Neom, the developer of the $500-billion Saudi futuristic city, has launched Epicon, its latest luxury coastal tourism destination, on the Gulf of Aqaba.  This comes close on the heels of the launch of its fifth region, Leyja – a sustainable tourism destination set within a magnificent natural valley – which is already drawing keen interest from global sustainable hospitality brands such as Our Habitas.

Epicon will boast two striking towers – 225 m and 275 m tall – which will be home to an ultra-premium 41-key hotel and luxury residences featuring 14 suites and apartments.  Rising from Neom’s desert landscape like a glistening mirage, the towers aim to set a new standard of hospitality and architecture.

Just a stone’s throw away from the hotel, is the 120-key Epicon resort, which will boast 45 stunning residential beach villas.

Neom said it envisions Epicon as a gateway to the future, providing its residents a relaxing atmosphere through its beach club, spa, destination restaurants or the vast range of watersports on offer.

“Guests and residents of Epicon will enjoy unrestricted access to world-class facilities, complemented by views of one of the most desirable shorelines. Amenities include a state-of-the-art gym, library, workspaces, pools and lounges,” a spokesman for Neom stated.

The extensive range of experiences and activities offered in Epicon and Leyja will strengthen and enrich the Neom ecotourism offering, aligned with the broader objectives of the kingdom, he added.

Meanwhile, Our Habitas has reached an agreement with Neom to launch three new hotel properties in Leyja. Designed by world-leading architects, these properties will feature 120 rooms and suites split equally across the three properties, each offering differentiated experiences.

Bringing to life Leyja’s luxury eco-tourism vision, the destination has been developed within a natural wadi and carved between 400-m-high mountains.

In another development, Neom’s advanced manufacturing and innovation city, Oxagon has reached a significant milestone by breaking ground on its research and innovation (R&I) campus, designed by the renowned architect Grimshaw and engineered by international consultancy firm Buro Happold.

Situated at the heart of the research and innovation district, the campus will span over 200,000 sq m and will be equipped with state-of-the-art labs, prototyping areas, co-working and office spaces, and digitally enabled facilities.

Work is in full swing on the project being spearheaded by its partners Parsons Corporation, Mott MacDonald and Emaar Al Bader Contracting of Saudi Arabia.

Oxagon will host some of the world-leading utilities and industrial infrastructure which includes the world’s large green hydrogen project by Neom Green Hydrogen Company (NGHC).

NGHC, which is expected to be fully operational in 2026, will integrate 4 GW of solar and wind energy to produce up to 600 tonnes of carbon-free hydrogen daily. NGHC has received the first delivery of its wind turbines at the Port of Neom which are now being transported via road to the Wind Garden site near Gulf of Aqaba.

According to NGHC, additional turbines are expected to be delivered by the end of the year, with its Wind Garden ultimately featuring more than 250 to directly power the green hydrogen plant via a dedicated electricity transmission grid.

This is the first of a series of major equipment deliveries arriving over the next year, stated its CEO David R Edmondson.