NEOM
Key Facts
Best Time to Visit
October to April (pleasant 20-30°C). Summer months exceed 40°C. Sindalah island resort expected to open in phases from 2024-2025
Language
Arabic (official); English widely used in tourism and business zones
Currency
Saudi Riyal (SAR)
Time Zone
AST (UTC+3)
Airport
NEOM Bay Airport (NUM), with connections from Jeddah and Riyadh; Sindalah has a private airstrip
Population
Under development — projected 9 million residents at completion
Climate
Arid coastal, avg 22-32°C Oct-Apr, up to 45°C in summer, Red Sea moderates humidity
Safety Rating
Safe (Level 1) — Saudi Arabia has very low crime rates
Top Highlights
Sindalah Island Resort
NEOM's first tourism destination — a luxury island in the Red Sea with a marina for 86 yachts, three beach clubs, a golf course, and high-end hotels by Aman and Marriott. Day passes expected from 500-800 SAR (~$133-213). Accessible by speedboat from NEOM Bay (20 min) or private airstrip. Opening in phases from late 2024. The coral reefs surrounding Sindalah are among the Red Sea's most pristine.
Red Sea Diving & Coral Reefs
The NEOM coastline spans 468km of largely untouched Red Sea shore with over 600 coral species and warm, clear water (25-30°C). Diving conditions rival the Maldives with 30m+ visibility. Current dive operators run trips from nearby Sharma and Haql. Two-dive trips run approximately 400-600 SAR (~$107-160). Whale sharks spotted seasonally March-May.
The Line (Under Construction)
A 170km-long linear city designed to house 9 million people in a mirrored structure 500m tall and just 200m wide — with no cars, zero emissions, and AI-managed services. While still under construction, the NEOM visitor experience center showcases the vision with immersive exhibits. Free entry at the visitor center. The project is the centerpiece of Saudi Vision 2030.
Hisma Desert & Canyon Hikes
The Hisma desert within NEOM features dramatic sandstone formations, narrow slot canyons, and ancient Nabataean rock inscriptions reminiscent of nearby Al-Ula. Guided canyon hikes and 4x4 desert excursions available through NEOM-licensed operators (300-500 SAR / ~$80-133). The rust-red sandstone glows at golden hour. Allow half a day.
Sharma Old Town & Fishing Village
A traditional fishing village on the NEOM coast offering an authentic glimpse of pre-development Saudi coastal life. Wander the old coral-stone houses, watch fishermen bring in the daily catch, and eat at simple seafood restaurants serving the freshest fish you'll find anywhere (meals 30-60 SAR / ~$8-16). No entry fee. A grounding counterpoint to NEOM's futurism.
Trojena Mountain Resort (Future)
A year-round mountain resort at 2,600m elevation within NEOM, designed with an outdoor ski slope using manufactured snow, a man-made freshwater lake, and adventure sports facilities. Hosting the 2029 Asian Winter Games. Currently under construction. When complete, it will be the first outdoor skiing destination in the Gulf. Temperatures here drop to 0°C in winter — genuinely cold.
Planned Itinerary
7-Day NEOM Itinerary
Arrival at NEOM
Fly into NEOM Bay Airport (NUM) from Jeddah or Riyadh. Transfer to your hotel and orient yourself in this emerging megacity on the Red Sea.
Arrive NEOM Bay Airport(30 minutes)
Domestic flights from Jeddah (1.5h) or Riyadh (2.5h) via Saudia or flynas. Present your e-visa (535 SAR / ~$142, includes health insurance)
Hotel check-in(1 hour)
If Sindalah is open, luxury hotels from 1,500-5,000+ SAR/night. Budget option: base in Tabuk (2.5h drive) for 200-400 SAR/night and day-trip in
NEOM Visitor Experience Center(2 hours)
Immersive exhibits showcasing The Line, Sindalah, Trojena, and other NEOM projects. Free entry. A fascinating look at Saudi Vision 2030's most ambitious project
Dinner at Sharma fishing village(1.5 hours)
Traditional fishing village on the NEOM coast. Coral-stone houses, fresh catch restaurants. Grilled hammour with rice 30-60 SAR (~$8-16). A grounding counterpoint to NEOM's futurism
Red Sea Diving & Coral Reefs
Explore NEOM's 468km of largely untouched Red Sea coastline — world-class diving with 600+ coral species and exceptional visibility.
