Exclusive translation: NEOM tourism chief Andrew McEvoy said the kingdom’s $500 billion city of the future will have millions of residents by 2030, adding that people are expected to start arriving in 2024.
And Andrew McEvoy made his statements to The National newspaper on the sidelines of the Arabian Travel Market exhibition, currently being held at the World Trade Center in Dubai.
A state within a state
He stated, “NEOM will be treated as a state within a state, with its own economic zone and authority. We need to make sure that its laws and regulations are in line with the aspirations of those we are trying to attract to work and live here.”
He pointed out that NEOM will be treated as its own country, separate from the rules that govern the rest of Saudi Arabia. This will make it more attractive to people who are considering moving there, as well as tourists, he said.
“From 2024 there will be a lot of movement with the opening of our first tourism assets, work is already underway and the implementation of tourism projects will start from then on,” said McEvoy.
Expected opening date
He continued, “NEOM will be home to a number of tourist attractions, including the mountainous destination of Trogina. Expected to open in 2026, NEOM will have a ski slope, mountain biking and water sports facilities. It will also feature an interactive nature reserve.”
NEOM is designed to be a smart city powered by clean energy. McEvoy said NEOM is an attractive destination for a lot of people because it’s an opportunity to help create an entire new city almost from scratch. “It’s a great job motivator and there’s PIF backing to make sure that happens.
Population there
He also said that the people who live there will not be referred to as Saudis but will be called “Newsmen.”
“We have 2,000 people already living there along with regarding 10,000 construction workers, and many of the people who come here to live and work will be experts in the areas of energy, water and health,” McEvoy added.
It will be completely car free
“The city is being built to be completely car-free, but I think there will be a slight transition period,” McEvoy continued.
He concluded, “A lot of future mobility options already exist, like electric hybrid cars, and we’re experimenting with things like flying taxis.