NEOM Unveils 'Magna' Global Project on Gulf of Aqaba Featuring 12 Luxury Tourism Destinations

Magna is situated on the stunning Gulf of Aqaba coastline. (NEOM)
Magna is situated on the stunning Gulf of Aqaba coastline. (NEOM)
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NEOM Unveils 'Magna' Global Project on Gulf of Aqaba Featuring 12 Luxury Tourism Destinations

Magna is situated on the stunning Gulf of Aqaba coastline. (NEOM)
Magna is situated on the stunning Gulf of Aqaba coastline. (NEOM)

The Board of Directors of NEOM revealed the development of Magna, its luxury lifestyle coastal destination.

Part of NEOM's regional sustainable tourism portfolio, Magna is situated on the stunning Gulf of Aqaba coastline and comprises the recently announced premier destinations of Leyja, Epicon, Siranna, Utamo, Norlana, Aquellum, Zardun, Xaynor, Elanan, Gidori, Treyam, and Jaumur, said NEOM in a statement on Wednesday.

The twelve destinations will span 120 kilometers and are poised to set a new global standard in luxury sustainable tourism. As the physical embodiment of the ambitious and future-focused Saudi Vision 2030, Magna will be developed with a core focus on cutting-edge technology, world-class architecture, and ultra-modern amenities that seamlessly merge with nature.

Each destination is individually unique, with its own distinct offering for residents and guests, yet they will seamlessly blend to form a unified destination. They will be woven together by the conservation, preservation, and rejuvenation of native flora, fauna, and the breathtaking natural landscape.

The development will boast 15 luxury hotels, 1,600 hotel rooms, suites and apartments, and over 2,500 premium residences across its destinations.

Chief Executive Officer of NEOM Nadhmi Al-Nasr said: “NEOM's premier coastal region of Magna is a treasure of tomorrow, steeped in natural beauty and advanced technology. Aligned with our three pillars of redefining business, conservation, and livability, Magna will play a key role in building a strong tourism ecosystem within NEOM.”

“Importantly, Magna will contribute positively to the national economic diversification efforts and to the broader Saudi Vision 2030 goals, helping to position the Kingdom as a global leader in luxury tourism,” he added.

In line with Vision 2030, Magna and its destinations will stimulate the Kingdom's economy by creating 15,000 jobs across the tourism, leisure, and hospitality sectors. The development is projected to contribute SAR 2.6 billion to the Kingdom's GDP by 2030, accommodate 14,500 residents, and welcome more than 300,000 overnight visitors annually.

Magna presents an unprecedented opportunity for investors and developers to be part of one of the world's most pioneering projects, with sustainability embedded in every stage from design to construction and long-term maintenance.

Magna is NEOM's newest region within the evolving giga-project development in the northwest of Saudi Arabia, following Sindalah, THE LINE, Trojena, and Oxagon.



Saudi Arabia Embraces Digitalization and AI to Enhance Asset, Facility Management Efficiency

Dr. Zuhair Al-Sarraj, Secretary-General of the conference (Media Center)
Dr. Zuhair Al-Sarraj, Secretary-General of the conference (Media Center)
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Saudi Arabia Embraces Digitalization and AI to Enhance Asset, Facility Management Efficiency

Dr. Zuhair Al-Sarraj, Secretary-General of the conference (Media Center)
Dr. Zuhair Al-Sarraj, Secretary-General of the conference (Media Center)

A recent research study presented during the International Conference on Asset, Facility Management, and Maintenance, held in Jeddah, underscored the deep impact of efficiency and economic sustainability on reducing operational costs and improving institutional performance.

The study revealed that implementing effective facility management strategies can lower operational costs by up to 20%, creating opportunities for organizations to invest in innovation and development. Moreover, adopting sustainable solutions can reduce energy consumption in public facilities by as much as 30%, directly contributing to the achievement of sustainable development goals.

Held under the patronage of Prince Khalid Al-Faisal, Advisor to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and Governor of Makkah Province, the conference is held from January 26 to 28 and features participation from over 100 experts representing 25 countries.

The findings highlighted that organizations employing sustainable development strategies achieve measurable improvements in operational efficiency ranging from 20% to 30%, along with a notable 25% boost in productivity. Additionally, these strategies drastically reduce contract failure rates by 70%.

Advanced Infrastructure

Dr. Zuhair Al-Sarraj, Secretary-General of the conference, told Asharq Al-Awsat that the event aims to establish a specialized platform for the exchange of expertise and knowledge in the fields of facility management and maintenance. He emphasized that the conference introduces innovative solutions for preserving essential infrastructure and vital facilities, such as airports, hospitals, roads, and university campuses.

Al-Sarraj also stressed the importance of training and empowering Saudi youth with the professional skills and expertise required to manage these resources effectively. He noted that Saudi Arabia stands among the leading countries in terms of extensive real estate holdings and advanced infrastructure, developed through multi-billion-riyal national plans.

The official further highlighted Saudi Arabia’s strong technical and human capabilities, which position the Kingdom as a leader in this sector. This leadership is further enhanced by the country’s rapid strides toward digitalization, as well as the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT).

He explained that smart solutions enable precise and efficient decision-making through advanced data analysis, reducing the reliance on large maintenance teams. According to recent studies, the adoption of smart systems can decrease maintenance costs by up to 25%, thanks to proactive policies that minimize waste and improve operational efficiency.

The Secretary-General also underscored the role of asset and facility management in achieving sustainability and enhancing infrastructure performance.

Shaping Future Directions

Dr. Mohammed Al-Fouzan, Chairman of the Arab Operations and Maintenance Council, said in his keynote address that digitalization is transforming every aspect of life, fundamentally reshaping asset and facility management. He outlined four key pillars—essence, appearance, function, and goals—that are critical in shaping strategies and future directions in this field.

The first day of the conference witnessed the inauguration of AFM Expo, an exhibition showcasing cutting-edge innovations in facility management and maintenance. The exhibition highlighted advanced technologies in preventive maintenance and digitalization, with a strong focus on enhancing operational efficiency and reducing costs.

The conference serves as a crucial platform bringing together stakeholders from the public and private sectors, academia, and investment communities, fostering collaboration and driving practical solutions to the challenges faced in facility management.