Saudi Arabia is undergoing an extraordinary transformation. At the heart of this evolution lies a bold initiative: giga projects. These vast undertakings, envisioned under the umbrella of Vision 2030, are redefining the Kingdom’s economy, landscape, and global standing.
From cutting-edge smart cities and luxurious tourism destinations to cultural hubs and urban rejuvenation zones, each giga project is designed not just to diversify the Kingdom’s economy but to reshape its identity.
Below is an insightful breakdown of some of the most impactful giga projects currently underway in Saudi Arabia.
THE GIGA PROJECTS OF SAUDI ARABIA
1. NEOM – A Vision of the Future
NEOM, meaning “new future,” is a $500 billion smart city development on the Red Sea coast. Encompassing projects like THE LINE, Oxagon, Trojena, and Sindalah, NEOM is a hub for innovation, sustainability, and futuristic living.
Project Highlights:
- Covers 26,500 km² of land
- Expected to contribute $48 billion to GDP by 2030
- Aims to create over 380,000 jobs
- Will operate under a special tax and regulatory system to attract foreign investors
- Focused sectors include renewable energy, technology, real estate
2. The Red Sea Project – Luxury Meets Nature
Spanning 28,000 km² along the Kingdom’s western coast, the Red Sea Project is positioned as the world’s most ambitious luxury tourism development.
Project Highlights:
- Expected annual GDP contribution: $4 billion
- Job creation: over 35,000 positions in tourism and hospitality
- Preserves more than 90 unspoiled islands
- Focused sectors include tourism, hospitality, entertainment, transportation, utilities
3. Qiddiya – The Kingdom’s Entertainment Capital
Qiddiya is being developed as a world-class entertainment, sports, and arts hub. The project is tailored to Saudi Arabia’s youth, offering experiences that reduce the need for outbound tourism.
Project Highlights:
- Covers 334 km² with five main zones
- Anticipates $4.53 billion GDP contribution by 2030
- Aims to capture a large share of Saudi’s 17 million outbound tourists
- Will provide 57,000 jobs and thousands of residential units
- Focused sectors include sports, wellness, nature, attractions, arts, culture
4. ROSHN – A New Model for Community Living
ROSHN is redefining urban development with a goal to boost home ownership to 70% by 2030. It focuses on sustainable and inclusive community living across the Kingdom.
Project Highlights:
- Plans to develop over 400,000 homes
- Operating over 200,000 km² of land
- Recent contracts worth $2.1 billion signed for further expansion
- Focused sectors are real estate, construction
5. Diriyah – Reviving the Nation’s Heritage
As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Diriyah reflects Saudi Arabia’s historical legacy while offering modern cultural experiences and luxury tourism.
Project Highlights:
- Initially valued at $50 billion, now upgraded to giga status
- Expected GDP contribution: $18.66 billion
- Will create 178,000 jobs and feature over 100 restaurants and 38 hotels
- Focused sectors include culture and tourism
6. King Salman Park – The World’s Largest Urban Park
Located in Riyadh, this urban oasis will blend nature with cultural and residential spaces across 16.7 km².
Project Highlights:
- Development fund: $1.07 billion
- Will feature an arts complex, themed gardens, and modern infrastructure
- Mixed-use zones include housing, retail, and hotels
- Focused sectors are culture, real estate, tourism, and transport
7. Jeddah Central – Coastal Revival and Culture
With a $20 billion budget, this project reimagines Jeddah’s historic waterfront, enhancing its appeal as a coastal cultural and residential hub.
Project Highlights:
- 17,000 residential units planned
- Includes an opera house, arts center, and waterfront marina
- Estimated $12.5 billion GDP contribution by 2030
- Focused sectors inclide real estate, tourism, and culture
8. New Murabba – Riyadh’s Future Downtown
New Murabba aims to redefine city living with a blend of business, culture, and immersive experiences, centered around the futuristic Mukaab structure.
Project Highlights:
- Total area: 25 million m²
- Mukaab structure to be 400m tall, wide, and deep
- Expected GDP contribution: $50 billion
- Will create 334,000 jobs
- Focused sectors are real estate, entertainment, retail
9. Saudi Downtown Company – Revitalizing Cities
This project aims to transform downtowns in 12 cities into thriving commercial and residential hubs.
Project Highlights:
- Will develop over 10 million m²
- Aims to empower SMEs and create new private sector opportunities
- In collaboration with Monsha’at and the Ministry of Municipal Affairs
- Focused sectors include commercial, residential, and SME development
10. Masar Destination – Religious Tourism Reimagined 3
Masar Destination redefines the urban landscape near the Grand Mosque in Makkah to cater to spiritual and commercial needs.
Project Highlights:
- Infrastructure is 92% complete, full completion by 2035
- Expected to create 16,000 jobs
- Backed by $6.13 billion in infrastructure funding
- Target investment: $26.6 billion
- Focused sectors include hospitality, retail, and religious tourism
11. AlUla – Timeless Culture, Modern Tourism
Centered around the ancient city of Al’Ula, this project preserves heritage while boosting tourism and quality of life.
Project Highlights:
- Estimated development cost: over $15 billion
- Expected GDP contribution: $32 billion
- Over 38,000 jobs to be created
- Focused sectors are tourism, real estate, and culture
12. King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) – The Business Core
This modern district is becoming the heart of financial activity in Riyadh, hosting international businesses and offering high-end residences.
Project Highlights:
- Covers 1600 km², only 40% built so far
- Will host 1,000 new residential units in the next 6 months
- One of four special economic zones for foreign businesses
- Focused sectors include finance, hospitality, retail, and real estate
13. Mohammed bin Salman Non-profit City – Innovation & Learning
Located in Riyadh, this city is dedicated to fostering creativity and education for the next generation of entrepreneurs. .
Project Highlights:
- Houses over 500 startups
- Will accommodate 18,000 residents
- 44% of land reserved for sustainability
- Focused sectors include ducation, science, technology, and entrepreneurship
14. SEVEN – A Nation Entertained
SEVEN (Saudi Entertainment Ventures) is redefining leisure across 14 cities with global partnerships and family-friendly entertainment.
Project Highlights:
- Over $13 billion investment across 21 destinations
- Expected to welcome 90 million visitors by 2030
- Partners include Hasbro, Warner Bros., and Mattel
- Focused sectors include entertainment, hospitality, and tourism
Business Setup in Saudi Arabia – Which Project is for You?
Saudi Arabia’s giga projects are not simply infrastructure developments; they are a statement of intent. They showcase the Kingdom’s commitment to transformation, from fostering sustainable cities and enriching cultural experiences to enabling business, tourism, and technological innovation.
As these projects evolve, they are setting a precedent not only for the region but for the world on how to blend tradition with ambition, and vision with execution.