Neom is a megalomaniac’s dream in Saudi Arabia where dozens of towns, cities and resorts like The Line, a mile long city will cut through the desert to the Red Sea, and all join together in a futuristic utopia. The first of the endless series to be opened, claim the Saudis, is Sindalah an island covering 84 acres. It opened this month to the public with celebrities like Will Smith and Tom Brady smiling on location to bring the Americans over on their mega yachts.
Video via KSAProjects
Saudi Arabia announces massive construction projects on a weekly basis hoping that its oil wealth will attract western tourists, as it builds out other dreams for its locals in a parallel universe.
Below is an image of the intended result. The two images below are the actual construction state of Sindalah.
Set to welcome up to 2,400 guests per day by 2028, the island will also generate around 3,500 jobs.
Boasting an “impressive marine ecosystem”, Neom developers provide no available reports on environmental assessment or how it will protect coral reefs, dolphins or marine life. We reached out and received no comment.
Sindalah’s PR unit says its surrounding waters are home to 1,100 species of fish – 45 of which are unique to NEOM waters, in addition to more than 300 coral species.
In line with Neom’s commitment to sustainability and conservation, preservation of Sindalah’s natural marine habitat has been central to the island’s development, and guests are invited to dive beneath the surface to explore its wonders for themselves, writes marketing material. Where are the commitments and environmental standards kept?
From What’s On Saudi Arabia: “Dozens of yachts from around the world have landed at the state-of-the-art marina at the Sindalah Yacht Club in NEOM as the destination approaches its grand opening. Also spotted on one of the super yachts was Tom Brady, the American former professional football quarterback who played in the National Football League for 23 seasons.”
We have dove off the waters of Egypt and no one is preparing you on how to behave in a coral reef environment. With luxury mega yachts expected to crash every party, how does Sindalah expect to protect the environment?
Sindalah will host 38 restaurants, nightlife and golfing for guests who can stay at none of 440 rooms and 88 villas, as well as 218 luxury serviced apartments.
Sinai, Egypt across the Red Sea still looks a lot more appealing. Plus it’s home to God’s mountain.
Trio of “luxury high-end boutique hotels” Leyja launched by Neom
