RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s $500 billion megacity NEOM has completed the construction phases of its underground parking and light rail systems, marking a milestone in its ambitious zero-carbon initiative.
Assisted by 10 high-capacity rotary drilling rigs from Chinese construction manufacturing company XCMG Machinery, the world’s largest integrated development project completed three piles per day per drilling rig, according to a press release.
The underground parking and light rail are key elements of NEOM’s advanced sustainable transportation plan. This phase was accelerated by the efficiency of XCMG’s rotary drilling rigs, which handled deep foundation work despite challenging sandy geologies.
Led by the Public Investment Fund, the project will be a futuristic region in northwest Saudi Arabia powered entirely by renewable energy.
NEOM is home to The Line, Oxagon, Trojena, and Sindalah. It prioritizes people and nature, establishing a new model for sustainable living, working, and prospering.
The statement added that this phase was expedited due to the efficiency of XCMG’s rotary drilling rigs, which successfully managed deep foundation work even in difficult desert terrains.
The release noted that the XR600E is the largest-tonnage drilling rig deployed in the construction of NEOM city and the largest model exported from China.
Despite arriving a month later than other machinery, these rigs completed their tasks two weeks ahead of schedule, demonstrating reliability and superior performance in speed and efficiency.
In its statement, NEOM commented that this accomplishment supports its goal of building a city with zero carbon emissions and sustainable energy use.
Over 140,000 construction workers have been engaged on-site since its launch in 2017, and earlier in July it was announced the various projects underconstruction are set to receive cement worth SR104 million ($27.7 million) thanks to a partnership between Saudi Arabia’s Al Jouf Cement Co. and Italy’s Webuild SpA.
Other recent announcements from NEOM include a new marina and community on the Gulf of Aqaba called Jaumur.
The destination will be an exclusive residential community planned around a marina promenade for more than 6,000 residents, and will include 500 marina apartments and around 700 luxury villas.
Earlier this month, NEOM and American hospitality firm Equinox Hotels revealed plans to open a resort in the recently unveiled Magna development, on the coast of the Gulf of Aqaba.
The luxury destination will feature 12 locations along 120 kilometers of coastline, and will include 15 hotels, 1,600 rooms, and over 2,500 residences.
