Saudi National Day 2024: The Path to Saudi Vision 2030

As Saudi Arabia celebrates its 94th National Day in 2024, the nation stands at a remarkable juncture. The past decade has witnessed a seismic shift, marked by ambitious projects reshaping its landscape, economy, and culture.

At the heart of this transformation is the Saudi Vision 2030, a blueprint designed to diversify the economy and reduce oil dependence. Megaprojects like the NEOM, a futuristic city, and the Red Sea Project, a luxury tourism development, are driving economic growth and attracting global attention.

Beyond these, Saudi Arabia has invested heavily in infrastructure and renewable energy. The government has also taken steps to promote tourism, empower women, and preserve its cultural heritage. As the nation reflects on its progress, it is clear that Saudi Arabia is not just building for the future but also shaping a new global narrative.

Projects in Saudi that empower 2030 vision:

• Jeddah Tower

• Trojena

• Epicon

• Diriyah

• The Line, NEOM

• Aquarabia

• Red Sea Global (RSG)

• Oxagon

• Sindalah

 

Jeddah tower 

Jeddah Tower, set to be the world's tallest tower, is expected to cost $1.23 billion due to its intricacy and high-quality materials. The foundation of the tower, which was designed to withstand the region's weight and seismic activity, relied on reinforced concrete and steel piles sunk deep into the ground. The superstructure, made mainly of steel beams and columns, was put together using modern welding processes. An estimated 80,000 tons of steel was expected to be used in the construction of the Jeddah tower, making it one of the heaviest steel structures ever built. The outside cladding, made of glass and metal containing the world's highest observatory deck, was meticulously designed to give insulation, durability, and aesthetic appeal, while interior finishing materials made of marble, granite, and wood, were perfectly chosen for their beauty and durability.

Burj Jeddah, previously known as Kingdom Tower Standing height of 3,281 ft or over 1000 meters and a total construction area of 530,000 square meters, Kingdom tower is the centerpiece of the Kingdom City development. Containing 200 floors, and boasting 59 elevators, including five double-decker elevators, this project necessitated a large amount of heavy gear to tackle the enormous problems given by its height and location. To achieve this, crawler crane rental among other machinery was hired to help with the construction process. Massive cranes were also purchased to carry the hefty steel beams and concrete slabs to their towering height. Transportation and assembly of these large machines, as well as their stability and coordination of activities, were vital to the project's success. To support the project's huge scale, the construction site requires considerable infrastructure such as temporary roads, power supply, and water facilities.

 

Red Sea Global (RSG)

Spanning over 200 km of coastline and an area of 28,000 km² of project area, the Red Sea Global is a game-changing project in Saudi Arabia with 1,000 contracts worth $6.7bn+ signed to date.Red Sea Global is expected to attract over a million tourists each year, eager to experience its beautiful beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and opulent lodgings. To meet rising demand, the Red Sea Project will include 8,000 rooms in 50 hotels & 1,000 residences by 2030.

An enormous amount of bulldozer for rent and other earthmoving equipment was used by construction companies in order to prepare the long stretch of shoreline for development. To clear the ground, level the topography, and build the infrastructure required for the islands and resorts, excavators and bulldozers were used. These versatiles machines moved a great deal of earth to sculpt the landscape in accordance with the timeline of the project's milestone.

 

Trojena

Trojena, Saudi Arabia's 1,413+ km² groundbreaking winter wonderland, is located 50 km from the Gulf of Aqaba coast in the mountain region. Set to be the first sub-zero snow destination and outdoor ski resort in the Gulf region, a 2.8 km² length of the artificial lake, which offers water adventure. This ambitious project, once completed, will be home to approximately 700 residents and attract over 700,000 annual tourists by 2030. Offering a unique and first-of-its-kind outdoor skiing experience in the GCC, Trojena will feature slopes predominantly covered with machine-made snow, produced sustainably using only water and air. The resort will also boast a vast retail and dining area spanning over 42,000 square meters, as well as a wide range of accommodations with +3,600 hotel rooms & apartments. 

Beyond its thrilling winter sports offerings, Trojena is committed to sustainable development. The project incorporates innovative technologies to minimize its environmental impact. For instance, renewable energy sources will power the resort's operations, reducing its carbon footprint. Additionally, Trojena will prioritize sustainable construction practices, using eco-friendly materials and minimizing waste. The resort's design aims to blend seamlessly with the natural landscape, preserving the region's unique beauty.

Trojena is also expected to contribute to the local economy by creating jobs and attracting investment. The resort's development will stimulate tourism and related industries, such as hospitality, retail, and transportation. By diversifying the region's economy, Trojena will help reduce its dependence on oil and create a more sustainable future.

 

Epicon 

Epicon is a stunning addition to the Neom landscape, announced in November 2023, and consisting of two tall towers; one reaching 225 meters and the other rising to 275 meters. These mirrored towers, reminiscent of the famed Line, will hold an elite boutique hotel with 41 key hotel and luxury residences that comprise 14 suites and apartments. Furthermore, the Epicon will have 120 luxury room resorts and 45 residential beach villas, offering guests exceptional comfort and stunning views of the Red Sea.

Aside from its architectural grandeur, the Epicon will be a center of luxury and enjoyment. Guests can enjoy world-class restaurants, relaxing spa treatments, and exclusive access to private beaches and swimming pools. The Epicon will also have cutting-edge amenities like fitness centers, meeting spaces, and retail businesses. As a demonstration of NEOM’s dedication to sustainability, the Epicon will use eco-friendly technologies and design aspects to reduce its environmental impact.

