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's ACWA Power to Buy Engie’s Share in Kuwait and Bahrain Assets 

The logo of French gas and power group Engie is seen on the company tower at La Defense business and financial district in Courbevoie, near Paris, France. May 16, 2018. (Reuters)
The logo of French gas and power group Engie is seen on the company tower at La Defense business and financial district in Courbevoie, near Paris, France. May 16, 2018. (Reuters)
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Saudi Arabia's ACWA Power to Buy Engie’s Share in Kuwait and Bahrain Assets 

The logo of French gas and power group Engie is seen on the company tower at La Defense business and financial district in Courbevoie, near Paris, France. May 16, 2018. (Reuters)
The logo of French gas and power group Engie is seen on the company tower at La Defense business and financial district in Courbevoie, near Paris, France. May 16, 2018. (Reuters)

Saudi Arabia's ACWA Power plans to buy stakes in assets in Kuwait and Bahrain worth $693 million from French utility developer Engie, the companies said in a joint statement on Wednesday. 

The share purchase agreement covers operating capacities of 4.61 GW of gas-fired power generation and 1.11 million cubic meters per day (m3/day) of water desalination facilities, they said. 

It also includes the related operations and maintenance companies in Kuwait and Bahrain, it added. 

"We consolidate our presence in Bahrain where we are already a reliable supplier of power and water, and we enter Kuwait, where we recently submitted a bid for a large power and desalination plant," ACWA Power CEO Marco Arcelli said. 

The transaction comprises of an 18% stake in the Az Zour North in Kuwait. Additionally, ACWA is also acquiring 45% stakes in both the Al Ezzel and Al Dur projects, as well as a 30% stake in the Al Hidd facility, all situated in Bahrain. 

ACWA Power will also acquire a portfolio of companies responsible for the operation and maintenance of the four assets, it said. 

Completion of the transaction is subject to customary regulatory and other stakeholder approvals.