What Are Saudi Arabia's Giga Projects?
Saudi Arabia’s giga projects represent a transformative vision for the future of the Kingdom. These projects were launched as part of Vision 2030, aiming to diversify the economy, create new industries, and enhance the quality of life for citizens and visitors. From futuristic cities like NEOM and sustainable tourism destinations such as the Red Sea Project, to cultural and heritage-focused developments like Diriyah Gate and AlUla, each project reflects Saudi Arabia’s ambition to become a global hub for innovation, tourism, and investment. These projects drive economic growth and showcase the Kingdom’s commitment to sustainability, creativity, and cultural preservation.
The Royal Commission for AlUla is leading the transformation of AlUla into a global cultural and heritage destination. As Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, AlUla is envisioned as the world’s largest living museum, blending ancient history with forward-thinking design and innovation. The region is seeing the development of 15 major cultural landmarks, including museums, art galleries, and creative centres. Alongside these efforts, the Commission is investing in skills development, licensing local technicians and artisans to support the growing cultural ecosystem. Initiatives such as Arts AlUla Festival, Design Space AlUla, Madrasa AlDeera, and Desert X AlUla 2024 reflect a strong commitment to cultural exchange and global collaboration, offering opportunities for international partners and UK-based organisations to engage through training, residencies, and creative partnerships.
NEOM: NEOM is a large-scale urban development in northwest Saudi Arabia, designed to be a global center for technology, innovation, and trade. It is a key component of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy and reduce reliance on oil. NEOM prioritizes sustainability, with plans to operate entirely on renewable energy and protect the natural environment. More than a construction project, NEOM is intended to drive economic growth and support innovation and entrepreneurship in the Kingdom. The project includes several distinct areas, such as THE LINE, Oxagon, and Trojena, each with a specific purpose and design.
- The Line: A 170 km-long smart city with no cars, roads or emissions.
- Oxagon: The world’s largest floating industrial hub.
- Trojena: A luxury mountain resort and the KSA's first outdoor ski destination
Red Sea Global (RSG): luxury sustainable tourism project along the Red Sea coast, featuring 50+ hotels and resorts across 22 island and inland locations, all powered entirely by renewable energy. Two key examples are Shebara Resort, which opened in November 2024, and Amaala, which is scheduled to welcome its first guests in 2025.
Qiddiya: It is an entertainment and cultural destination taking shape near Riyadh, designed to become one of the world’s leading entertainment hubs. The city will feature a wide range of attractions, including a Six Flags theme park, a Formula 1 racetrack, water parks, stadiums, and sports academies. At its heart lies a performing arts centre that integrates emerging technologies like Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, and Artificial Intelligence, with plans to host over 260 performances a year. Qiddiya also emphasizes heritage, music, and museums, offering unique opportunities for artists and creators to blend traditional storytelling with modern experiences.
Diriyah Gate: Diriyah, named the Capital of Arab Culture for 2030, is emerging as a vibrant hub of heritage, art, and cultural exchange. Anchored by At-Turaif, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the area is undergoing major development to include museums, cultural landmarks, and luxury hospitality venues. Diriyah will host a wide array of cultural programming, ranging from art exhibitions and festivals to film screenings and literary events, highlighting Saudi Arabia’s deep-rooted traditions alongside contemporary creativity. With a strong focus on visual arts, heritage, and performing arts, Diriyah offers valuable opportunities for international collaboration. UK expertise in curating events and cultural programming can play a key role in supporting Diriyah’s growth as a leading destination for global culture and innovation.
King Salman Park: King Salman Park in Riyadh, spanning 16 square kilometers, is set to become the largest urban park in the world. It will feature expansive green spaces, cultural venues, sports facilities, and entertainment areas, offering diverse recreational opportunities for both residents and visitors.
General Entertainment Authority plays a pivotal role in Saudi Arabia's vision of transforming its entertainment sector into a cornerstone of tourism and quality of life enhancement. Operating independently from the Ministry of Culture, the GEA is tasked with developing large-scale events and attractions across the Kingdom, creating a vibrant entertainment landscape that draws both locals and tourists.
