"Neom is Reality" Blueprint Unfolded at DDP... Building a Korea-Saudi Win-Win Network

Asia's First NEOM City Exhibition Held at DDP
Nadmi: "NEOM is a 25-Year Ongoing Story"
Won Hee-ryong: "Expecting Additional Orders from NEOM in the Second Half"

"Neom is real."

The blueprint for the 'Neom City' project, led by Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, has landed at Seoul Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP). After starting in London, UK, and passing through New York, USA, it has made its first entry into Asia in South Korea.

Nadmi Al Nasr, CEO of NEOM (left), is answering questions from the press at the NEOM exhibition media conference held on the 25th at Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) in Jung-gu, Seoul. / Photo by Noh Kyung-jo

Before the opening of the "Discover Neom in Seoul" exhibition, held at the DDP Art Hall until August 3, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport held a roadshow together with Neom. Following a private event on the 24th, the focus was on building a close cooperative network. The event held on the morning of the 25th was attended by about 200 representatives from over 100 companies and institutions in various fields such as smart cities and mobility, featuring physical model exhibitions and thematic presentations.

Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Won Hee-ryong and Neom CEO Nadmi Al-Nasr toured the venue, viewing domestic companies' robotic technologies displayed at the entrance and engaging in conversations. Minister Won emphasized that South Korea is a strategic partner in Saudi Vision 2030, saying, "This exhibition is a great opportunity to build a win-win network between Neom and Korean companies and government, and I hope the mutual inspiration will contribute to the project's success."

The Ministry plans to act as a kind of "dating app" connecting domestic companies with Neom. Minister Won stated, "We have agreed to station a liaison officer at Neom and establish a communication channel with Neom leaders," adding, "(The Ministry) will share information such as business plans and technology proposals with companies and young people as an open platform."

He also mentioned that news of Neom City-related contract awards from Saudi Arabia will be coming one after another in the second half of the year. Saudi Arabia ranked first in overseas construction contract awards in the first half of this year with $5.4 billion. It ranked second on an annual basis last year. Regarding Neom City, Samsung C&T and Hyundai Engineering & Construction are currently working on The Line tunnel construction (12 km). HanmiGlobal is performing special overall program management (e-PMO) services for The Line and managing accommodation complexes for Neom City construction workers.

Tarek Kaddoumi, an executive in charge of NEOM city development, is explaining the exhibition to the press at the NEOM exhibition media conference held on the 25th at Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) in Jung-gu, Seoul. / Photo by Noh Kyung-jo

The Neom City project consists of The Line, Oxagon, Trojena, and Sindalah. It started five years ago and went through a four-year strategic planning phase. The transition from planning to execution has only been about a year. This indicates the vast opportunities available, according to Neom representatives. CEO Nadmi said, "This project is a story that will continue for the next 25 years," adding, "By the end of 2050, we expect 3 million jobs and 10 million tourists."

They also dispelled doubts about the feasibility of Neom City. A Neom official emphasized, "Over 3,400 people are already living and working in Neom, and the project involves participants from about 90 countries," adding, "We have opened an international airport, and the port has started logistics services." He continued, "Our goal is to use 100% renewable energy such as solar and wind power," and added, "We are waiting for partners who will turn this vision into reality."

CEO Nadmi praised the Korean companies' exhibition booths, saying, "Everything I saw was impressive," and "I was impressed by the high level of quality. There will be options by sector." He also said, "When Neom City (Phase 1) is completed in 2030, we plan to launch Phase 2 funding targeting the entire world," and welcomed Korean companies to join "the world's largest and most ambitious urban development project."