Sindalah, a luxury island development announced just under two years ago by Saudi Arabia鈥檚 Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, has become the first project within Neom to open.

The project involved four main contractors and up to 60 subcontractors, with a workforce of 30,000 people when work was at its peak.

The island sits five kilometres off Neom in northwest Saudi Arabia and aims to be Neom鈥檚 gateway to the Red Sea, providing access for European, Saudi and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)-owned yachts.

The island was designed by yachting architecture firm Luca Dini and is set to offer 2,400 guests per day by 2028 across different restaurants, hotels and other venues. There are a total of 440 rooms and 88 villas, as well as 218 serviced apartments, which Neom said would be available to book soon.

The island has an 86-berth marina and the Sindalah Yacht Club has interiors designed by Stefano Ricci, serving as a focal point for yachting guests, owners and crews. There is also a 5,920m, par 70 golf course.

Nadhmi Al-Nasr, chief executive officer, NEOM, said: 鈥淣EOM is committed to supporting the Kingdom鈥檚 new era of luxury tourism, with the opening of Sindalah. The realization of this landmark destination, the gateway to the Red Sea, is due to the visionary leadership of His Royal Highness Mohammed bin Salman and Saudi Vision 2030.

鈥淭his is a proud chapter in the NEOM story and we are excited to achieve more of our ambitious goals, with the continued support of His Royal Highness. NEOM鈥檚 inaugural destination offers visitors a 鈥榝irst glimpse鈥� of what the future holds for our extensive portfolio of destinations and developments.鈥�

Among the contractors involved in the project are Nesma & Partners, which has won multiple contracts on Sindalah, including construction of the golf course and public safety systems. Meanwhile BEC Arabia Contracting is reportedly building the 22-room Four Seasons Resort on the island.

Other major Neom projects in the works include the 170km-long linear city, The Line, the alpine and adventure sports destination Trojena, a collection of coastal resorts under the umbrella of Magna, and the industrial hub of Oxagon.