Dubai is a developed modern metropolitan that has emerged with a diverse and vast variety of complex elements. Since 1950, Dubai’s blend of population, belonging to diverse cultures, has risen about 100 times, while its urban fabric spread nearly 400 times. The golden emirate’s growth is economically driven, while a huge part of its urban spatial development is still in the pipeline.
The Dubai 2020 Urban Master Plan established a flexible framework to govern Dubai’s urban development. Based on background analysis relevant to contemporary environmental elements and urbanisation contexts, it incorporated the historical barriers of urban development. Also, it responded to the repercussions of the global economic slump since 2008. At a time when the world needs innovative ideas and fresh approaches, it represents an attempt to do something out of the ordinary, something that has never been done before.
Saudi Arabia Vision 2030
Following the foot-steps of neighbouring country, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has somehow inventively and innovatively danced and soared harmoniously towards awe-inspiring and globally recognised growth. TheSaudi Arabia Vision 2030 plan has set forth a growth stride for this region. Adding to that list, NEOM will be a place to go and call home for those who have big dreams and want to help create a brand-new paradigm for sustainable living, working, and succeeding.
NEOM – A fulcrum of diversity
NEOM is an amalgamation and a beautiful fulcrum of the diversity of viewpoints induced by an empowered and inclusive workforce. The teams are made up of people from different countries and backgrounds who are pioneers in the midst of a singular historical period and are curious, daring, and enthusiastic. The futuristic desert construction has a massive $500 billion budget. It is a crucial component of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 plan, unveiled in 2016 as part of its ambition to diversify away from its oil-dependent economy.
This month, excavation operations have begun along the project’s full length. Several pieces in newspapers and opinions from architects have concluded that the idea is a pipe dream, raising doubts about the development’s viability. Other detractors list its carbon emissions among its larger issues.
NEOM, The Line – The zero gravity urbanism
Three regions of NEOM, including The Line, a linear city concept with futuristic vistas right out of a Hollywood film, have been officially unveiled. The location is on a coastal strip in Tabuk in the country’s north-west region. The Line, made up of two parallel skyscrapers that span 170 kilometres from the coast to the mountains, are 200 metres wide and 500 metres tall, and will be surrounded on all sides by enormous mirrors for an additional surreal touch. It will be higher than most towers in the globe.
The project is based on a novel idea called “zero gravity urbanism,” which proposes overlaying vertical city operations while allowing residents to roam freely in three directions (up, down, and across). It will house up to 9 million people when it is finished. NEOM operation team recognises cynicism toward the initiative but firmly refute and repudiate it. The NEOM’s chief urban planning officer, Antoni Vives, told that Neom is a complicated, bold, and extremely ambitious endeavour and is most certainly not an easy one to fulfil. Therefore, the company has set its motions into full throttle and is moving forward quickly. It is inspiring to watch the concept materialise.
Even though the “Oz of the Middle East” is still being built, there is already a push to bring in top international talent from various sectors, including tourism, technology, and entertainment. Additionally, it appears that a lot of money and futuristic technology will be made available to entice the future residents and visitors. Those who take the plunge will be committing to a world without roads, vehicles, only flying taxis, and a high-speed rail with a 20-minute end-to-end travel time. Then there are the holograms and robotic avatars that will permeate daily life.
Oxagon – The futuristic renewable energy-powered project
The city will serve as a port and logistical centre for the larger NEOM project, an area powered by renewable energy that is a component of Saudi Arabia Vision 2030 plan to diversify its economy and reduce its dependence on oil. With a sizeable portion of the development sticking out into the Red Sea and a portion of it being on land, Oxagon will have a distinctive octagonal shape. The NEOM developers assert that the offshore portion of the metropolis, which would be separated from the land by a shipping canal, will be the “world’s largest floating structure.” The layout of the floating metropolis will revolve around squares bordered by water and connected by narrow canals. A cruise terminal and an oceanic research facility will also be located there.
According to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Oxagon will catalyse economic growth and diversification in Neom and the Kingdom, helping achieve the goals set forth in the Saudi Arabia Vision 2030 plan. It will help redefine how industrial development is done around the world in the future, conserving the environment and fostering economic prosperity for Neom. It will also enable the development of a new hub for international trade flows and advance regional trade and business in Saudi Arabia.
Trojena – Say Alohomora and enter the magical world of Aqaba!
Trojena will be a recognisable, top-tier destination that blends urban and natural environments and provides both locals and visitors with distinctive human-centric experiences. Six distinct development districts will be housed at the destination, each of which will be centred around unique experiences that combine real and virtual advancements and developments in engineering and architecture. All in an effort to build a place that is unmatched on earth. With heights ranging from 1,500 to 2,600 metres and an area of roughly 60 square kilometres, Trojena is a part of NEOM’s regional plan. It is situated 50 kilometres from the Gulf of Aqaba shoreline in the centre of the natural region.
