Announced in 2022, Saudi Arabia has opened luxury island Sindalah as the first destination locale to launch as part of the Kingdom’s $500 billion mega project NEOM.
Situated to Saudi Arabia’s northwest, Sindalah is located 5 km (3.1 miles) from the mainland Saudi coast and measures 83 hectares (207 acres).
As NEOM’s entry point to the Red Sea Sindalah is about 17 hours away by boat from most Mediterranean yachting destinations providing easy access for European, Saudi and GCC boat owners.
Designed by Luca Dini Design & Architecture, the island features an 86-berth marina and yacht club, with additional offshore facilities for massive super yachts which require deeper waters. There are also restaurants, retail outlets, a beach club, an 18-hole golf course and club. 440 hotel rooms and 88 villas, as well as 218 serviced apartments will ultimately be available.
Sindalah’s waters are also home to over a thousand different species of fish, 45 of which are unique to the area, in addition to more than 300 coral species.
Speaking with Al-Arabiya, Antoni Vives, chief urban planning Officer at NEOM, noted that Sindalah aims to attract 2,400 visitors a day by 2028 and will be, “the closest ultra-prime marina to Europe and the Mediterranean, offering a new seasonal option to the global yachting calendar.” Sindalah is currently undergoing a phased opening that’s invitation-only.
The island will offer 38 food and beverage outlets, including nine high-end restaurants, nine premium casual restaurants, on-yacht dining and three rooftop pop-up lounges. Other amenities include a 6,474-yard (5,920 meter) par 70 golf course, a spa and wellness center, 5-star beaches, Michelin starred dining options, sporting events, and scuba diving.
Vives noted that the goal is for at least one in ten of all tourists to NEOM to visit Sindalah, which will be accessible by ferry or seaplane from NEOM. He added that, “Sindalah will mark the first opportunity for the public to experience NEOM. As the first physical showcase of NEOM, Sindalah will be a glamorous gateway to the Red Sea and a world-class super yachting destination, giving visitors a glimpse into the experiences to come across the region.”