NEOM's development vision focuses on high-tech growth alongside nature preservation
NEOM, Saudi Arabia’s groundbreaking mega-project,
is known for its bold vision of a futuristic 170-kilometer glass-walled city.
However, alongside its high-tech ambitions, NEOM is also transforming vast
desert landscapes into wildlife sanctuaries and preserving historical sites
that date back thousands of years.
A Journey Through Time
At the edge of NEOM lies Jebel Safina, or Ship
Rock—a striking 50-meter-high sandstone and limestone formation near Bajdah.
This ancient landmark, once a key station along historic trade routes, is home
to around 200 rock inscriptions dating back up to 4,000 years.
Preserving these cultural treasures is a key
mission for Abdulaziz al-Sanousi, NEOM’s senior cultural tourism manager, who
ensures their protection while making them accessible to visitors. Restoration
efforts have included carefully removing modern graffiti to preserve the
original inscriptions, which travelers once used to mark their journeys and
prayers. Soon, QR codes will allow tourists to explore the site’s rich history
in greater detail.
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Recent archaeological excavations have
uncovered evidence of prehistoric life dating back 9,000 years, reinforcing
NEOM’s status as a crossroads of civilizations, including the historic Hajj
route.
Restoring Nature: NEOM’s Rewilding Efforts
Beyond heritage preservation, NEOM is also
leading an ambitious ecological restoration initiative. The Bajdah Rewilding
Site has already reintroduced over 800 animals, including red-necked ostriches,
mountain gazelles, and fine-tailed lizards, with plans to reintroduce cheetahs
by the end of the decade once a stable prey base is established.
“Our mission is to connect people with
nature,” said Natasha Martin, Director of Visitor Experience at NEOM Nature
Reserve. “We believe tourism can be a powerful tool for conservation.”
The Nature Reserve, set to officially launch
in 2026, will offer immersive experiences like self-drive tours, nomadic
camping, and live-aboard boat excursions. Even before its grand opening,
soft-launch tours are already fully booked by eager visitors.
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James Walsh, head of regreening at NEOM, leads
efforts to restore native plant life, with 4.77 million trees, shrubs, and
grasses already planted. By using organic soil enhancements and recycled water,
NEOM is accelerating ecological recovery in the arid zone, attracting insects,
birds, and other wildlife back to the region.
A Commitment to Conservation
NEOM’s Mneifa Nature Reserve is at the heart
of the rewilding project, reintroducing species that haven’t been seen in the
region for over a century, such as the Arabian oryx. Dr. Paul Marshall, Head of
NEOM Nature Reserve, emphasizes that only 5 percent of NEOM’s 26,500 square
kilometers will be developed, with the remaining 95 percent dedicated to nature
conservation.
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“Our goal is to restore these areas and
showcase the true beauty of Saudi Arabia’s ecosystem,” said Marshall. “Starting
in 2026, we will welcome visitors from around the world to experience NEOM’s
nature reserves firsthand.”
With
its fusion of cutting-edge innovation, ancient heritage preservation, and
large-scale rewilding efforts, NEOM is redefining sustainable
development—creating a destination where the past, present, and future coexist
in harmony.
Source: Alarabiya
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