Landmark Developments Shaping the Kingdom’s Future
Saudi Arabia’s landmark megaprojects are driven by an ambitious vision to transform the nation’s economic, social and environmental landscape. As part of Saudi Vision 2030, these developments aim to diversify the economy, reduce reliance on oil and foster new industries such as tourism, technology and entertainment. In the following pages, RLI explores the high-profile projects reshaping the future and positioning Saudi Arabia as a global leader in innovation and development.
These groundbreaking projects exemplify Saudi Arabia’s commitment to progressive urbanization, cutting-edge infrastructure, and sustainable growth. Launched by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in April 2016, Saudi Vision 2030 is not just about economic diversification—it is a bold reimagining of the Kingdom’s future, fostering next-generation cities, green energy initiatives, and world-class investment opportunities.
Megaprojects Across Saudi Arabia
A place of extraordinary human and natural heritage, AIUIA invites visitors to come on a journey through a living museum of preserved tombs, sandstone outcrops, historic dwellings and monuments, both natural and human-made, holding 200,000 years of largely unexplored human history. Home to boundless cultural treasures, including Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage site, AlUla is transforming into a once-in-a-lifetime experience for visitors from around the world. Being developed by the French Agency for AIUIa Development (Afalula) and the Royal Commission for AIUIa (RCU), AIUIa is at the forefront of the Vision 2030 plan initiated by the Saudi government to modernise the country, with the project part of a series of major schemes to diversify its economy and raise its profile from an international perspective. AlUla is set to be a flagship project in terms of sustainable development, focused on the absolute preservation of the environment, respectful of history and inclusive of local populations.
Diriyah, the birthplace of the Saudi state, is being transformed by Diriyah Company, a PIF-backed developer, into a $63 billion cultural, lifestyle and entertainment hub under the Diriyah Gate masterplan. Anchored by At-Turaif, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the project seamlessly blends heritage with modernity, featuring Bujairi Terrace’s fine dining, Diriyah Square’s luxury retail and leisure and Diriyah Boulevard’s immersive hospitality and entertainment offerings. It also includes a state-of-the-art stadium/arena for major events and Wadi Safar, an ultra-luxury retreat. These developments position Diriyah as a global destination while preserving its rich history, aligning with Vision 2030.
The Jeddah Central Project, spearheaded by the Jeddah Central Development Company (JCDC), a subsidiary of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund aims to transform 5.7 million sq m of Jeddah’s waterfront into a world-class destination. Launched in December 2021, this ambitious $20 billion initiative seeks to enhance the city’s urban landscape by introducing key landmarks such as an opera house, stadium, museum and oceanarium. The development will also feature 17,000 residential units, 2,700 hotel rooms and a vibrant mix of commercial and entertainment venues. Designed to reflect Jeddah’s rich cultural heritage, the project emphasises sustainability and modernity, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives to diversify the economy and elevate the quality of life for its residents. The first phase is slated for completion by 2027, with the entire project expected to be finalised by 2030.
The Jeddah Tower, poised to become the world’s tallest building, is a landmark development in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Designed by Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture, the tower is set to soar over 1,000 meters (3,281 feet), surpassing Dubai’s Burj Khalifa by approximately 172 meters. Envisioned as the centrepiece of the Jeddah Economic City project, the tower will encompass a luxury hotel, serviced apartments, office spaces, and the world’s highest observation deck. Being developed by Jeddah Economic Company (JEC), with anticipated completion by 2028, the Jeddah Tower will not only redefine the city’s skyline but also symbolise Saudi Arabia’s ambitions for economic diversification and urban development.
Located in the heart of the Saudi capital, Riyadh, the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) is a transformative mixed-use development that merges the world of business and lifestyle and sets new benchmarks in urban living, smart city technologies and sustainable development, designed to transform how urban communities live, work and play. Spanning 1.6 million square metres, the Kingdom’s first vertical city is home to 95 buildings across five asset classes, featuring Grade A office spaces, upscale residences, diverse commercial and retail areas, luxury hospitality and vibrant entertainment venues, all interconnected and walkable within 10-minutes. A key part of the project launched on 1 December 2024, as the KAFD Metro Station, with its distinctive undulating lattice façade, opened and now serves as a key interchange in the 176km network. It spans six lines and 85 stations across the Saudi capital. The scheme remains under development by King Abdullah Financial District Development and Management Company.
