After its initial unveiling in October 2017, the design of NEOM, Saudi Arabia's $500 billion futuristic city, is slowly moving forward among its various sites. The site is envisioned as a 10,200-square-mile (26,500-square-kilometer) center for technology and business, completely powered by renewable energy. In addition to serving as a center for biotechnology innovation, the megalopolis is also expected to be a luxury community with “glittering marinas,” “record-breaking theme parks,” and “the world's largest garden.”

Part of the plan, the completion of Sindalah, an island resort in the Red Sea designed by Italian firm Luca Dini Design and Architecture, was recently announced. Neom's first inaugurated region, the resort is described as a “luxury island destination” located five kilometers from the coast.

The island features hotels, restaurants and clubs, including the Sindalah Yacht Club, which boasts interiors designed by Italian fashion brand Stefano Ricci. It also has a beach club and golf club, as well as retail outlets and yacht management services. Visitors to the island-which plans to host 2,400 visitors a day by 2028-which has been described by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as the “future of luxury travel”-can choose from 440 rooms, 88 villas and more than 200 serviced apartments.

Along with Sindalah, Neom consists of ten different mega-projects, details of three more of which have been announced so far: Oxagon, Trojena, and certainly the best known The Line.

Regarding the latter, a partnership was announced a few days ago, bringing together Delugan Meissl Associate Architects (DMAA), Gensler, and Mott MacDonald, who will work alongside the in-house team to shape the cityscape. According to Tarek Qaddumi, executive director of The Line Design, the initial goal of of of the design was to rethink the infrastructure network to minimize the built-up area on the land, to prevent the urban fabric from sprawling into natural areas.

The diverse team will then be organized according to the various competencies. DMAA will oversee the development of the urban design and detailed master plan for Phase One, challenging conventional planning rules with a vertically organized city model. Gensler will be the urban planning consultant, tasked with coordinating the design and ensuring adherence to planning policies, land use frameworks and design compliance across the significant scale of the project. Finally, Mott MacDonald will play a key role as city infrastructure engineer, focusing on managing vertical and horizontal structures and utility systems to ensure an efficient urban environment.

Neom meanwhile is pushing ahead with infrastructure work for The Line, with a major foundation effort positioning it as a large-scale operation in urban development.

Finally adding to the already dense portfolio of the ambitious project is Epicon, featuring two pointed skyscrapers, presents a prominent hotel and luxury apartments.

The project comprises two towers of 225 meters and 275 meters, respectively, housing a 41-key premium hotel and 14 suites and apartments. Epicon is designed to be a retreat from everyday life, offering experiences ranging from fine dining to water sports.

In addition to top-notch facilities, including a gymnasium, library, workstations, pools, and lounges, residents and visitors will enjoy panoramic views of the NEOM coastline. Interestingly, the launch of Epicon coincides with the declaration of Leyja, another ecotourism destination in NEOM.