Saudis Reveal Coastal Resort for NEOM Giga-Project

Those behind the planned giga-project in Saudi Arabia have revealed another aspect to the project, Epicon.

The Saudis said the new upscale coastal destination featuring two pointed skyscrapers would be built within the sustainable regional development in northwest Saudi Arabia.

Positioned along the Gulf of Aqaba, Epicon “aims to redefine hospitality and architecture standards” within the wider NEOM mega-city, envisioned as a high-tech, sustainable urban and economic hub in the north-west of the country.

The Epicon project compromises two towers—225m and 275m—housing a premium 41-key hotel and 14 suites and apartments.

▲ A render of Epicon on the Gulf of Aqaba, at the northern tip of the Red Sea.

Nearby, the Epicon resort will include 120 rooms and 45 beach villas. According to NEOM it is “designed to be a haven from everyday life, providing experiences varying from high-end cuisine to water sports”.

“The goal of Epicon is to redefine high-end living by seamlessly merging cutting-edge design and first-rate services. The project boasts spa-tailored wellness treatments and beachside relaxation. In fact, it offers complete visitor and resident care, fostering a luxury experience,” a spokesperson said.

Facilities include a gym, library, workstations, pools, and lounges and panoramic views of NEOM's shoreline.

The launch of Epicon coincided with the declaration of Leyja, another ecotourism destination in NEOM; both “align with the Kingdom's larger goals to enhance its ecotourism range”.

▲ The resort would be part of the NEOM giga-project in Saudi Arabia.

NEOM is planned as a cross-border city development project in Saudi Arabia. Its intentions are to be a futuristic, sustainable city in the northwest region of the kingdom in order to drive innovation and technology, the Saudis say.

In October, Zaha Hadid Architects unveiled plans for a striking 330m skyscraper within the Trojena ski resort, also in the NEOM development.

Trojena would be the first major outdoor skiing destination in the Arabian Peninsula, and is planned for a site about 50km from the Gulf of Aqaba coast.

The crystal-like skyscraper would be located on a mountain overlooking a central artificial lake.

NEOM first made headlines with the unveiling of The Line, a 170km-long city in the precinct, in January, 2021.

Other projects planned for NEOM include the residential Neom Bay; Neom Bay Airport; Oxagon, a floating industrial complex in the shape of an octagon covering about 250sq km; and Sindalah, a luxury resort complex off the city coast with an 86-berth marina and three luxury hotels.

▲ A render of a beachside villa at Epcon.