The King Abdullah International Gardens are designed to become a global centre for the study of climate change, showcasing ecotopes from history and the present day. Located in the Saudi Central Region, the gardens will re-create the 400 million-year history of plant evolution. The project, set to open in autumn 2025, aims to be the largest temperature-controlled botanical gardens in the world, spanning 10ha within crescent-shaped biomes. The gardens will highlight the environmental changes that have shaped the region, illustrating the natural cycles and the impact of climate change.
The King Salman Park Project, an urban development in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, aims to create the world’s largest urban park, spanning over 16 sq m. Launched in 2019 by King Salman bin Abdulaziz, the park is designed to enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors by offering a diverse range of cultural, artistic and recreational activities. Key features include more than 11.6 sq m of green spaces, the Royal Arts Complex, the National Theatre and a 7.2km pedestrian walkway. This project aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives, aiming to transform Riyadh into one of the most liveable cities globally.
Umm Al Qura for Development & Construction, under the Public Investment Fund, is the owner and developer of the Masar destination that works with a developmental vision to elevate the urban and investment landscape of Makkah through pioneering the development of the destination and exploring new avenues to help improve the quality of life for Makkah residents, pilgrims and visitors. Masar is an exquisite urban destination offering unparalleled experiences that are seamlessly designed to the unique needs of each visitor to inspire every journey. Extending over 1.2 million square metres and with its strategic location at the centre of Makkah, Masar will be a distinctive landmark, enhancing the quality of life of the people of Makkah and its guests through a diverse range of offerings that vary between hospitality, mobility, retail, culture, entertainment and more.
Mohammed Bin Salman Nonprofit City “Misk City” is the first nonprofit city of its kind, founded to host the ecosystem of Mohammed bin Salman Foundation “Misk”. Located in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the city enables the leaders of tomorrow by unlocking the potential of youth in Saudi Arabia. Being designed as a 15-minute city, visitors can reach everywhere in Mohammed Bin Salman Nonprofit City by car, bus, metro, bike and even on foot. Once completed, it will deliver some 99,000sq m of retail and leisure space alongside 300,000sq m of office space and 6,500 new residential units alongside extensive cultural, educational and sporting facilities. Furthermore, Misk City offers offices, educational institutions, arts and sports facilities and entertainment options with residential areas and hotels, creating a holistic living and creative environment. The scheme is under construction by the Mohammed bin Salman Foundation (Misk Foundation).
The New Murabba project, unveiled in February 2023 by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is being developed by New Murabba Development Company. Spanning 19 sq m this project aims to create the world’s largest modern downtown, integrating residential, commercial and entertainment spaces to enhance the quality of life and promote economic growth in line with Saudi Vision 2030. At the heart of New Murabba stands the Mukaab, a monumental cube-shaped skyscraper measuring 400 meters in height, width and length. Drawing inspiration from the traditional Najdi architectural style, the Mukaab is set to become one of the largest built structures globally, encompassing over 2 million square meters of floor space. Inside, it will house a spiralling tower featuring observation decks and restaurants, surrounded by immersive holographic experiences designed to transport visitors to different realities. The New Murabba project is expected to be completed by 2030, contributing significantly to Riyadh’s urban transformation and economic diversification efforts.
NEOM, arguably the most well-known megaproject, is the land of the future where the greatest minds and best talents are empowered to embody pioneering ideas and exceed boundaries in a world inspired by imagination. The distinct regions and sectors that will encompass NEOM are being fuelled by USD500bn from the Public Investment Fund of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and local and international investors. NEOM will become a community powered by talent and diversity across 14 sectors. Work remains in progress on Magna, a coastal destination along the Gulf of Aqaba near the Red Sea. Part of NEOM’s regional sustainable tourism portfolio, Magna includes twelve destinations: Leyja, Epicon, Siranna, Utamo, Norlana, Aquellum, Zardun, Xaynor, Elanan, Gidori, Treyam and Jaumur. The development spans 120km and integrates technology, architecture and sustainability. Magna will feature 15 luxury hotels, 1,600 hotel rooms, suites and apartments and over 2,500 premium residences. The destinations will focus on the conservation, preservation and restoration of natural landscapes. Oxagon, NEOM’s reimagined industrial city, will integrate Industry 4.0 with circular economy principles to establish a manufacturing ecosystem. Located on the Red Sea coast near global shipping lanes, Oxagon provides a base for future factories. Oxagon Village will feature sports and wellness facilities, schools and a health centre within a walkable public space. THE LINE is a 170km cognitive city extending from NEOM’s mountains through desert valleys to the Red Sea. It is a mirrored structure, 500m above sea level and 200m wide. The city has no roads, cars, or emissions and will operate entirely on renewable energy, preserving 95 per cent of the land for nature.
