TOURISM

Magna is the latest development set to rise across the kingdom’s northwest in NEOM.

The master developers at NEOM announced the development of the luxury coastal destination in June, as part of its sustainable tourism initiative. Magna is located on the Gulf of Aqaba and will include the destinations of Leyja, Epicon, Siranna, Utamo, Norlana, Aquellum, Zardun, Xaynor, Elanan, Gidori, Treyam, and Jaumur.

The 12 destinations will cover 120 kilometres and aim to establish a new standard in sustainable luxury tourism. Aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, Magna will emphasise advanced technology, world-class architecture, and modern amenities that integrate with the natural environment. 

Each destination will oer unique features for residents and guests while maintaining a unified theme focused on the conservation and rejuvenation of native flora, fauna, and the natural landscape. The development will include 15 luxury hotels, 1,600 hotel rooms, suites, apartments, and over 2,500 premium residences.

“NEOM’s coastal region of Magna combines natural beauty with advanced technology. It aligns with our pillars of redefining business, conservation, and livability, contributing to the national economic diversification efforts and broader Saudi Vision 2030 goals, positioning the kingdom as a leader in luxury tourism,” said Nadhmi Al-Nasr, chief executive offcer of NEOM.

BOON FOR THE ECONOMY

Magna and its destinations will boost the country’s economy by creating 15,000 jobs in tourism, leisure, and hospitality. The development is expected to contribute SAR 2.6 billion to the kingdom's GDP by 2030, house 14,500 residents, and attract over 300,000 overnight visitors annually. Magna oers investors and developers the chance to be part of a pioneering project with sustainability integrated into every stage from design to construction and long-term maintenance. 

As NEOM’s latest region in its giga-project development in northwest Saudi Arabia, Magna will join Sindalah, THE LINE, Trojena, and Oxagon.

The latest projects build on the kingdom’s overarching ambition to welcome 100 million visitors, a target that was achieved last year – seven years earlier than planned, with 27 million international tourists. Combined local and international tourists spent more than USD 67 billion.

“With a staggering 390% increase in demand for tourism activity licenses in 2023 and the contribution of tourism to the non-oil GVA estimated to exceed 7%, Saudi Arabia's vision for the future is clear,” according to UN World Tourism Organization. “With the tourism sector's direct contribution to the GDP estimated to exceed 4%, the country has showcased its resilience, innovation, and commitment to excellence.

Work is underway to raise the targets to welcome 150 million visitors by 2030, including more than 70 million international tourists. 

QUALITY OF LIFE PROGRAM

Saudi Arabia’s Quality of Life Program is already paying dividends in creating more jobs and investments in the tourism sector. 

The establishment of 11 specialised cultural commissions aimed at developing the cultural sector in the country has sparked new growth. In terms of human capital, over 30 programmes have been implemented for qualification, training, and scholarships in various cultural disciplines, contributing to thousands of jobs in this promising sector.

The programme has supported investment by launching the Cultural Development Fund, with allocations of up to SAR 181 million tostimulate cultural projects. Other initiatives include launching a culinary arts incubator and supporting cinema projects for film production. The programme has also focused on infrastructure by developing and rehabilitating over 100 heritage sites, including the rehabilitation of three museums and the listing of seven sites on the UNESCO World Heritage List, the latest being the cultural Hima area in Najran.

The programme has had a significant economic impact, particularly in tourism, creating 925,460 jobs in 2023 through various initiatives implemented by the Ministry of Tourism and its aliated bodies, including support for investments, project launches, and training programmes benefiting thousands of young people.

The tourism sector is already a major job creator in the kingdom. Latest available data from the General Authority of Statistics (GASTAT) shows the number of employees in tourism-related establishments reached 879,815 employees by 2022. Food and beverage serving activities accounted for 68.8% of employees, followed by accommodation for visitors' activity at 12.5%. These two activities combined represent 81.3% of the total number of employees in tourism-related activities.

The total number of Saudi male and female employees was 234,201 out of total employees in tourism-related activities. Saudi male employees accounted for approximately 56.8%, while females accounted for 43.2%, GASTAT data shows.