 

The Line, NEOM

Announced in 2017, Neom is a $500bn (£394bn) plan to build 10 futuristic cities in a desert region in the north west of the country. The Line is a 170-kilometer-long linear city envisioned to house 9 million residents by 2030. A mirrored architectural masterpiece towering 500 meters above sea level, but a land-saving 200 meters wide. The ideal climate all-year-round will ensure that residents can enjoy the surrounding nature. Expected to create many jobs and contribute substantially to the Saudi Arabian Economy. In keeping with Its sustainability goals, all energy will be sourced from renewable sources, including solar, wind, and hydrogen-powered plants. Spanning an area of 34 square kilometers, it is poised to redefine urban living and set new standards for sustainable development. In addition to high-speed rail – with an end-to-end transit of 20 minutes.

 

Diriyah

Diriyah, is a massive $62.2bn development project expected to be one of the world's largest and most complex constructions. With an estimation of +50 million visits per year in 2030, this huge effort will include around 38 hotels and resorts under construction renowned brands such as Ritz-Carlton, among others. This project will also have 9 museums, +20k residential units in the unique & traditional Najdi design, over 400 lifestyle businesses, and more than 100 souks and bazaars to add to the cultural experience. 

Diriyah will also be home to King Salman University and 16 schools servicing educational needs, and for spiritual reflection, thirty-one mosques will be built. By 2030, the project is planned to attract more than 100,000 residents and 50 million tourists each year.

 

Aquarabia 

Aquarabia, Saudi Arabia's first native water theme park, will be built in Qiddiya City. This great new attraction will provide 22 rides and family-friendly activities, including four world records. Extreme watersports such as rafting, kayaking, and cliff jumping are available for thrill seekers, while family may visit immersive themed attractions. Complementing the already announced Six Flags Qiddiya City, the first Six Flags park outside of North America. This exhilarating theme park will have 28 rides and attractions, including five world-record-breaking coasters.

Aquarabia and Six Flags Qiddiya City will collaborate to provide guests of all ages with a one-of-a-kind entertainment experience. These parks, which emphasize sustainability and innovative design, are poised to become big attractions in Saudi Arabia.

Oxagon 

NEOM's revolutionary idea in Saudi Arabia's future, bringing in foreign investment and diversifying the country's economy with an estimated 90,000 inhabitants by 2030. A futuristic metropolis based on sustainability and technological innovation. Oxagon, a floating industrial port on the Suez Canal, will function as a logistical center, powering a huge region solely with sustainable energy. Promising to be the world's most advanced logistics hub, leveraging artificial intelligence, machine learning, and robotics. Its cutting-edge port and logistics center will expedite global trade routes, providing effective cargo handling and distribution solutions. This technology integration will improve efficiency, minimize errors, and optimize resource allocation.

Oxagon is dedicated to sustainability and will only use renewable energy sources, making it carbon neutral. Additionally, in order to reduce its environmental impact, it will use sustainable building principles. This project serves as a model for sustainable industrial development that strikes a balance between economic growth, employment creation, and environmental conservation. 

Sindalah

Sindalah, nestled among the picturesque waves of the Red Sea, is a mesmerizing development encompassing an impressive 840,000 m². This magnificent destination combines natural beauty with modern elegance. Sindalah is home to a thriving marina full of yachts and vessels. The island's gorgeous beaches invite sunbathers and swimmers to unwind and enjoy the pleasant sunshine. For those looking for adventure, the nearby waterways offer options for snorkeling, diving, and fishing. The development also includes a world-class spa, which offers a peaceful retreat for regeneration and relaxation. Sindalah has 51 luxury retail outlets that appeal to sophisticated tastes, featuring a carefully curated range of high-end brands and one-of-a-kind boutiques. 

An Ever Evolving Vision 

In 2024, Saudi Arabia will commemorate its 94th National Day, getting closer to the ambitious Saudi Vision 2030, where the aspiration to diversify the economy and lessen reliance on oil, has driven the country through a revolutionary ten years. Megaprojects like NEOM and the Red Sea Global have redefined the nation's economic environment. But, aside from these prominent efforts, Saudi Arabia is investing in a variety of projects that demonstrate its dedication to world-class quality of life. 

The fundamental developments in Saudi have attracted global recognition that led to nominating the Saudi capital to organize the Expo in 2030, the most significant event ever held in the Kingdom. Many projects will take place to serve Riyadh Expo 2030, like The King Abdulaziz Project for Riyadh Public Transport is transforming urban mobility by establishing a comprehensive new 6 metro lines  and bus network with 2,860 bus stops with 80 routs supported by 80 buses, increasing sustainability and reducing congestion in the capital.

In addition to the Saudi Green Initiative that promotes environmental stewardship by aiming to plant billions of trees and reduce carbon emissions. Furthermore, the Masar Destination project aims to expand over 1.2 Million square kilometers in Makkah, modernizing the holy city's infrastructure and services, benefiting both pilgrims and residents.

As the country evaluates its progress, it is clear that Saudi Arabia is not just preparing for the future, but also redefining its worldwide narrative. Through these diversified and ambitious projects, the country is ushering in a new era of innovation, sustainability, and cultural rebirth, establishing itself as a forward-thinking global leader.