Meanwhile Trojena is a planned destination within NEOM, located 50km from the Gulf of Aqaba in northwest Saudi Arabia. The destination will feature a ski resort offering outdoor skiing and adventure sports throughout the year. It will include over 30km of ski slopes, using a combination of real and artificial snow. Recently opened at the site was Sindalah, a distinctive, luxury resort destination spread over 840,000sq m. Sindalah serves as NEOM’s gateway to the Red Sea, providing easy access for European, Saudi and GCC yacht owners.
Launched in 2018 by King Salman bin Abdulaziz, Qiddiya City is a global entertainment, sports and culture hub in the making. Designed as a disruptive destination city, it aims to set new benchmarks in immersive experiences and innovation. From family-friendly theme parks, sports arenas for international competitions and world-class entertainment venues to outdoor adventure activities, diverse real estate offerings and essential community services, Qiddiya is shaping up to be a vibrant, liveable mega-development. Among its most exciting additions is the recently announced Mercedes-AMG World of Performance, an adrenaline-fueled motorsport experience centre in collaboration with Mercedes-AMG and the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team. Spanning 45,000m² across nine floors, this state-of-the-art facility will feature high-performance driving experiences, cutting-edge automotive showcases and the thrilling “Blade” at Turn One, a gravity-defying circuit section soaring over 20 stories high. With millions of visitors expected annually, this multi-billion-dollar Qiddiya Investment Company project is set to become the world’s largest entertainment city. ROSHN Group, a Public Investment Fund (PIF) company, is Saudi Arabia’s leading multi-asset class real estate developer and a key enabler of Vision 2030, committed to shaping human-centric, integrated communities that elevate connectivity and quality of life across the Kingdom.
With a portfolio spanning residential, commercial, retail, hospitality, education, healthcare, transport, sports and entertainment, ROSHN is redefining urban living through transformative projects. In Riyadh, ROSHN Front is a vibrant mixed-use hub integrating retail, dining and entertainment, while in Jeddah, MARAFY introduces Saudi’s first waterfront lifestyle destination, centered around an 11-km canal with premium experiences. Expanding into sports and entertainment, ROSHN Stadium, a 45,000-seat landmark in Southwest Riyadh, will set new benchmarks for global events. Inspired by Saudi architectural heritage, its crystalline design integrates solar energy, advanced water management and seamless hospitality, retail and public spaces, creating a dynamic, sustainable destination. Through such visionary projects, ROSHN is redefining urban living and fostering vibrant, connected communities across Saudi Arabia.
The Rua Al Madinah Project, led by Rua Al Madinah Holding (PIF subsidiary), spans 1.5 million sq m to enhance Madinah’s urban landscape while preserving its Islamic heritage. Featuring 47,000 hotel rooms, retail spaces, and 63% green areas, it prioritizes pedestrian-friendly design, ensuring seamless access to the Prophet’s Mosque. By 2030, the project aims to accommodate 30 million visitors annually, create 93,000 jobs and contribute $37 billion to GDP, aligning with Vision 2030 to boost religious tourism and economic growth.
The Saudi Downtown Project, led by the Saudi Downtown Company (SDC), a PIF subsidiary, aims to develop vibrant, mixed-use urban centres across 12 cities (including Al-Madinah, Al-Khobar, Tabuk, and Taif) to enhance quality of life and diversify the economy in line with Vision 2030. Spanning 10+ million sq m, these projects will integrate retail, entertainment, hospitality, tourism, office spaces, and residential areas, reflecting each city’s cultural heritage while boosting economic activity and job creation. Through private sector partnerships and infrastructure development, SDC seeks to transform these urban centres into thriving hubs for business, leisure, and community living.
Saudi Entertainment Ventures (SEVEN) and Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC) have combined to become a lifestyle and entertainment giant in Saudi Arabia. Seven, a wholly owned public investment fund (PIF) company, has now become a wholly owned subsidiary of Qiddiya, which remains wholly owned by the PIF. By transferring ownership of SEVEN to Qiddya, the PIF aims to enhance the offerings of both companies and support its wider strategy for the entertainment, leisure and sports sector. SEVEN will continue to redefine the concept of entertainment in Saudi Arabia and elevate the entertainment experience for visitors by developing and operating 21 entertainment projects in 14 Saudi cities. Investments in these schemes will total more than SAR 50bn and include such sites as Al Hamra, Tabuk, Al Madinah, Yanbu, Abha and Jazan.
