Could NEOM’s Sindalah island be the premiere luxury destination of 2024?

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An aerial view of the Sindalah village promenade. (Supplied)
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Updated 10 April 2023
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Could NEOM’s Sindalah island be the premiere luxury destination of 2024?

  • Island to feature an 86-berth marina, yacht and golf clubs and three luxury hotels
  • Architects using natural Red Sea landscape to create a one-of-a-kind architectural design

JEDDAH: For decades, the Greek isles, the Florida Keys, the Caribbean Sea and the Mediterranean coastline have been some of the most popular destinations in the world for yacht and boat owners. With Sindalah island set to open next year, however, the Red Sea location will be catching the eye of luxury travelers and yachters.

The island, designed by world-class architects at Luca Dini Design and Architecture, is set to be the first physical showcase of the planned Saudi smart city giga-project NEOM. Since Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman announced the construction of the project in December 2022, aerial images and videos have shown some of the island’s features and structures.

The island resort will feature several tourist attractions, including a beach club, a yacht club, a holistic spa and several hotels, including the first Marriott Autograph Collection Hotels property in Saudi Arabia and two of the hotel chain’s Luxury Collection properties set to open in 2024.

Sindalah’s location and natural characteristics make it a distinctive destination. Each structure is designed to blend with its environment to achieve harmony between nature and the urban development around it while ensuring that its habitat remains untouched and preserved, an ethos of NEOM.

The island’s location has made it a prime stopping point for many regional and European boat and yacht ownerss. Sindalah is a stone’s throw from the Mediterranean Sea, giving easy access to many yachting destinations in under a day through the Suez Canal.




Sindalah island is set to be the first physical showcase of the planned Saudi smart city giga-project NEOM. (Supplied)

With the Mediterranean Sea filled with superyachts throughout the summer, the Red Sea has long been a destination for divers and those looking for exotic cruising areas away from the bustle. The Red Sea is just a right turn away, with the climate of the region also a massive draw for anyone wanting to extend their yachting season.

“The destination will create a new season for superyachts, a dream alternative for yacht owners who want to spend the winter in an easily accessible location. With a prestigious 86-berth marina for yachts up to 75 meters and serviced buoys for superyachts up to 180 meters, a glamorous yacht club, luxury hotels, a golf club, an extensive retail precinct and exceptional food and beverage offerings, everything proposed in Sindalah is unique and cannot be found anywhere else in the world,” Luca Dini, CEO of Luca Dini studio, told Arab News.

“From our vast experience in the nautical sector, we bring the same knowledge of the needs of the most exclusive customers in the world, the attention-to-detail, and the ability to amaze owners who have already ‘seen it all’,” said Dini.




Luca Dini, CEO of Luca Dini studio. (Supplied)

“Sindalah, through design, is an expression of a spirit that we have noticed is strongly felt in Saudi (Arabia), which belongs to people closely linked to their traditions who look to the future with enthusiasm and dynamism. This deeply fascinates us. Every asset on Sindalah is designed to bring people together and allow them to experience the outdoors, in close connection with the beautiful environment,” he said.

Concerns over the disturbance and destruction of natural habitats are constantly examined by experts working at and with the giga-project engineers. Understanding the island’s natural undisturbed features, the coast, and existing rocks is, in Dini’s words, a “source of inspiration,” with each asset designed to enhance the forces of nature — the sun, wind and sea.

“The buildings are designed as rocks, which have always belonged to the island, and which nature has sculpted. Sindalah sand and seashells are the basis of aggregates for the village building materials. Unique semi-transparent materials capture the light of the setting sun and ignite the facades of the hotels facing west. Precious colored crystals set under the roofs of the Marina Promenade speak the language of corals and capture the reflected light of the sea,” he said.




A view of the entrance to the Sindalah hyper-luxury resort. Supplied)

Promoted as one of the world’s most pristine environments, each of NEOM’s structure development projects focuses on their commitment to sustainability, conservation and preservation of the natural environment. The pristine and unique marine environment is critical to NEOM’s success.

