The Board of Directors of NEOM has announced the opening of Sandala Island, a global luxury marine tourism destination on the Red Sea.

Sandalah is the first of NEOM's destinations to receive visitors, signaling the acceleration of work and the progress of NEOM's projects towards realizing its ambitious global vision.
His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Chairman of NEOM's Board of Directors, announced in December 2022 the development of the island, whose opening today marks an important step in supporting the Kingdom's tourism sector. <The inauguration of Sandalah, a two-year effort that involved a workforce of up to 30,000 workers, four local construction partners and up to 60 subcontractors, underscores NEOM's ability to innovate and successfully implement new and distinctive destinations," said Mohammed Salman, Crown Prince and Chairman of NEOM. To celebrate this milestone, Sendala welcomed the first batch of guests who were invited to visit the island.

Sandalah Island Location

Sandalah is located in the heart of the clear turquoise waters of the Red Sea, five kilometers off the coast of Neom, in the northwest of Saudi Arabia. Spread over 840,000 square meters, this unique destination is Neom's gateway to the Red Sea thanks to its ideal location, providing easy and seamless access for yacht and ship owners from Europe, Saudi Arabia, and the GCC, and 17 sailing hours away from major destinations on the Mediterranean coast.

Combining natural beauty with cutting-edge design enhanced by technology and architectural excellence, Sindalla has been masterfully designed by Luca Dini, a leader in marina and yacht design.

Sindalla has been designed by Luca Dini, a leader in marina and yacht design.

Sandals is expected to create around 3,500 jobs and welcome around 2,400 visitors per day by 2028, contributing to the Kingdom's growing hospitality and tourism sectors and supporting economic diversification plans in line with Vision 2030.

On the occasion of the event, the Kingdom's Minister of Tourism, Mr. Abdulrahman Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, highlighted the importance of the project and the importance of its development. <Speaking on the occasion, NEOM CEO Nazmi Al Nasr said: "Sandala reinforces NEOM's efforts to support luxury tourism in the Kingdom. As we celebrate the opening of the island, we appreciate the support of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Chairman of NEOM's Board of Directors, whose ambitious vision and constant guidance have made this project possible in line with the Saudi Vision 2030.“

Nadhmi Al Nasr, CEO of NEOM, said. Al-Nasr added: ”As the first of NEOM's destinations to start receiving visitors, Sandala will offer a glimpse of what the future holds in terms of quality development projects and distinctive destinations. This is a proud milestone in NEOM's journey, and we look forward to achieving more of our ambitious goals with His Highness” continued support."

Sandalah Island Features

Sandalah is characterized by its diverse marine environment, home to 1,100 species of fish, including 45 unique species, as well as more than 300 species of coral reefs, providing a unique experience to dive into the depths of the island and explore the wonders of marine nature. In line with its commitment to sustainability and conservation, NEOM has endeavored to preserve the island's natural components and marine environment at all stages of development.

Sandalah Island boasts a number of facilities that enhance the luxury tourism experience: The state-of-the-art 86-berth marina, which will launch a new global sailing season, capitalizing on the island's strategic location and year-round temperate climate. The highlight of the marina is the Sindalla Yacht Club with its distinctive interiors, designed by international designer Stefano Ricci, providing state-of-the-art services for visitors, yacht owners, crew managers and crew members. Additional mooring and berthing facilities for mega yachts are available on the island, as well as a full range of yacht management services.

<The island combines world-class hospitality, fine dining and tailor-made experiences in one destination. It features a vibrant center that includes the Village and Walkway, offering a variety of entertainment and socializing experiences through 38 world-class chef-driven restaurants, daytime dining, entertainment centers and 36 shops. Visitors will find a relaxing poolside atmosphere during the day and musical entertainment in the evening. For golf enthusiasts, the beachfront golf club will offer a world-class, 6,474-yard (5,920-meter), par-70 course with 18 tee boxes and two 9-hole play experiences.

Sandalah Island will offer a variety of golf experiences for all levels of golfers.

Sandalah Island will offer visitors and tourists a variety of options at three world-class hospitality facilities, offering 440 rooms, 88 villas and 218 hotel apartments. Booking information to visit the island will soon be available through NEOM's tourism channels.