Two-dive trip on the Red Sea(5 hours)
Operators from Sharma or Haql run trips. 400-600 SAR (~$107-160). 30m+ visibility, water 25-30°C. 600+ coral species. Whale sharks March-May. Rivals the Maldives for pristine reef
Lunch at the coast(1 hour)
Simple seafood restaurant in Sharma. Grilled fish platter 50-80 SAR
Sunset walk along the NEOM coastline(1.5 hours)
Empty beaches stretching for kilometers. The Red Sea at sunset turns from turquoise to gold. Virtually no development along most of the coast
Evening stargazing(1 hour)
Minimal light pollution in the NEOM region. Clear desert skies reveal a spectacular Milky Way
Hisma Desert & Canyon Hikes
Full day exploring NEOM's inland wonders — dramatic sandstone formations, slot canyons, and ancient Nabataean rock inscriptions.
Guided canyon hike in Hisma Desert(4 hours)
NEOM-licensed operators run 4x4 excursions with canyon walks. 300-500 SAR (~$80-133). Sandstone formations similar to nearby Al-Ula. Narrow slot canyons with stunning light. Nabataean rock inscriptions along the way
Lunch in the desert(1 hour)
Packed lunch provided by the tour. Eat among the sandstone towers. The rust-red rock glows at golden hour
Dinner with a view(1.5 hours)
If staying at a NEOM resort, sunset dinner on a terrace overlooking the Red Sea. Otherwise, return to Sharma for fresh seafood
Sindalah Island Resort
NEOM's first tourism destination — a luxury island with world-class marina, beach clubs, and pristine surrounding reefs.
Speedboat to Sindalah Island(20 minutes)
From NEOM Bay. Day passes expected from 500-800 SAR (~$133-213). Private airstrip also available
Sindalah Beach Club(3 hours)
Multiple beach clubs with different vibes. Marina for 86 yachts. Golf course. The coral reefs surrounding Sindalah are among the Red Sea's most pristine
Snorkeling off Sindalah(1.5 hours)
House reef with visibility exceeding 25m. Sea turtles, reef fish, and vibrant coral gardens just offshore
Lunch at resort restaurant(1.5 hours)
High-end dining at Aman or Marriott properties. 150-400 SAR (~$40-107) per person
Rest Day — Beach & Cultural Exploration
A slower day to absorb the NEOM experience — beach relaxation and a deeper look at the local coastal communities.
Morning beach swim(2 hours)
Find your favorite empty beach along the coast. The Red Sea water is warm year-round (24-30°C) and visibility is exceptional even from shore
Sharma Old Town exploration(2 hours)
Walk the old coral-stone houses of this traditional fishing village. Watch fishermen bring in the daily catch. The oldest structures predate modern Saudi Arabia by centuries
Lunch at a Sharma restaurant(1 hour)
The freshest fish — point at the catch, they grill it. 30-60 SAR
Afternoon free(3 hours)
Rest, read, or walk. The pace here is the opposite of the megaproject ambition
Day Trip to Al-Ula
An ambitious day trip (or arranged flight) to the nearby UNESCO World Heritage site of Hegra — Saudi Arabia's answer to Petra.
Drive or fly to Al-Ula(2.5-3 hours)
Drive: 3 hours from NEOM area via scenic desert road. Check for seasonal flight connections
Hegra (Mada'in Salih)(3 hours)
UNESCO World Heritage site. 111 monumental Nabataean rock-cut tombs in the desert, dating to the 1st century AD. Entry via Al-Ula Experience tickets (170-400 SAR depending on package). Guided tours mandatory. The Qasr Al-Farid (Lonely Castle) tomb is the icon — a four-story carved facade standing alone in the desert
Old Town of Al-Ula(1.5 hours)
Recently restored mudbrick old town with galleries, cafes, and a heritage village. Walk through the narrow lanes. Artisan shops selling local crafts
Departure from NEOM
Final morning at the Red Sea before transferring to the airport for your outbound flight.