“As with all of NEOM’s projects, our commitment to redefine conservation and environmental preservation comes first. NEOM is developing Sindalah to be a premium destination that co-exists in harmony with the environment that surrounds it,” Antoni Vives, head of urban planning at NEOM, told Arab News.




Antoni Vives

In line with NEOM’s vision and purpose of promoting new ways of preventing environmental degradation and regenerating nature, Sindalah will celebrate and protect the unique underwater flora and fauna of the Red Sea following NEOM’s model of a sustainable, circular economy. Gives added that Sindalah will target several key sustainability certifications under NEOM’s Sustainability Policy Framework, including LEED Platinum and ENVISION sustainability certification at the hotel developments, and landscape and golf courses will be GEO certified.

“The sea and landscapes of the NEOM region, the diversity of species and habitats, and a rich cultural heritage are central to NEOM’s vision,” said Vives. “We proudly recognize what this represents as a regional and globally important source of biodiversity and cultural identity and we aim to set new standards in environmental stewardship by both protecting and enhancing our natural ecosystem.”

Leisure boating is an important economic activity that is increasing in popularity worldwide, though it can have damaging effects on the environment. Environmental impacts of recreational boating include anchoring impacts on seagrass, motor noise disturbance, toxic antifouling products and the transport of exotic species. Other effects include the discharge of greywater, air pollution, fuel and oil leaks, sediment resuspension, the release of black waters and marine litter, artificial light emissions, and animal feeding.

Marine discharge is common from boats, superyachts, and other seaborne vessels. As for NEOM’s stance toward such behavior, regulations will continue to help preserve the area’s natural habitat as Vives assured that Sindalah will be subject to regular environmental and social impact assessments “to ensure ongoing compliance that allows us to course correct as and when required.”

“We also leverage environmental management systems during construction to minimize our impact on the surrounding environment and ecology,” said Vives.

“Avoiding and mitigating behaviors that are detrimental to the environment is central to NEOM’s vision and purpose. Protecting our oceans and reefs is our key priority, and we will ensure collective adherence to NEOM’s environmental regulations within Sindalah. The island’s mobility plan focuses on exploring environmentally friendly modes of transport, including electric and green energy vessels,” he said.

 


Hajj pilgrims embrace second day of Tashreeq with ‘fantastic’ experience ahead of departure

Updated 08 June 2025
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Hajj pilgrims embrace second day of Tashreeq with ‘fantastic’ experience ahead of departure

  • As their sacred journey draws to a close, many are preparing to return home, with their hearts filled with gratitude and peace after completing their pilgrimage

MINA: Most of the more than 1.6 million pilgrims taking part in this year’s Hajj have completed the second day of Tashreeq — a spiritually significant stage marked by the symbolic stoning of the devil in Mina on Sunday.

As their sacred journey draws to a close, many are preparing to return home, with their hearts filled with gratitude and peace after completing their pilgrimage.

June 8, which corresponds to the 12th of Dhul Hijjah on the Islamic calendar and marks the second of the three Tashreeq Days, witnessed a steady stream of pilgrims performing the stoning ritual at the Jamarat complex in Mina.

Under the coordination of Saudi authorities, the movement unfolded smoothly, supported by comprehensive security, health and logistical services.

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Following the stoning ritual, many pilgrims made their way to the Grand Mosque in Makkah to perform Tawaf Al-Wadaa, or the farewell circumambulation — the final rite of Hajj. This act signifies the conclusion of the pilgrimage, after which pilgrims begin their journeys back to their home countries.

In Islamic jurisprudence, pilgrims who complete the Hajj rites by the second day of Tashreeq are said to have performed Ta’ajul, or hastened Hajj. This option, permissible under Islamic Shariah, allows pilgrims to depart Mina after completing the stoning ritual on the 12th of Dhul Hijjah.

