NEOM: Some of the Striking Landscapes of NW Saudi Arabia

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Location of NEOMI’ll be writing a comprehensive article on GoNOMAD Travel about NEOM, the vast multi-billion dollar project that is taking shape in the far northwest corner of Saudi Arabia, but for now, I will share some of the images from the natural topography and for the most part, nature that will remain wild even after the gigantic city is built in and around it.

It will be about the size of the country of Belgium, taking in a slice of Jordan in the north and a little bit of Egypt in the west.  This part of the kingdom is known as a vacation spot, and many Bedouins raise sheep and camels in the harsh terrain of mountains and desert.

A movie company called NBC, (not the one in the U.S.) is using NEOM as a basecamp for a movie.
A movie company called MBC, (not the one in the U.S.) is using NEOM as a basecamp for a movie.
This cool crevice is called "The Secret Garden." My skinny guide slipped all the way through.
This cool crevice is called “The Secret Garden.” My skinny guide Ahmed slipped all the way through.
Four wheeling will be a big part of the recreational appeal in NEOM. Vast acres of desert to ride around on.
Four wheeling will be a big part of the recreational appeal in NEOM. Vast acres of desert to ride around on.
Ancient Nabatean burial tombs outside of Tabuk.
Ancient Nabatean burial tombs outside of Tabuk.
Saying hi to a friendly Sudanese camel herder in NEOM. He enjoyed the chocolate Ahmed gave him.
Saying hi to a friendly Sudanese camel herder in NEOM. He enjoyed the chocolate Ahmed gave him.
The green Wadi al Tayyib Ism, a spectacular gorge at NEOM.
The green Wadi al Tayyib Ism, a spectacular gorge at NEOM.
More than 400 km of uninterrupted and undeveloped Red Sea coastline is a major feature of NEOM. Coral reefs will be preserved here.
More than 400 km of uninterrupted and undeveloped Red Sea coastline is a major feature of NEOM. Coral reefs will be preserved here.
The towering cliffs of Wadi Al Tayyib Ism.
The towering cliffs of Wadi Al Tayyib Ism.
One feature that I really liked about NEOM. They have built these clean new bathrooms all over the area, just where you hoped to find a bathroom.
One feature that I really liked about NEOM. They have built these clean new bathrooms all over the area, just where you hoped to find a bathroom. And they also put trashcans all over the place too, even in the most remote areas.
The Red Sea beach at the Royal Tulip resort. The twinkling lights are where the King and his family live permanently, instead of in Riyahd.
The Red Sea beach at the Royal Tulip resort. The twinkling lights are where the King and his family live permanently, instead of in Riyadh.

 

Al Shaq. Approaching this vast canyon, you have no idea what's about to hit you. Absolutely gobsmacking.
Al Shaq. Approaching this vast canyon, you have no idea what’s about to hit you. Absolutely gobsmacking.