Sunrise at the coast(1 hour)
One last Red Sea sunrise. The water color at dawn is extraordinary — from deep blue to turquoise in minutes
Last-minute shopping(1 hour)
Saudi dates, Arabic coffee, and oud perfume make excellent gifts. Available at resort shops or Sharma market
Transfer to NEOM Bay Airport(30 minutes)
Flights to Jeddah and Riyadh. The airport is compact — 1 hour before departure is sufficient
14-Day NEOM Itinerary
Arrival at NEOM
Fly into NEOM Bay Airport (NUM). Transfer to hotel and visit the NEOM Visitor Experience Center.
Arrive NEOM Bay Airport(30 minutes)
Flights from Jeddah (1.5h) or Riyadh (2.5h). E-visa: 535 SAR (~$142)
NEOM Visitor Experience Center(2 hours)
Free. Immersive exhibits on The Line, Sindalah, Trojena. Saudi Vision 2030
Dinner at Sharma village(1.5 hours)
Grilled hammour 30-60 SAR. Coral-stone houses, fishing boats
Red Sea Diving
Two-dive trip on NEOM's pristine Red Sea coastline — 600+ coral species, 30m+ visibility.
Two-dive Red Sea trip(5 hours)
400-600 SAR. Operators from Sharma/Haql. Whale sharks March-May. Rivals Maldives
Sunset coastal walk(1.5 hours)
Empty beaches for kilometers. Red Sea turns gold at sunset
Hisma Desert Canyons
4x4 excursion through NEOM's Hisma desert — slot canyons, Nabataean inscriptions, and Mars-like landscapes.
Guided canyon hike(4 hours)
300-500 SAR. Sandstone formations, slot canyons, Nabataean inscriptions. Rust-red rock glows at golden hour
Sindalah Island
NEOM's luxury island resort with marina, beach clubs, and pristine surrounding reefs.
Speedboat to Sindalah(20 minutes)
Day pass 500-800 SAR
Snorkeling off Sindalah(1.5 hours)
House reef with 25m+ visibility. Turtles, vibrant coral
Resort lunch(1.5 hours)
150-400 SAR per person
Rest Day — Beach & Sharma
Slower pace with beach relaxation and deeper exploration of the traditional fishing village.
Morning beach swim(2 hours)
Empty beaches. Red Sea 24-30°C year-round
Sharma Old Town walk(2 hours)
Coral-stone houses, daily catch. Centuries-old settlement
Al-Ula Day Trip — Hegra
UNESCO World Heritage Nabataean tombs in the desert — Saudi's answer to Petra.
Hegra (Mada'in Salih)(3 hours)
111 rock-cut tombs. 170-400 SAR entry. Guided tours mandatory. Qasr Al-Farid is the icon
Al-Ula Old Town(1.5 hours)
Restored mudbrick lanes, galleries, cafes
Tabuk Exploration
Day trip to Tabuk — an ancient oasis city with a castle, old railway station, and connections to Lawrence of Arabia.
Tabuk Castle(1 hour)
Ottoman-era fort. 10 SAR. Associated with the Prophet Muhammad's Tabuk expedition
Hejaz Railway Station(1 hour)
Restored Ottoman railway station from the Hejaz Railway (featured in Lawrence of Arabia). Small museum. Free
Lunch in Tabuk(1 hour)
Al Baik fried chicken (Saudi's beloved fast-food chain, 15-25 SAR) or traditional mandi restaurant
Second Dive Day — Deep Reefs
Deeper dive sites along NEOM's coast for experienced divers, or snorkeling for non-divers.
Two-dive deep reef trip(5 hours)
Target different sites from Day 2. Deeper walls with sea fans and pelagics. Current-swept corners attract barracuda and jacks
Haql & Underwater Wreck
Visit the northern NEOM coast town of Haql — home to a visible shipwreck and dramatic Gulf of Aqaba coastline.
