Tag Archives: new destination

The Board of Directors of NEOM unveiled Utamo, its immersive destination for art and entertainment. An innovative event space to host global artists, Utamo is the latest destination to be announced by the sustainable regional development evolving in northwest Saudi Arabia. Cocooned in a mountain located along the Gulf of Aqaba coastline, Utamo creates a unique backdrop for music events, exhibitions, and art activations that will transform traditional entertainment experiences. Combining natural beauty and technology, the venue has been designed to be a place where art and architecture blend harmoniously, providing visitors with a truly unique experience. Guests will arrive at Utamo via an extended pathway of a garden promenade, featuring more than 50 species of shrubs, herbs and flowers, before reaching the grand hall. The 64-meter-high entrance, which pays homage to art and design, sets the scene for the awe-inspiring experiences awaiting guests inside. A theatre of the future where reality and the digital realm converge, Utamo will host events that redefine the benchmark of entertainment. Its multipurpose performance space, VIP lounges, and signature restaurants will make it one of the world’s most exclusive event spaces, as it plays host to performances from the globe’s greatest artists. The space will be carefully crafted to facilitate immersive artistic installations and performances. Advanced audio-visual systems will captivate guests with sensory experiences, enveloping them in audio-visual wonder as they become part of the performance itself. Guided by NEOM’s unwavering commitment to conservation and its efforts to create spaces in nature that support sustainable development, cutting-edge techniques will be used in the design and construction of Utamo to ensure minimal intervention with the surrounding environment. News of the development follows the recent announcements …

NEOM announced its latest luxury coastal tourism destination Epicon, located on the Gulf of Aqaba.  Epicon aims to set a new standard of hospitality and architecture. Rising from NEOM’s desert landscape like a glistening mirage, the property will feature two striking towers, one 225 meters tall and one reaching 275 meters. The towers will be home to an ultra-premium 41 key hotel and luxury residences that comprise of 14 suites and apartments. A short distance from the hotel is the Epicon resort, which blends tranquility with indulgence and features 120 rooms and 45 stunning residential beach villas. Designed as a gateway to the future, Epicon provides an opportunity to escape the stresses of the everyday. Whether relaxing at the beach club, visiting the spa for bespoke wellness treatments, exploring the surrounding nature, participating in one of the many watersports on offer, or dining at destination restaurants for an unforgettable culinary experience, Epicon has been conceived to meet the full array of guest and resident needs. A highly attractive visitor destination and an optimum place to live and thrive, Epicon’s guests and residents can expect a truly immersive and life-affirming experience. The luxurious residences and beach villas aim to deliver new levels of livability through cutting-edge innovations, world-class services and first-class experiences, positioning the resort as a benchmark for iconic living. Guests and residents of Epicon will enjoy unrestricted access to world-class facilities, complemented by views of one of the most desirable shorelines in NEOM. Amenities include a state-of-the-art gym, library, workspaces, pools and lounges. News of Epicon follows the recent announcement of Leyja, NEOM’s sustainable tourism destination set within a magnificent natural valley. The extensive range of experiences and activities …

Saudi Entertainment Ventures (SEVEN), the PIF-owned entertainment and recreation company, has announced its construction work on its new attraction-filled destination in Almadinah at an investment of SAR 1.3 billion. The project aligns with the Saudi region’s aims to build vibrant communities and improve everyone’s quality of life. Construction at Almadinah has started with BUJV, a joint venture by Al Bawani Co. Ltd. and UrbaCon Trading & Contracting, appointed to carry out the construction works.   Abdullah AlDawood, Chairman, SEVEN, said: “Our entertainment destination in Almadinah will transform the entertainment landscape of the region and bring new, unique, and exciting experiences to the people of Almadinah supporting SEVEN’s aims to enrich the quality of life for millions of Saudis.” Fakher AlShawaf, Group CEO, Albawani Holding, said: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to collaborate once again with SEVEN on this groundbreaking project, which aims to establish an exceptional entertainment destination in the holy city of Almadinah.” Ramez Al Khayat, Group Managing Director, UCC Holding, said: “This is an exciting project to add to our portfolio. As a leading international construction and contracting company with a wealth of expertise, we will deliver SEVEN’s entertainment destination with our signature superior quality.” Visitors can expect immersive experiences from exceptional rides set within a 4,000-square-meter family entertainment center. There will also be an e-karting track, with 330+ meters of track covering two levels; a Discovery Adventures center offering treks, treehouse trails, and other jungle-themed challenges and educational missions; and a Play-Doh entertainment center will spark children’s imaginations with three different sensorial zones.   SEVEN supports PIF’s mandate to create a sustainable entertainment, leisure and sports sector, alongside Saudi Arabia’s aim to welcome 100 million visitors …

flydubai announced the launch of flights to Namangan from 24 September with a twice-weekly service, becoming the first UAE carrier to offer direct flights from Dubai. The addition of flights to Namangan makes it the third point in Uzbekistan including Samarkand which launches on 20 September, and the capital, Tashkent. Flights to Namangan International Airport (NMA) will operate from Terminal 2 at Dubai International (DXB) on Wednesdays and Saturdays. With the launch of operations to Namangan, flydubai grows its network in Central Asia to seven points, enabling passengers from the UAE and the GCC to explore more of the region. Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer at flydubai, said: “Uzbekistan has become an emerging market for flydubai and we are delighted to see our network expand there with the start of flights to Namangan and, launching next week, Samarkand. The commencement of our 10 weekly flights to the market will strengthen trade and cultural links between the UAE and Uzbekistan.” After Samarkand and Tashkent, Namangan is the third largest city in Uzbekistan and has established its importance as a trade and craft centre. Situated in the Fergana Valley, it is well-known for its ancient sites, traditional craftsmanship and magnificent architecture. Commenting on the launch of flights, Jeyhun Efendi, Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations and E-commerce at flydubai, said: “Central Asia has become a fast-growing market for flydubai where we have seen sustainable demand for travel since starting operations. We look forward to welcoming more travellers from Namangan as they connect to other points in the flydubai network including Jeddah, Madinah and Male.” The airline operates flights to seven destinations in Central Asia including Almaty and Nur-Sultan in Kazakhstan, Bishkek in …