NEOM Travel: Saudi Arabia's Northwest, Today and Tomorrow

NEOM covers a vast stretch of northwest Saudi Arabia: granite mountains that turn rose-red at dusk, coral coasts along the Gulf of Aqaba, palm-filled wadis and high plateaus that see winter frost. Its plans include The Line, the Trojena mountain resort, the Oxagon port city and a string of coastal destinations under the Magna name. The projects themselves are explained on NEOM and The Line and Oxagon.

These are long-term undertakings and NEOM is developing them in phases. As of October 2026, no NEOM resort is taking general public bookings, and opening dates remain to be confirmed. Travelers who love the region can still enjoy its landscapes with a licensed local guide, and stay at the open resorts a short flight away.

The closest open luxury resorts are those of the Red Sea destination, including Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, The St. Regis Red Sea Resort and the hotels of Shura Island, and the new wellness resorts of Amaala. Both are reached via Red Sea International Airport.

Across the gulf, Jordan's Aqaba resorts are another base for the Gulf of Aqaba coast, and inland, AlUla offers some of the finest desert resorts in the Middle East.

October to April is the season for the coast, when days are warm and sunny and the sea is pleasant for snorkeling. The mountains inland are a different world in winter: Tabuk's high plateaus see cold nights and, in some years, a dusting of snow on Jabal Al Lawz, a rare sight that draws Saudi visitors north. Summer is very hot along the coast. Whatever the month, plan long drives with care and travel with water, a charged phone and a guide who knows the roads.

NEOM's residential offer is part of its long-term plan, and timelines are still being set. Buyers interested in Saudi Arabia's new destinations will find more immediate options in Riyadh, Jeddah and the Red Sea; see Saudi Arabia Luxury Real Estate and investing in the future.