Saudi Arabia’s Megaprojects Shaping the Future

Inside 17 visionary projects transforming the KSA under Vision 2030

Inside 17 visionary projects transforming the KSA under Vision 2030

Saudi Arabia is rapidly transforming as the Kingdom seeks to reduce its reliance on oil and diversify its economy under Vision 2030, which emphasizes public services and tourism.

While mega-projects like The Line—an ambitious 170km linear city—grab headlines, the country is also home to a range of other multi-billion-dollar initiatives that offer opportunities for architecture, engineering, and construction firms globally.

Here’s a closer look at 17 of Saudi Arabia’s most significant mega-projects:

Neom: The Visionary Cluster

Four key projects—The Line, Oxagon, Sindalah, and Trojena—are centered within Neom, a special economic zone in northwest Saudi Arabia. Combined, these projects are expected to cost around $500 billion.

The AlUla Project

AlUla aims to develop an archaeological and cultural tourism hub the size of Belgium. The area, home to Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage site, Hegra, is being transformed with key projects like the Sharaan Resort and two new museums, the Contemporary Art Museum and the Museum of the Incense Road.

Diriyah Gate

Backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), the Diriyah Gate project is revamping the historic Diriyah, the Kingdom's first capital, located just northwest of Riyadh. This $63 billion scheme includes the creation of entertainment, retail, hospitality, and educational spaces, with over 20 hotels and several museums.

Jeddah Central

Jeddah Central is a 5.7 million square meter development project aiming to turn the city into a global destination. The first phase includes a marina, an opera house, a sports stadium, and more. The project also plans to build 17,000 housing units and 2,700 hotel rooms.

Jeddah Economic City (and Jeddah Tower)

At the heart of Jeddah Economic City lies the under-construction Jeddah Tower, set to be the world’s tallest skyscraper. Construction halted at 63 stories in 2017 but has since resumed, with new tenders being issued to complete the project.

King Salman Park

This massive public park in Riyadh will be five times larger than New York’s Central Park and will feature a visitor pavilion, restaurants, and a plant nursery. It is expected to open in 2024.

The Line (Neom)

The Line is one of the most ambitious projects in the world—a 170km-long linear city powered by 100% renewable energy. When completed, it will house nine million people and will be connected by a high-speed rail that will allow end-to-end travel in just 20 minutes.

Masar

Masar is a redevelopment project in the center of Makkah, creating residential, hotel, and commercial spaces. Private developer Umm Al Qura has invested nearly SAR 40 billion ($11 billion) in the project so far.

Mohammed bin Salman Non-profit City (MISK)

This new city will serve as a hub for non-profit organizations and youth groups. Set near Riyadh, it will include schools, a museum, and a science center.

The Mukaab (and New Murabba)

The Mukaab is a futuristic, 400-meter-tall cube structure that will anchor the New Murabba development in Riyadh. It will feature digital and virtual holographic environments and is expected to be one of the largest buildings in the world.

Oxagon (Neom)

Oxagon will house a research and innovation center and a sustainable port with a fully automated supply chain. The port is currently under construction, with international contractors building quay walls and other infrastructure.

Qiddiya

Qiddiya, another PIF-backed project, will create an entertainment and sports city featuring theme parks, sports arenas, concert venues, and housing.

Red Sea Global

The Red Sea Project is positioned as a luxury tourism destination with 50 resorts, 8,000 hotel rooms, and over 1,000 residential properties. It includes phase one of Red Sea International Airport and several luxury hotels.

Roshn

Roshn, backed by the PIF, is developing 400,000 homes across Saudi Arabia by 2030, aiming to increase homeownership in the Kingdom to 70%.

Saudi Downtown

The Saudi Downtown initiative spans 12 projects in 11 regions of the Kingdom, aiming to boost lifestyles and economic growth through mixed-use developments.

Saudi Entertainment Ventures (Seven)

Seven is developing an entertainment center in Almadinah, featuring e-karting, adventure centers, and other recreational facilities as part of Saudi Arabia’s drive to attract 100 million tourists by 2030.

Sindalah (Neom)

Sindalah will be a luxury island resort in the Red Sea, featuring three hotels, a golf course, and over 50 retail outlets, set to be completed in 2024.

Trojena (Neom)

Trojena, an alpine ski resort planned in the mountains of Neom, will feature ski slopes, retail outlets, hotels, and a mountainside amphitheater, despite its desert setting. Completion is expected by 2026.