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The Red Sea, Saudi Arabia. Developer, Red Sea Global

project in Riyadh in February. This milestone includes five key destina- ing a trail as the Kingdom’s premier real estate enabler, dedicated to
tions, Wadi Hanifah and the Promenade, the section at the intersection enhancing the quality of life for all citizens. ROSHN is changing the
of Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Road and Prince Turki urban landscape of Saudi Arabia, introducing energy-efficient and
bin Abdulaziz Al-Awwal Road, the Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman pedestrian-friendly communities that encourage a better quality of
University internal loop and the first phase of Sands Sports Park. The first life. Driven by technology, innovation and sustainability, ROSHN is
completed destination of the project is Wadi Hanifah, situated in west- building integrated communities at an unprecedented scale, with a land
ern Riyadh. Spanning 13.4km, it features pedestrian pathways, cycling bank of over 200 million square meters.
and equestrian trails, green spaces and designated rest areas. Seamlessly Saudi Downtown Company will enhance the quality of life and
connecting Wadi Hanifah to the Promenade is the Cycling Bridge, one of become the catalyst for economic activity in 12 cities across Saudi Arabia
the project’s most iconic landmarks. The Promenade itself stretches 4km by rapidly enhancing their downtown areas. Launched in 2022 by His
and adheres to the Sports Boulevard’s urban design code, inspired by the Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown
principles of Salmani architecture. It offers dedicated cycling paths for Prince and Prime Minister, the Saudi Downtown Company is a whol-
both professionals and amateurs, complemented by rest stops for cyclists, ly-owned subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund and is guided by the
lush green spaces, water features, walking trails, children’s playgrounds Fund’s strategy to foster social and economic development and create
and a selection of retail outlets and specialised centres for bicycle rentals new opportunities for people and businesses in the Kingdom. Through
and accessories. the development of modern mixed-used downtowns and destinations
NEOM, arguably the most well-known megaproject, is the land of with diverse local cultures, the Saudi Downtown Company is working
the future where the greatest minds and best talents are empowered to to expand the capabilities of the Kingdom’s most promising sectors as
embody pioneering ideas and exceed boundaries in a world inspired part of a push to diversify the economy and drive non-oil GDP growth.
by imagination. The distinct regions and sectors that will encompass Saudi Entertainment Ventures (SEVEN) and Qiddiya Investment
NEOM are being fuelled by USD500bn from the Public Investment Company (QIC) have combined to become a lifestyle and entertainment
Fund of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and local and international inves- giant in Saudi Arabia. SEVEN will continue to redefine the concept of
tors. NEOM will become a community powered by talent and diversity entertainment in Saudi Arabia and elevate the entertainment experience

across 15 sectors. NEOM will be built oncare, curiosity, diversity, pas- for visitors by developing and operating 21 entertainment projects in
sion, respect and becoming a catalyst for change. 14 Saudi cities. Later this year, Six Flags will be branching out from
Red Sea Global is behind The Red Sea, another megaproject in North America with its first international theme park slated to open
Saudi Arabia with a focus on eco-tourism. Formerly known as the Red on the outskirts of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, by the end of 2025. The latest
Sea Project, The Red Sea is directly employing 35,000 people and the venture touts a grand total of 28 rides and attractions divided across six
project showcases the landscape and rich cultural heritage of the Red themed lands, with five of the rides on track to break records. At the same
Sea Coast. Upon completion in 2030, the destination will comprise 50 time, a water park tipped to be the largest in the Middle East is under
resorts, offering up to 8,000 hotel rooms and more than 1,000 residential development as part of the wider Qiddiya City entertainment complex.
properties across 22 islands and six inland sites. Development has been THE RIG is an adventure tourism destination located on an offshore
limited to accommodate no more than one million visitors a year to platform in the Arabian Gulf. Announced in 2021, it is the world’s first
preserve the ecosystem at The Red Sea. The destination will also include adventure tourism project of its kind, inspired by offshore oil platform
luxury marinas, golf courses, entertainment, leisure facilities and an designs. The project is led by Oil Park Development Company (OPDC),
international airport. in alignment with the Public Investment Fund’s Strategy 2021-2025.
Launched in 2020, ROSHN is dedicated to supporting the ambitious Spanning over 300,000sq m, THE RIG is located 40km off the coast-
goal of 70 per cent homeownership by 2030 and is doing so by making line, near Juraid Island and the Berri Oil Field. The project will feature
positive contributions to the nation’s real estate and infrastructure three hotels, 11 restaurants, retail shops and a variety of activities and
sectors. A project under the Public Investment Fund, ROSHN is blaz- adventures both above and below the sea.

52 RETAIL & LEISURE INTERNATIONAL OCTOBER 2025