An increase of bold megaprojects has already started transforming the kingdom’s urban landscape as Saudi Arabia positions itself as a hub of international design and architectural innovations. Saudi Arabia has been utilizing cutting-edge design and imaginative architecture to usher in a new era of progress and innovation, from futuristic AI-powered zero-gravity cities to monumental cultural centers, luxurious retreats amidst ancient archeological heritage sites, and expansive transportation systems.
Under the regime of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, there are various projects led by world-renowned architectural firms in the country. Some of the known discussed projects are The Line, Neom, AIUIa and many more. Let us look at the details of some of these projects which costs billions of dollars to be in physical forms.
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The Line- Saudi Arabia
THE LINE is a ground-breaking vertical city concept that would house a car-free, linear urban development of 100% sustainable energy as part of the massive NEOM development. The city, which is barely 200 meters wide and 170 kilometers long, is being built in the north-western Tabuk region of the kingdom. It has a distinctive mirrored exterior.
THE LINE will have a total capacity of 9 million people and be constructed on a 34 square kilometer area. This will result in a smaller infrastructure footprint and hitherto unheard-of efficiencies in city operations. Residents will be able to take advantage of the nearby natural beauty thanks to the optimum environment all year round. In addition to high-speed rail, which takes 20 minutes to travel from point A to point B, residents will have access to all daily necessities within a five-minute walk of their homes.
This initiative, which strives to maintain natural landscapes, prioritizes walkability, sustainability, and technological integration in order to reduce infrastructure and establish communities that are focused on people’s well-being. Although one-fifth of NEOM’s infrastructure is already under construction, THE LINE is expected to be finished as soon as 2030.
AIUIa
AIUIA, the heritage site is indeed a well-liked tourist destination with its intact tombs and sandstone outcrops. It will add to its tour destination with nine new hotels, including a boutique resort at Hegra, a Unesco World Heritage Site.
However, it is expected that AlUla is anticipated to boost Saudi Arabia’s economy by roughly 120 billion riyals ($32 billion). According to the Royal Commission for AlUla, the region’s population will triple to 130,000 by 2035, adding around 38,000 new jobs.
King Salman Park
The new King Salman Park, the world’s largest urban park, was designed as a new green hub for Riyadh and spans 13.3 square kilometers (5 square miles) on the former site of the city’s airport. This unique urban environment includes a range of recreational, cultural, ecological, and sporting attractions.
Omrania was chosen as the park’s primary design consultant after winning a competitive, limited international competition. The master plan proposes for brand-new mixed-use constructions to be built all around the main public open spaces, combining to create a vibrant and sustainable urban zone that represents the aspirations of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.
Omrania’s master planning and design concept, developed in conjunction with Henning Larsen, encourages the development of vibrant urban environments that constantly respond to the regional climate and culture.
Walking and cycling are made possible year-round via a thermal comfort plan and climate-responsive urban architecture. The park’s terrain has the shape of a collection of branching “wadi” (dry riverbed) valleys that converge toward the site’s center. The park will take on a vibrant urban character thanks to well-placed cultural facilities and areas for family gatherings.
Trojena
A popular tourist destination in the mountains of Saudi Arabia’s Tabuk governorate is called Trojena. There will be year-round skiing, health and wellness retreats, shopping, dining, chalets, villas, and ultra-luxury hotels, among other things. Trojena, which is divided into six themed development areas, will provide year-round customized experiences centered around ecotourism principles, technology, and innovation in keeping with Saudi Arabia’s vision to protect its natural environment.
With an area of about 60 square kilometers and a location 50 kilometers from the Gulf of Aqaba, Trojena enjoys a favorable location with elevations between 1,500 and 1,600 meters and winter temperatures below zero. The construction of Trojena is expected to be completed in 2026 and it will host the Asian Winter Games in 2029.
Oxagon: An Industrial Park
As a part of Neom development, Oxagon is set to be port and logisctics hub making the world’s largest floating structure. Oxagon will be the port city in the Red Sea. The city is being served as a port and hub, an area powered by renewable energy that is a component of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goal to diversify its economy and reduce its dependence on oil.
The layout of the floating city, Oxagon will revolve around squares bordered by water and connected by narrow canals. A cruise terminal and an oceanic research facility will also be located there.
Sindalah
Sindalah, an island as a part of Neom Development, marks the true meaning of luxury and exotic living. The island will set an exceptional experience for yachting, golf courses, allure restaurants, and luxury retailing, which the place is known for.
The island is all set to have three luxury hotels with ultra-premium rooms and high-end rooms to give the tourists an exotic experience while in the Sindalah.
These various projects are worth billions and will be set open in the year 2024, to give the visitor an embarking experience and memories. The architecture sets an example for future infrastructure development with futuristic technology. The futuristic technologies are indeed enhancing the infrastructure and design of the present.