Soudah Peaks, located 3,015m above sea level, on the highest peak in Saudi Arabia, is a luxury mountain tourism destination by Soudah Development, a real estate development company owned by the Public Investment Fund. Spanning 627sq km across Soudah and parts of Rijal Almaa, the project aims to attract over two million visitors annually by 2030, creating over 1,000 jobs by 2033 and contributing $7.8bn to the Kingdom’s GDP by 2033. The development will include six zones – Red Rock, Tahlal, Sahab, Sabrah, Jareen and Rijal – with 2,700 hospitality keys and 1,336 residential units. It will feature over 30 attractions, including adventure activities, wellness retreats and cultural experiences.
The Sports Boulevard, launched on March 19, 2019 by King Salman bin Abdulaziz, is a megaproject in Riyadh aimed at promoting a healthy lifestyle through activities such as walking, cycling and horse riding. The project provides events and activities to create a cultural and recreational atmosphere. It extends over 135km, connecting Wadi Hanifa in the west to Wadi Al-Sulai in the east via Prince Mohammed bin Salman Road. The boulevard features pathways for pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders, as well as other sports facilities. The project aligns with Saudi Vision 2030’s Quality-of-Life objective by enhancing Riyadh as a modern, liveable city.
Red Sea Global (RSG) is developing The Red Sea, a luxury eco-tourism destination on Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast. Formerly known as The Red Sea Project, it directly employs 35,000 people and highlights the region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. Upon completion in 2030, the destination will feature 50 resorts, 8,000 hotel rooms, and 1,000+ residential properties across 22 islands and six inland sites.
Development is limited to one million visitors annually to preserve the ecosystem. Amenities will include luxury marinas, golf courses, entertainment, retail and leisure facilities. Key Developments include: Red Sea International Airport (RSI) which opened in 2023 for domestic flights and welcomed its first international flight in 2024 from Dubai. By 2030, it will handle one million tourists annually, with a peak capacity of 900 passengers per hour. Ummahat Islands, home to two luxury resorts: St. Regis Red Sea Resort which opened in January 2024 with 90 overwater and beachfront villas designed by Kengo Kuma and Nujuma and Ritz-Carlton Reserve which opened in May 2024 with 63 villas designed by Foster + Partners. Desert Rock Resort, built into a hidden valley, opened in 2024, offering 64 accommodations (54 villas, 10 suites) designed within the mountain for uninterrupted desert views. Turtle Bay Village, is a residential and commercial hub for workers and management, currently housing 6,000 residents, with plans to expand to 14,000. Spanning 1.5 million sq m, it includes a 144-room hotel, corporate offices, restaurants, leisure facilities, and a hospital. Shebara Resort, is the first fully RSG-owned and operated luxury resort, powered entirely by solar energy. Now open, it features 73 villas (38 overwater, 35 beachfront), five restaurants, a fitness centre, a spa and pools. Shura Island, the central hub of The Red Sea, features 11 hotels opening in 2025, an 18-hole golf course, a yacht marina, and beaches. The Coral Bloom hotel designed by Foster + Partners integrates with the natural landscape. Six Senses Southern Dunes, the first resort to open at The Red Sea in 2023, features 36 rooms and suites plus 40 luxury villas arranged to blend with the dunes. Designed by Foster + Partners, its central area, The Oasis, is inspired by a desert flower. Thuwal Private Retreat, is an ultra-exclusive, buy-out-only island retreat due to open this year. Located on a 1.7ha islet, it includes a three-bedroom main villa, three one-bedroom suites, a beach club, gym, and wellness centre. It is the first RSG resort with no third-party operators. Finally, AMAALA, is a separate ultra-luxury wellness and cultural destination along Saudi Arabia’s North Western coast, blending sea, sun, sports, arts and culture for a multi-generational experience.
THE RIG is an adventure tourism destination located on an offshore platform in the Arabian Gulf. Announced in 2021, it is the world’s first adventure tourism project of its kind, inspired by offshore oil platform designs. The project is led by Oil Park Development Company (OPDC), in alignment with the Public Investment Fund’s Strategy 2021-2025. Spanning over 300,000sq m, THE RIG is located 40km off the coastline, near Juraid Island and the Berri Oil Field. The project will feature three hotels, 11 restaurants, retail shops and a variety of activities and adventures both above and below the sea.
