News

NEOM Unveils Zardun, A High-End Ecotourism Retreat

The project aims to further improve the ever-growing Saudi ecotourism market with an upscale sanctuary resort.

Published

4 months ago

January 25, 2024

Nour Nasir

NEOM

According to recent data from Savills, the global ecotourism sector is projected to experience an annual growth rate of 15% from 2021 to 2027. In alignment with that upward trend, NEOM, Saudi Arabia’s ambitious $500 billion urban development, has disclosed plans to build an upscale sanctuary resort.

The lavish retreat, known as Zardun, will be built on a four-square-kilometer site, offering breathtaking vistas of the Gulf of Aqaba. NEOM officials have also confirmed that Zardun will boast no fewer than three deluxe boutique hotels.

Zardun will be populated by indigenous flora and fauna from the mountains to the shores and provide educational programs and on-site initiatives dedicated to the preservation, conservation, and rejuvenation of nature.

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The site will be meticulously crafted to “blend harmoniously with the natural surroundings” as a further commitment to sustainable tourism. Additionally, Zardun will incorporate a 360-degree observation platform, affording guests unparalleled panoramas. Ecotourism pursuits available to visitors will include hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, stargazing, meditation, yoga, and more.

News

NASA Forms New Partnership With Saudi Space Agency

The pair will collaborate on the Center for Space Futures, advancing space tech by bringing together public and private stakeholders.

Published

2 hours ago

May 16, 2024

Nour Nasir

Saudi Space Agency

Saudi Arabia’s space industry is on the brink of substantial expansion after generating $400 million in revenue in 2022, according to a report by the Saudi Communications, Space and Technology Commission.

Now, in a new venture with NASA, plans for a “Center for Space Futures” are set to further drive the Kingdom’s aspirations of becoming a leading player in space exploration and technology.

Capturing moments from the joint delegation visit with leaders from the Saudi and American Space Agencies @NASA to @PSU_RUH, along with scenes showcasing the audience's engagement. pic.twitter.com/oB1cFTiRNl

— وكالة الفضاء السعودية (@saudispace) May 14, 2024

The partnership between NASA and Saudi Arabia goes beyond economic advantages. The pair have already cooperated on preliminary work for the Artemis II lunar mission, which is slated for a September 2025 launch and aims to land astronauts near the moon’s South Pole.

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During a visit to the capital, Riyadh, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson emphasized in a TV interview the broader objectives of the collaboration, which encompass “returning to the moon and then [to] Mars” while utilizing space exploration to glean important insights into climate change. The NASA spokesman also reiterated the space agency’s dedication to collaborating with Saudi Arabia on other future ventures.