Towers, the hexagonal-pillar retreat called Siranna, and an events space called Utamo. Furthermore, in 2023, NEOM introduced its own airline, as well as Topian, its food company that promises to reshape global food systems. Keep reading below to uncover all the exciting NEOM developments unveiled throughout 2023.
the LINE | all images courtesy of NEOM, unless stated otherwise
Utamo, the theater of the future
In one of its latest updates, NEOM (find more here) unveils Utamo, an innovative events space integrating natural beauty with cutting-edge technology. Situated within a mountain along the Gulf of Aqaba coastline, the destination is described as the theater of the future, where reality converges with the digital realm. Guests will arrive at Utamo via an extended pathway of a garden promenade, featuring more than 50 species of shrubs, herbs, and flowers, before reaching the grand hall with the 64-meter-high entrance. Utamo’s multipurpose performance space, VIP lounges, and signature restaurants will make it one of the world’s most exclusive event spaces. Advanced audio-visual systems will captivate guests with sensory experiences, enveloping them in audio-visual wonder as they become part of the performance itself.
a garden promenade will lead guests to Utamo’s grand hall and its 64-meter-high entrance
NEOM to launch its own airline in 2024
In early 2023, NEOM (find more here) unveiled its plan to launch its own airline, scheduled for full operation by the end of 2024. The airline aims to provide a comprehensive and interconnected travel experience for tourists, residents, and business partners traveling to and from NEOM. In its initial phase, the airline will enhance existing equipment and technology, with future investments slated for next-generation electric, hydrogen, or supersonic aircraft beginning in 2026. NEOM Airlines will commence operations from the NEOM Bay Airport, inaugurated in 2019, offering domestic flights within Saudi Arabia and international routes to London and Dubai. Plans are in place for the airline to later shift its operations to the under-construction NEOM International Airport.
NEOM’s airline is scheduled for full operation by the end of 2024 (find designboom’s previous coverage here)
NEOM collaborates with greenhouse company Van Der Hoeven
NEOM has partnered with Dutch greenhouse company Van Der Hoeven in an effort to introduce flourishing gardens amidst the arid deserts of Saudi Arabia. In its pursuit of becoming a self-sustaining oasis for millions, the ‘city of the future’ prioritizes food security. Dutch horticultural experts have been enlisted to design, build, and operate two 110,000 sqm test facilities on the city’s outskirts. The goal is to implement an urban farming solution that establishes a controlled climate for efficient and sustainable food production, contributing to NEOM’s vision of a flourishing and sustainable future.
NEOM partners with Van Der Hoeven to introduce flourishing gardens amidst the arid deserts of Saudi Arabia (find designboom’s previous coverage here)
marriott’s first W hotel in saudi arabia to debut in NEOM
NEOM has announced that it will be welcoming two luxury hotel properties from Marriott International, Inc. as the brand has officially sealed the deal to build Saudi Arabia’s first W Hotel and a JW Marriott property. The hotels will occupy the futuristic ski resort of the NEOM mountains, Trojena. Chris Newman, Executive Director of NEOM Hotel Development, says that the JW Marriott will serve as a venue for major global conferences and exhibitions, as well as high-profile events, while the W Hotel will accommodate visitors to the snowy mountain. The opening dates for the two properties have not been disclosed by Marriott International. Meanwhile, the completion of Trojena is anticipated by late 2026, aligning with plans to welcome visitors and new residents in time for the Asian Winter Games scheduled for 2029.