Why Are the Megaprojects Named As Such?

The megaprojects are named as such due to their significant economic and developmental impact, with budgets reaching billions of SAR. They serve as a cornerstone in the progress of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, aiming to enhance the quality of life for its residents and visitors, meet the needs of future generations, strengthen Saudi Arabia’s position locally and internationally, and highlight its cultural, heritage, and tourism assets in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.

The megaprojects are classified into several sectors, including energy, urban development, tourism, culture, housing, and healthcare.

The strategy of megaprojects in Saudi Arabia aims to establish advanced systems and launch new sectors based on technology and knowledge, enhancing their applications within Saudi Arabia. These projects contribute to economic diversification without reliance on oil, given their large scale and diverse capabilities. They support economic growth efforts in Saudi Arabia, increase investments across various sectors, and generate high returns in the medium and long term, serving as projects that support inspiration and discovery.

The Public Investment Fund (PIF) in Saudi Arabia leads the megaprojects ecosystem as part of its strategy to establish promising new sectors, create job opportunities, enhance development levels, strengthen the foundations of quality of life in Saudi Arabia, and elevate its global standing.

The list of megaprojects as of 2023 included several projects, including:

Founded in 2019, it is located in the northwest of Saudi Arabia, spanning an area of 26,500 km². It is envisioned as a hub that embodies the future of the new world and serves as an advanced model for an exceptional living experience. NEOM comprises a collection of cities, ports, research centers, commercial zones, entertainment and sport venues, and tourist destinations. It is designed to attract around one million people from across the world to live and work in a sustainable environment with an integrated system of services and facilities.

The NEOM project includes The Line, a city free of streets and cars, allowing its residents to enjoy a carbon emissions-free environment powered by 100 percent renewable energy. Also, 95 percent of NEOM's area is designated as a protected natural reserve. The city spans two hundred m in width, stretches 170 km in length, and rises five hundred m above sea level.

Launched in 2017, it includes an archipelago with around ninety pristine islands, set amidst natural landscapes of deserts, mountains, canyons, and dormant volcanoes. It offers a range of experiences for visitors from within and outside Saudi Arabia, with services that include access to prominent cultural landmarks, environmental conservation and development, the establishment of updated sustainability standards, the prevention of landfill waste, the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions, and complete reliance on renewable energy. The project will allow guests to explore the treasures of the Red Sea coast and discover Saudi Arabia’s cultural heritage, making it a global year-round tourist destination.

Founded in 2018, it aims to establish a capital for entertainment, sport, and arts in Saudi Arabia, known as Qiddiya, as a key component of Saudi Vision 2030. Located southwest of Riyadh, it spans an area of 366 km² and offers visitors a variety of activities and services across multiple fields, including sport, health, nature, and the environment. Qiddiya features numerous parks, entertainment destinations, arts and culture centers, and sports facilities capable of hosting international championships, such as racetracks, sport and arts academies, performance venues, and event spaces. It also includes a range of historical, cultural, and educational activities, along with various real estate and community service options.

Founded in 2018, it is a multi-asset real estate developer dedicated to developing modern residential communities for citizens and supporting the government's efforts to raise the homeownership rate to 70 percent by 2030. This initiative involves constructing more than two hundred million m² of integrated neighborhoods designed to combine living, working, and entertainment within the same space. These developments include healthcare, educational, commercial, and entertainment facilities, fostering communities that embrace a healthy and active lifestyle. This is achieved by providing green spaces, establishing sport facilities and dedicated cycling paths, encouraging social interaction, and promoting the concept of outdoor living.

Founded in 2022, it is dedicated to developing the Diriyah project into one of the world's premier tourism and cultural destinations and a leading social and cultural hub. The project features several heritage and cultural landmarks linked to Saudi Arabia’s history, notably the historic Turaif District, a United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site recognized for its architectural significance in 2010. Diriyah is set to become a global destination for visitors and tourists, offering them the opportunity to learn about Saudi Arabia’s history and national heritage. It includes a variety of exhibitions and cultural events, in addition to shopping opportunities with four hundred of the world's finest brands and a selection of local and international cuisine across 150 restaurants and cafés, all within a Najdi atmosphere.