Those who remain in Mina until sunset are obligated to stay for a third day and do the stoning ritual once more on the 13th, marking the full completion of the pilgrimage rites.

PHOTO GALLERY: Hajj 2025: Pilgrims complete second day of Tashreeq

The temperature recorded in Mina at 11 a.m. was 41 degrees Celsius, with expectations of a rise to 45 degrees Celsius before a predicted 31 degrees Celsius later in the day, according to the National Meteorology Center.

Speaking to Arab News, Sayed Taqi, an Afghan pilgrim on his first pilgrimage, said that he had a “very good” experience for Hajj.

“The security people were helpful, and, honestly, I am very happy. I will be ending my rituals today by noon, as I have a flight tomorrow,” Taqi said.

Mohsin Rasul, a pilgrim from Bangalore, India, who was completing his rituals, said: “The overall experience was very nice and quite peaceful, there was not much rushing with the arrangements by the authorities, and there wasn’t any problem anywhere, whether in the Grand Mosque, Madinah, Mina or Arafat.”

He added: “Everywhere, the arrangement was fantastic, in fact.”

Maqsari Hasni from Sidi Bel Abbes, Algeria, said that he could not describe the feeling of being in the holy sites to perform Hajj.

He also spoke with a voice filled with gratitude and appreciation: “I thank the Saudi government very … very much. It has done its duty perfectly, and we are truly proud of you. May Allah bless and protect you.”

Azhar Al-Wishah, an Iraqi pilgrim who lives in Canada, said that he and his group performed a smooth and comfortable hajj.

Describing the services provided to the group, he said: “We have really found a truly great service from the security people and all those working here. They have supplied all the services. We would like to thank the government and the people for your good reception and generous hospitality.”

He hoped that peace and security would continue in Saudi Arabia and for its people, “who humbled us with their generosity and who were competing eagerly to serve the pilgrims.”

Al-Wishah added: “May God watch over this country and keep it safe until the Day of Judgment.”

Fatima, a 28-year-old Iranian pilgrim, told Arab News that she took part in a unique experience — witnessing people from all around the world coming together to perform the same rituals, just as Prophet Ibrahim did thousands of years ago. She added that it was remarkable to see individuals of different ages, colors and nationalities united in one place.

Describing the crowd management during Hajj, she said: “I think it is very difficult to manage, but overall, it was very well organized.”

According to the Ministry of Health, more than 147,000 medical services had been provided as of June 7.

In a post on its X account, the ministry reported that during this year’s Hajj, 18 open-heart surgeries were performed, while 248 cardiac catheterization procedures were carried out.

The ministry added that 2,626 pilgrims were referred to its intensive care units, and outpatient clinics treated more than 7,540 pilgrims. Moreover, 5,619 pilgrims were admitted to hospitals, while 35,176 patients received care at emergency rooms in Makkah.

The post added that 80,603 pilgrims received medical assistance at the ministry’s various medical centers.


Smart tech aids lifesaving care for Hajj pilgrim

King Abdullah Medical City in Makkah. (SPA)
Updated 07 June 2025
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Smart tech aids lifesaving care for Hajj pilgrim

  • After stabilization, she was equipped with a smartwatch linked to the Seha Virtual Hospital system for remote monitoring, enabling her to complete her pilgrimage safely

MAKKAH: A Moroccan pilgrim who had suffered a “severe” heart attack was admitted to King Abdullah Medical City in Makkah, where she received “urgent care supported by smartwatch technology and continuous virtual monitoring,” the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

The hospital, part of the Makkah Health Cluster, reported that the patient also suffered from chronic conditions including hypertension and diabetes.

She “underwent cardiac catheterization, during which a drug-eluting stent was placed in the left anterior descending artery,” the SPA reported.

After stabilization, she was equipped with a smartwatch linked to the Seha Virtual Hospital system for remote monitoring, enabling her to complete her pilgrimage safely.

