Magna is the latest project in the gigantic NEOM tourism development in northwest Saudi Arabia. As presented in the press release issued by NEOM’s board of directors on 5th June (2024), Magna is a paradigm of innovation and sustainability. Conceived as part of Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Vision 2030 (which seeks to uncouple the country’s economy from oil by investing heavily in tourism), Magna not only promises to redefine luxury tourism, but does so through design. Such design integrates advanced technology, world-class architecture and environmental awareness. Magna is also a project of projects, within the project of projects that is NEOM. It encompasses 12 individual tourist destinations (Leyja, Epicon, Siranna, Utamo, Norlana, Aquellum, Zardun, Xaynor, Elananan, Gidori, Treyam and Jaumur) along 120 kilometres of the Gulf of Aqaba coastline.
A design that embraces sustainability
While not many details of the project have been released, if its creators’ words are to be trusted, Magna’s essence lies in its commitment to sustainability. Therefore, Magna’s design focuses on the conservation and preservation of the surrounding natural landscape, and the “rejuvenation” of indigenous flora and fauna.
A design for the future: technology and architecture
Magna promises ultra-modern facilities in each of its 15 hotels, 1,600 rooms, suites and flats, and more than 2,500 homes, all in the luxury segment, with maximum comfort and exclusivity. Each place will have a differentiated offer, without losing a sense of cohesion and harmony, through design and architecture.
Economic and social impact of the tourist destination
Through the large investment in the new tourist destination, the Magna’s developers expect it to create 15,000 jobs in the tourism, leisure and hospitality sector. At the same time, the tourism complex should contribute around €650 million to Saudi Arabia’s GDP by 2030. Overall, the destination should attract 14,500 residents and more than 300,000 yearly visitors.
The words of NEOM CEO Nadhmi Al-Nasr corroborate the central idea of the new destination, when he says that Magna “is a treasure of tomorrow, steeped in natural beauty and advanced technology“. He adds: ” aligned with our three pillars of redefining business, conservation, and livability, Magna will play a key role in building a strong tourism ecosystem within NEOM”.. He concludes: “Magna will contribute positively to the national economic diversification efforts and (…) to position the Kingdom as a global leader in luxury tourism“.
Source and images: NEOM