Trojena will be a lovely destination to visit and a magical place to live, taking advantage of the area’s unique environment. The Vault and a beautiful artificial freshwater lake are highlights. Here the winter temperatures will plummet below zero celsius, and year-round temperatures will typically go 10 degrees lower than the rest of the region. Once completed in 2026, Trojena will provide year-round outdoor skiing and adventure sports, an unmatched experience and serve as a major landmark for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. As the primary entrance to Trojena, it is a folded village that combines technology, entertainment, and hospitality.
The complex will eventually include a variety of residences and hotels ranging from ultra-luxury and experiential to wellness and family resorts, apartments, chalets, and mansions. An interactive natural reserve will coexist alongside year-round skiing, water activities, hiking, and mountain biking. Trojena will develop into one of the world’s and NEOM’s most glamorous tourist destinations and will adhere to the values of sustainability, cutting-edge technology, and stunning design. Infused with the concept of NEOM, Trojena is designed around technology and innovation, presenting remarkable options for locals and visitors looking for luxury, adventure, entertainment, liveability, and a break from the routine.
Sindalah Island – The leisurely world on The Red Sea
Sindalah Island, a major entryway to the Red Sea, is anticipated to open its doors to travellers in the early months of 2024, enabling tourists to take advantage of a wide choice of opulent services, offers, and nautical and natural experiences. The project is expected to contribute to the creation of 3,500 employment opportunities in the tourism, hotel and leisure industries.
The Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia spoke highly of the project, calling it “another critical moment for NEOM and a big step in the Kingdom realising its tourism objectives under Vision 2030,” according to a statement by the official Saudi Press Agency (SPA). Sindalah will be NEOM’s first luxury island and yacht club destination in the Red Sea, providing a stunning entry to the Red Sea and becoming the area’s most interesting and alluring tourist destination. To transform the international yachting scene into glamour and opulence, Sindalah Island plans to build a magnificent 86-berth marina that will be the perfect location for housing luxury vessels. Superyachts will be housed on offshore buoys.
Additionally, it will offer visitors a variety of lodging choices, from 333 luxury serviced apartments to 413 ultra-premium hotel rooms. A luxurious beach club, glitzy yacht club, and 38 diverse cuisine selections will deliver an unmatched experience in the Red Sea. NEOM is developing the island to become a premier vacation spot surrounded by one of the most magnificent coral reserves in the world and a breathtaking and diversified marine environment. Additionally, Sindalah aims to establish itself as a well-known golfing destination by giving fans access to a top-notch, 5,920-meter par-70 course.
Summing it up
According to the planners, each NEOM’s area will be entirely powered by renewable energy, sustainably connected, and surrounded by re-greened and rewilded wildlife. According to the experts, a bigger picture of the fastest-growing economy in the world is emerging in addition to the hoopla surrounding the mind-bending NEOM. Since Saudi Arabia’s National Transformation Plan was introduced in 2016, the overall value of the real estate and infrastructure projects has reportedly surpassed $1.1 trillion, according to international real estate agents in Dubai.
They are now following 15 Giga projects in various stages of construction around the Kingdom, many of which are new freestanding super-cities in their own right. NEOM symbolises a new era for business entrepreneurs previously operating in the Middle East. The real estate agents in Dubai believe that this project is unprecedented and will push innovation and technology that no one has ever seen before. According to statements made at the last Global AI Summit in Riyadh, Artificial Intelligence will be “the beating heart” of NEOM.
Since Granger’s company has been collaborating closely with NEOM, the company believes the way the corporate world perceives Saudi Arabia has irrevocably changed. Global multinationals now see the nation as one of the world’s most active business hubs. Indeed, due to its advantageous location on the Red Sea, through which roughly 13% of the world’s trade passes, and the fact that 40% of the world’s population is accessible within a six-hour flight, NEOM is positioned to become a global gateway for international trade potentially.
NEOM has big aspirations for the arts and culture as well. It recently opened NEOM Media Village and Bajdah Desert Studios, which house the country’s largest sound stages and film production support facilities. Another important area of concentration for Saudi Arabia Vision 2030 plan is the transformation and expansion of the Kingdom’s media sector.
Impact on Dubai real estate sector
UAE and KSE have always prioritised growth and the effective utilisation of already-existing urban infrastructure. The plans’ development implemented by the Middle East areas has throttled and propelled growth in the areas and industries such as tourism, hospitality, finance business and Dubai real estate. The plans in motion will further increase the economic growth in the region, and Dubai will continue to be a hub for cutting-edge start-ups, global corporations, strategic collaborations, and investment opportunities. Dubai real estate and the property market will profit as well. This will be accomplished by striking a balance between safeguarding current urban neighbourhoods and promoting future sustainable expansion through infrastructure and planning adjustments. This will therefore support values and lead to new project opportunities.
