Saudi Arabia has officially launched Sindalah, a luxury island positioned as the Red Sea's premier destination for upscale travel. This development is part of the ambitious $500 billion NEOM megaproject, which aims to diversify the Kingdom's economy and enhance its international tourism appeal.
Sindalah, located 5 kilometers off the northwest coast of NEOM, spans over 840,000 square meters and is designed to accommodate 2,400 visitors daily. It is projected to create 3,500 jobs by 2028. The island features a rich marine ecology, boasting over 300 coral species and 1,100 fish species, including 45 unique to the NEOM region.
The island's amenities include 440 hotel rooms, 88 villas, and 218 premium serviced apartments, alongside a yacht club, beach club, and golf club. Sindalah also offers super yacht berths and yacht management services to attract affluent tourists. This initiative aligns with Saudi Arabia's National Tourism Strategy, which aims to draw 150 million tourists by 2030, increasing tourism's contribution to the GDP from 6% to 10%.
Despite skepticism surrounding NEOM's overall objectives, the launch of Sindalah marks a significant step in the Kingdom's Vision 2030 plan, showcasing its commitment to advancing economic diversification and sustainable urban development.