Saudi Arabia's futuristic mega-city NEOM has announced the opening of its first physical showcase, a luxury island named Sindalah. 

Located in the Red Sea, Sindalah features an array of upscale restaurants, hotels, and yachting berths, marking a significant milestone in the Kingdom's push towards luxury tourism.

The announcement comes amid ongoing skepticism regarding the viability of the NEOM project, ahead of a major investor forum dubbed "Davos in the Desert," which is set to begin in Riyadh on Tuesday. NEOM's chief executive, Nadhmi al-Nasr, emphasized the project's commitment to the Kingdom's new era of luxury tourism, stating, "NEOM's inaugural destination offers visitors a 'first glimpse' of what the future holds for our extensive portfolio of destinations and developments."

Sindalah spans an impressive 840,000 square meters (approximately 200 acres) and is projected to accommodate up to 2,400 guests daily by 2028. NEOM is also renowned for its flagship project, The Line, a pair of mirror-encased skyscrapers that will stretch 170 kilomeres inland from the coast.