Later, in Mina, the smartwatch detected abnormal readings as the patient experienced chest pain again, triggering an alert. The virtual care team directed her to Mina Al-Jisr Hospital, where she was evaluated and admitted for observation. Once stable, she was discharged with a treatment plan and continued virtual follow-up.

This case “illustrates the strength of Saudi Arabia’s digital health infrastructure during Hajj and reflects the Ministry of Health’s progress toward Vision 2030, prioritizing high-quality, smart healthcare for pilgrims,” the SPA wrote.

 


Nusuk app guides more than 35k pilgrims on Eid Al-Adha

Updated 07 June 2025
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Nusuk app guides more than 35k pilgrims on Eid Al-Adha

  • Available in 10 languages, the app offers more than 120 digital services to support pilgrims’ arrival and rituals

MAKKAH: The Nusuk app — developed by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, played a “key role” on the first day of Eid Al-Adha, helping to guide more than 35,000 Hajj pilgrims, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

The app “highlights the ministry’s commitment to using technology for smooth pilgrim movement and effective crowd management at the holy sites, reflecting integrated technical and operational services during Hajj,” the SPA wrote.

Available in 10 languages, the app offers more than 120 digital services to support pilgrims’ arrival and rituals. With direct links to 25 government agencies and 10 private sector entities, Nusuk — a part of the ministry’s digital-transformation drive in line with Vision 2030 — “has become a comprehensive platform for the pilgrim journey,” the SPA reported.

For this year’s Hajj, the ministry added more than 30 new services to the app, including Nusuk AI — a digital assistant that provides guidance and responds to pilgrims’ inquiries via voice and text in multiple languages.

 


Saudi crown prince urges international community to end Israeli aggression in Gaza

Updated 07 June 2025
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Saudi crown prince urges international community to end Israeli aggression in Gaza

  • Prince Mohammed made the comments during a speech to dignitaries and officials marking Eid Al-Adha in Mina

MINA: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Saturday reaffirmed “the importance of the international community’s role in ending the disastrous consequences” of Israel’s “aggression” in Gaza.

He made the comments during a speech to dignitaries and officials marking Eid Al-Adha in Mina, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

“The suffering of our brothers in Palestine continues as a result of the ongoing Israeli aggression, he said.

“We reaffirm the importance of the international community’s role in ending the disastrous consequences of this aggression, protecting innocent civilians, and working toward a new reality in which Palestine can enjoy peace in accordance with international legitimacy and relevant resolutions.”

The crown prince was speaking during a meeting with Eid Al-Adha well-wishers at the Royal Court in Mina Palace.

“God Almighty has honored this country with the service of the Two Holy Mosques and their visitors, including pilgrims, Umrah performers and other guests,” he said, emphasizing that Saudi Arabia places this sacred duty at the forefront of its priorities, harnessing all its capabilities to serve the guests of God and ensuring that they are able to perform their rituals with ease and comfort.

The crown prince reiterated the Kingdom’s commitment to fulfilling this responsibility, recognizing both the great honor and the immense trust it entails.

“We ask God Almighty to perpetuate security and stability in our country, in all Muslim countries and across the world,” he said.

“May He accept the Hajj of the pilgrims to the House of God and return them safely to their families.”


MWL chief meets Syria’s Awqaf minister

Updated 07 June 2025
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MWL chief meets Syria’s Awqaf minister

  • They discussed a variety of topics of common interest

RIYADH: Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, secretary-general of the Muslim World League and chairman of the Organization of Muslim Scholars, met with the Syrian Arab Republic’s Minister of Awqaf Mohammad Abu Al-hair Shukri to discuss “a variety of topics of common interest,” the MWL wrote in a post on X on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance Dr. Abdullatif Al-Alsheikh recently met with the Malaysian delegation of Islamic leaders participating in the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Guests Program for Hajj, Umrah, and Visit, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.