Japanese investors showing keen interest in Saudi Arabia’s Neom
NEOM, a groundbreaking development in Saudi Arabia, has garnered
substantial interest from Japanese investors, as stated by Niall Gibbons, the
Managing Director of Tourism for the project. The project's "Discover
NEOM" tour, designed to promote the region globally, recently made a stop
in Tokyo, where it attracted strong attention from various Japanese companies.
During an interview conducted in Tokyo, Gibbons emphasized the tour's
role in showcasing NEOM's scale and ambition while facilitating two-way
dialogues and building long-term relationships. The event in Tokyo, hosted at
the Toranomon Hills Forum, focused on key areas and sectors of NEOM, including
The LINE, education research, sports, and tourism.
Gibbons expressed satisfaction with the turnout and highlighted the
enthusiasm among Japanese companies for NEOM's project, emphasizing its
alignment with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, which aims to create a thriving
economy and vibrant society. He noted the presence of officials from the
Japanese government, including representatives from the Ministry of Economy
Trade and Industry (METI), the Japan Cooperation Center for the Middle East
(JCCME), and the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), as a positive sign
of endorsement and strong bilateral ties.
He underscored the importance of nurturing these relationships for
long-term business success, recognizing the significant government support
received for the project. With input from world-leading architects and
designers, Gibbons expressed confidence in the project's future-proofing.
Regarding the completion timeline for NEOM, Gibbons acknowledged that it
is a long-term endeavor but mentioned that the first element of The LINE is
scheduled for completion by the end of 2027. Additionally, the first tourism
project, Sindalah, for which Gibbons is responsible, is set to open in 2024,
with subsequent developments planned in the following years.
Gibbons elaborated on NEOM's ambitious sales and marketing strategy,
which includes participation in various trade shows worldwide to attract
travelers seeking safe and secure destinations. He emphasized the importance of
direct air travel and competitive air access in NEOM's future plans and
highlighted ongoing efforts to build relationships in the travel trade
industry.
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