NEOM has announced the official opening of Sindalah… Following an ambitious two-year construction effort involving 30,000 workers, the island destination is now welcoming its first exclusive guests, offering a preview of the future of luxury tourism in Saudi Arabia.
Situated in the clear azure waters of the Red Sea, just five kilometres off the NEOM coast, Sindalah Island spans 840,000 square metres. Strategically located 17 hours by sea from prominent Mediterranean destinations, the island is set to serve as a gateway to the Red Sea for yacht owners from Europe, Saudi Arabia, and the GCC region.
Blending natural beauty with cutting-edge design, Sindalah offers an impressive mix of world-class restaurants, luxury hotels, high-end venues, and curated experiences, aiming to host up to 2,400 guests daily by 2028 and create around 3,500 jobs in Saudi Arabia’s hospitality sector.
Emphasising sustainability, Sindalah is surrounded by a diverse marine ecosystem, home to over 1,100 fish species—45 unique to NEOM—and 300 coral species. The development of the island prioritises environmental conservation, inviting guests to discover the underwater wonders of the Red Sea marine life while preserving the area’s unique natural habitat.
Sindalah’s state-of-the-art marina, with its 86-berth capacity, hosting vessels up to 180 metres in length, is positioned to become a seasonal haven for global yachting enthusiasts.
Sindalah Yacht Club designed by Stefano Ricci
The focal point of the marina will be the Sindalah Yacht Club, designed by esteemed Italian luxury designer Stefano Ricci. Ricci’s work reflects an opulent blend of historical elegance and contemporary style, with interiors featuring white Carrara marble and custom Sindalah Blue wood accents that mirror the island’s vibrant waters. The venue will also feature a lounge, and an exclusive fine-dining experience curated by Chef Enrico Bartolini, a culinary maestro whose restaurants have collectively earned 13 Michelin stars.
Stefano Ricci, Founder and Chairman of STEFANO RICCI, said: “I entered the Sindalah Yacht Club project because I believe that NEOM is a visionary undertaking ahead of its time, like Florence which became the cradle of the Renaissance. It’s a beautiful jump into the future that recalls our mission. As a Florentine designer, I hope to have conveyed the fine stylistic balance that ideally unites these two worlds.”
As a fully integrated luxury travel destination in Saudi Arabia, Sindalah offers an array of high-end dining and entertainment options. The Village and Promenade are the social and entertainment hubs, hosting 38 premium dining outlets led by globally celebrated chefs, along with 36 luxury retail boutiques. The Beach Club provides a dynamic experience, with relaxing poolside ambiance by day and energetic music events by night. The beachfront Golf Club caters to golf enthusiasts with its 6,474-yard (5,920-metre) par-70 course, offering a world-class golfing experience along the scenic Red Sea coast.
For accommodation, Sindalah boasts 440 lavish rooms, 88 villas, and 218 high-end serviced apartments, providing a range of options for luxury travellers to Saudi Arabia. NEOM’s tourism channels will soon open bookings for these premier properties.
Nadhmi Al-Nasr, Chief Executive Officer, NEOM, said: “NEOM is committed to supporting the Kingdom’s new era of luxury tourism, with the opening of Sindalah. The realisation of this landmark destination, the gateway to the Red Sea, is due to the visionary leadership of His Royal Highness Mohammed bin Salman and Saudi Vision 2030. This is a proud chapter in the NEOM story and we are excited to achieve more of our ambitious goals, with the continued support of His Royal Highness. NEOM’s inaugural destination offers visitors a ‘first glimpse’ of what the future holds for our extensive portfolio of destinations and developments.”
With Sindalah’s opening, NEOM has positioned Saudi Arabia as a compelling choice for luxury yachting and high-end tourism, setting a new standard in the global tourism and hospitality industry and offering a transformative experience for luxury travel advisors and discerning travellers worldwide.
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Read also: Top luxury seaside resorts in Saudi Arabia – Part 1: NEOM
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Photos courtesy of NEOM