Drive to Haql(2 hours)
Northern NEOM coast on the Gulf of Aqaba. Jordan visible across the water
Haql shipwreck beach(1.5 hours)
An old Saudi coastguard vessel visible from shore, now a rusting landmark. Good snorkeling around the wreck. Free beach access
Gulf of Aqaba snorkeling(2 hours)
The Aqaba coast has different reef characteristics from the Red Sea side. Clearer water, different species
Lunch in Haql(1 hour)
Small town restaurants. Grilled fish 30-50 SAR
Rest Day
Second rest day. No plans. Beach, rest, or explore at your own pace.
Free afternoon(3 hours)
Journal, swim, photograph. Let the experience settle
Magna — Ancient City Site
Explore the ancient city of Magna near NEOM — a 2,000-year-old Nabataean-Roman settlement on the Red Sea.
Guided visit to Magna archaeological site(3 hours)
Ancient port city with ruins dating to the Nabataean and Roman periods. Archaeological excavations ongoing. The site overlooking the Red Sea is dramatic. Arrange through NEOM-licensed operators
Coastal exploration(2 hours)
Walk the coastline near Magna. Untouched beaches, tide pools, and red sandstone meeting blue sea
Afternoon snorkeling nearby(2 hours)
The reefs along this coast are among the least-dived in the Red Sea
Al-Ula Extended — Elephant Rock & Maraya
Return to the Al-Ula region for sites you missed — the iconic Elephant Rock and the mirror-clad Maraya concert hall.
Elephant Rock (Jabal Al-Fil)(1 hour)
A massive natural sandstone formation shaped like an elephant. Free. Best photographed at sunset. A café nearby serves Arabic coffee
Maraya Concert Hall(1 hour)
The world's largest mirrored building — a concert hall clad entirely in mirrors reflecting the desert landscape. Exterior viewing free. Events/concerts when scheduled
Dadan archaeological site(1.5 hours)
Pre-Nabataean kingdom ruins. Lion tombs carved into red sandstone cliffs. Less visited than Hegra
Farewell Activities
Last full day — choose your favorite NEOM experience for a repeat or try something new.
Morning activity of choice(3 hours)
Final dive, canyon hike, beach day, or cultural visit. Repeat what moved you most
Farewell dinner at the best restaurant(2 hours)
Whether at a Sindalah resort or a Sharma fish grill, make the last dinner count
Departure from NEOM
Final morning at the Red Sea and transfer to NEOM Bay Airport.
Last shopping(1 hour)
Saudi dates, oud, Arabic coffee. Resort shops or Sharma market
Transfer to NEOM Bay Airport(30 minutes)
Compact airport. 1 hour before departure sufficient
21-Day NEOM Itinerary
Arrival at NEOM
Fly into NEOM Bay Airport. Hotel check-in and NEOM Visitor Center.
Arrive NEOM Bay Airport(30 minutes)
Flights from Jeddah (1.5h) or Riyadh (2.5h). E-visa 535 SAR
NEOM Visitor Experience Center(2 hours)
Free. Immersive Vision 2030 exhibits
Dinner at Sharma(1.5 hours)
Grilled hammour 30-60 SAR
Red Sea Diving — Day 1
First dive day on NEOM's pristine Red Sea reefs.
Two-dive trip(5 hours)
400-600 SAR. 600+ coral species, 30m+ visibility
Hisma Desert Canyons
4x4 through slot canyons with Nabataean inscriptions.
Canyon hike(4 hours)
300-500 SAR. Sandstone formations, slot canyons
Sindalah Island
Luxury island resort with beach clubs and pristine reefs.
Speedboat to Sindalah(20 minutes)
Day pass 500-800 SAR
Snorkeling(1.5 hours)
House reef, 25m+ visibility
Rest Day — Sharma Village
Slower pace exploring traditional coastal life.
Sharma Old Town(2 hours)
Coral-stone houses, fishing boats
Al-Ula & Hegra — Day 1
Drive to Al-Ula for the UNESCO World Heritage Nabataean tombs.
