Sindalah Island: Saudi Arabia’s New Gem on the Global Yachting Map

Saudi Arabia’s groundbreaking Neom project, often spotlighted for its ambitious architectural feats like The Line, has just unveiled its first operational luxury destination—Sindalah Island. Situated five kilometers off the coast of northwestern Saudi Arabia in the Red Sea, Sindalah recently welcomed its initial guests, marking a defining moment for the Neom vision.

Originally announced in December 2022, Sindalah transformed from untouched land into a thriving, opulent island within two years. This effort required a massive workforce of over 30,000, all committed to turning Sindalah into a standout attraction in Saudi Arabia’s luxury tourism sector. Nadhmi Al-Nasr, Neom’s CEO, underscored the island’s alignment with Saudi Vision 2030, praising Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s guidance in steering this monumental project.

Sindalah’s strategic location near the Mediterranean allows it to capture the winter yachting crowd, offering an alternative to typical hotspots in the Caribbean. The island is a mere 17-hour voyage from major Mediterranean ports, placing it in a prime position for the global yachting calendar. Designed by the acclaimed yachting architectural firm Luca Dini, Sindalah embraces the natural beauty of the Red Sea region while integrating a modern, tech-forward design aesthetic.

Beyond its scenic allure, the island caters to an upscale clientele with an 86-berth marina, complete with the high-end Sindalah Yacht Club, designed by Stefano Ricci, that offers exclusive amenities for yacht owners and guests. The island’s facilities, including offshore buoys, are prepared to accommodate yachts of varying sizes, from smaller vessels to super yachts.

Sindalah’s expansive offerings include a range of luxury accommodations and dining establishments, with plans to host up to 2,400 guests daily by 2028. Guests can choose from 440 rooms, 88 private villas, and 218 luxury serviced apartments, reflecting Neom’s hallmark of opulence and grandeur.

In addition to luxury, sustainability is central to Sindalah’s design. Located in a marine-rich region with over 1,100 species of fish and more than 300 species of coral, the project has incorporated eco-friendly practices to preserve the local ecosystem, ensuring that the island’s natural beauty remains intact for generations.

Sindalah’s inauguration signals Saudi Arabia’s serious bid to secure a place in the global luxury tourism market, establishing a world-class destination for the yachting elite and adding a new dimension to the country’s tourism ambitions.