RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s NEOM city is set to welcome a new luxury eco-resort, Zannier Zardun, in the Magna region following a recent agreement with the French hospitality group.
The 800-room development, located within the 4-sq. km Zardun area, will feature three distinct buildings, each designed to offer a unique experience, according to a press release.
Situated along the Gulf of Aqaba coastline, Zannier Zardun will provide a range of sports and leisure activities, including trekking, mountain biking, rock climbing, as well as stargazing, meditation, and yoga.
This development aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader economic diversification strategy, which aims to reduce the Kingdom’s reliance on oil by boosting tourism.
The National Tourism Strategy targets attracting over 150 million visitors by the end of the decade and increasing the sector’s contribution to the Kingdom’s gross domestic product from 6 percent to 10 percent.
Jeremy Lester, executive director at Magna, said: “Zannier Zardun epitomizes NEOM’s dedication to crafting unrivaled experiences that celebrate the precious environment and rich heritage of Magna. Together we will carefully and diligently cultivate and conserve the vibrant ecosystem along the coast for future generations.”
He added: “This partnership with Zannier Hotels reflects a unified vision where ultra-luxury and sustainability coexist in perfect harmony. Zannier Zardun charters new horizons, merging our grand ambitions and shared values to create lasting memories for our guests and visitors to cherish.”
NEOM introduced Magna in June, a sustainable development featuring 12 locations along 120 km of coastline. The project will include 15 hotels, 1,600 rooms, and over 2,500 residences.
The region is projected to create 15,000 jobs, contribute SR2.6 billion ($693 million) to the Kingdom’s gross domestic product by 2030, house 14,500 residents, and attract 300,000 visitors annually.
Arnaud Zannier, founder and CEO of Zannier Hotels, said that the agreement with NEOM could help solidify its position among top-tier hospitality brands.
“It highlights our ambitious vision and commitment to excellence, serving as both a cornerstone for our brand’s evolution and a testament to our emergence as a formidable contender in the luxury hospitality market,” said Zannier.