Hegra (Mada'in Salih)(3 hours)
111 tombs. 170-400 SAR. Qasr Al-Farid icon
Al-Ula Old Town(1.5 hours)
Mudbrick lanes, galleries
Overnight in Al-Ula(1 hour)
Hotels from 300-800 SAR/night
Al-Ula — Day 2
Extended exploration: Elephant Rock, Maraya mirror hall, and Dadan ruins.
Elephant Rock at sunrise(1 hour)
Sandstone elephant formation. Free. Best in golden hour light
Maraya Concert Hall(1 hour)
World's largest mirrored building reflecting the desert
Dadan archaeological site(1.5 hours)
Pre-Nabataean lion tombs. Less visited than Hegra
Tabuk Castle & Hejaz Railway
Day trip to the ancient oasis city of Tabuk — Ottoman fort and Lawrence of Arabia connections.
Tabuk Castle(1 hour)
Ottoman fort. 10 SAR
Hejaz Railway Station museum(1 hour)
Restored Ottoman railway. Free
Al Baik lunch(45 minutes)
Saudi's beloved fried chicken. 15-25 SAR
Haql & Gulf of Aqaba
Northern NEOM coast — shipwreck beach and Gulf of Aqaba snorkeling with Jordan visible across the water.
Shipwreck beach(1.5 hours)
Rusting coastguard vessel. Snorkeling around the wreck. Free
Aqaba coast snorkeling(2 hours)
Different reef from Red Sea side. Clearer water, different species
Lunch in Haql(1 hour)
Grilled fish 30-50 SAR
Rest Day
Second rest day. Beach, sleep, and quiet reflection.
Red Sea Diving — Day 2
Second dive day targeting different sites along the coast.
Two-dive deep reef trip(5 hours)
Different sites. Deeper walls with sea fans and pelagics
Magna Ancient City
2,000-year-old Nabataean-Roman port settlement overlooking the Red Sea.
Guided visit to Magna(3 hours)
Ancient port ruins. Archaeological excavations ongoing. Dramatic Red Sea overlook
Coastal walk(2 hours)
Untouched beaches, tide pools, red sandstone meeting blue sea
Snorkeling nearby(2 hours)
Least-dived reefs in the Red Sea
Trojena Mountain Area
Visit the site of NEOM's future mountain resort (2,600m) — outdoor activities and cool temperatures even in summer.
Drive to Trojena area(2 hours)
Mountain road climbing to 2,600m. Temperatures 10-20°C cooler than the coast
Mountain hiking(3 hours)
Trails through the Hejaz Mountains. Juniper trees, mountain wildlife, panoramic views. The contrast from coastal desert is dramatic
Future ski slope site viewpoint(1 hour)
See where the 2029 Asian Winter Games facilities are being built. The ambition is visible in the construction
Dhow Building & Maritime Heritage
Explore the coastal communities between Sharma and Haql — traditional boat building and fishing culture.
Coastal drive north(1.5 hours)
The coast road reveals small fishing settlements, untouched beaches, and coral formations
Traditional boat builders(2 hours)
Small workshops where wooden fishing boats are still made by hand. Less grand than Omani dhows but equally authentic. Ask permission to observe
Beach stop at an unmarked cove(2 hours)
Your driver knows the secret spots. Crystal-clear water, zero people, the Red Sea at its most private
Lunch at a fishing settlement(1 hour)
Whatever was caught today, grilled over coals
Rest Day
Third rest day. No schedule.
Red Sea Diving — Day 3
Third dive day — explore new reef systems further along the coast.
Two-dive trip at new sites(5 hours)
Ask your operator for the best seasonal sites. Manta ray cleaning stations, coral walls, swim-throughs
Wadi Disah Canyon Day Trip
Deep into the Hisma desert to Wadi Disah — a dramatic palm-lined canyon sometimes called the Grand Canyon of Saudi Arabia.
