Saudi Arabia finishes new £625m island resort that is the 'Gateway to the Red Sea'

Saudi Arabia has opened a new £625m luxury island resort, the "Gateway to the Red Sea".

Located just three miles from the NEOM coastline, Sindalah Island in Saudi Arabia will provide easy access for European, Saudi and GCC yacht owners.

The resort, which has now been officially unveiled, is part of the NEOM project, a new urban area to be built in the country’s Tabuk Province.

The project is part of Saudi Arabia's mega infrastructure projects, which are costing billions of pounds and are part of a radical plan to prepare the country for the challenges of the next century.

Spanning over 840,000 square metres across the picturesque Red Sea, this luxurious island retreat prioritises the conservation of its pristine natural surroundings. 

Shaped like a seahorse, Sindalah is home to several upscale hotels and a large yachting marina, as well as a beach club, wellness centre, and luxury shopping outlets. 

Visitors to Sindalah can enjoy a variety of activities on the island, such as kayaking, kite surfing, and water skiing. Additionally, there are fantastic opportunities for scuba diving.

The island will also house the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) first island golf course. 

Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., the nine-hole golf course will feature a 280-metre driving range and golf practice areas. 

Additionally, it will host an on-site sports club offering a training academy, an Olympic-size swimming pool, a spa, and sports courts.

Thanks to its year-long warm temperatures, Sindalah will welcome up to 2,400 guests per day by 2028. The island will also generate around 3,500 jobs, helping to drive the ongoing development of the hospitality and tourism industries. 

Sindalah’s surrounding waters are home to 1,100 species of fish, 45 of which are unique to NEOM waters, and more than 300 coral species.

Nadhmi Al-Nasr, Chief Executive Officer of 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.”