Drive to Wadi Disah(2.5 hours)
4x4 essential. Through the Hisma desert landscape
Wadi Disah canyon walk(4 hours)
A narrow canyon with 300m sandstone walls, palm trees growing on the canyon floor, and crystal pools after rain. 15km long — walk as far as you want. Pack water and food. Almost no tourists
Photography & Documentation Day
Fourth rest day focused on capturing the NEOM landscape — desert at golden hour, underwater scenes, and portraits of coastal life.
Sunrise photography(1.5 hours)
Choose coast or desert depending on your favorite subject
Underwater photography session(2 hours)
Snorkel or dive with camera. The Red Sea visibility makes this world-class underwater photography territory
Golden hour desert shoot(1.5 hours)
The Hisma sandstone in the last hour of light is otherworldly. Orange, red, and purple
Jeddah Connection — Day Trip
If interested in urban Saudi, day trip to Jeddah for the historic Al-Balad district and Red Sea corniche.
Morning flight to Jeddah(1.5 hours)
Saudia or flynas. Book ahead
Al-Balad Historic District(2.5 hours)
UNESCO World Heritage. Coral and wood merchant houses with carved wooden balconies. The narrow lanes of the old spice and gold souqs are atmospheric
Lunch at Baeshen Cafe(1 hour)
Historic Jeddah coffee house. Traditional breakfast served all day. 30-50 SAR
Jeddah Corniche(1.5 hours)
30km waterfront promenade. Public art, fountains, and the view of King Fahd Fountain (tallest in the world)
Final Full Day — Favorites Revisited
Last full day — return to your favorite NEOM experience or explore something missed.
Morning activity of choice(3 hours)
Final dive, canyon hike, or beach day. Your call
Farewell dinner(2 hours)
The best restaurant you've found. Make it special
Departure from NEOM
Final Red Sea sunrise before flying out.
Last shopping(1 hour)
Dates, oud, Arabic coffee
Travel Tips
Visa & Entry
Saudi Tourist E-Visa Now Available
Citizens of 49 countries (including US, UK, EU, Australia) can get an instant e-visa at visa.visitsaudi.com for 535 SAR (~$142) valid for 1 year with multiple entries (90 days max per visit). GCC residents get visa-free access. The visa includes the mandatory health insurance. Apply online — approval is usually within minutes.
Local Customs
Dress Code Is Relaxed in Tourist Zones
Saudi Arabia has relaxed dress codes significantly in tourist and entertainment zones — women no longer need to wear abayas, and beachwear is acceptable at resort beaches. However, in public areas outside resort zones, modest dress (covering shoulders and knees) is still expected for both genders. Alcohol is prohibited throughout Saudi Arabia, including NEOM (though Sindalah may receive a special license).
Ramadan Changes Everything
During Ramadan (dates shift yearly — check Islamic calendar), eating, drinking, and smoking in public during daylight hours is illegal, even for non-Muslims. Tourist hotel restaurants typically remain open behind screens. Attractions may have reduced hours. The upside: iftar (breaking fast) meals at sunset are spectacular communal experiences. Plan around it.
transport
Getting to NEOM — Fly or Drive
NEOM Bay Airport (NUM) receives domestic flights from Jeddah (1.5h) and Riyadh (2.5h) via Saudia and flynas. Driving from Jeddah takes approximately 6 hours via the coastal highway. Within NEOM, transportation is limited — a rental car or arranged transfers are essential. The region is vast (26,500 sq km, the size of Belgium).
Budget
Expect Premium Pricing
NEOM is positioned as a luxury destination. Sindalah hotel rooms are projected at 1,500-5,000+ SAR/night (~$400-1,333). Dining at resort restaurants runs 150-400 SAR (~$40-107) per person. Budget travelers can base in Tabuk (2.5h drive) or Haql for significantly cheaper accommodation (200-400 SAR/night) and day-trip to accessible NEOM sites.
Safety
Construction Zone Awareness
NEOM is an active megaproject construction site. Many areas are restricted and require permits. Stick to designated tourist zones (Sindalah, visitor centers, licensed tour routes). Drones are strictly prohibited throughout Saudi airspace without a permit. Photographing military or construction sites can lead to arrest and device confiscation.
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