[imagesource:neom]

Though its initial plans for the Line seem to have been scaled back – by a lot – Saudi Arabia’s wildly ambitious, and at times impractical, vision to remake the desert country into a tourist paradise is not over.

The arid country’s latest project under the Neom banner envisions the creation of a massive new marina for superyachts with a luxurious community to surround it.

Project Jaumur, as it is called, will be the ultimate playground for billionaires. This extravagant project will revolve around a marina where the rich and famous can park their opulent toys under a gigantic “aerofoil” shelter. From above, this sleek structure resembles an arrow pointing towards the desert, offering year-round sun protection.

“The aerofoil incorporates a gravity-defying cantilever to form a stunning entrance to the marina, welcoming the world’s largest superyachts,” explains Neom’s press release. “The sculptural structure is a landmark that serves as the perfect base for all the marina attractions, for committed yachting enthusiasts and adventurers seeking personalized experiences.”

The marina is designed to host up to 300 superyachts, each up to 150 metres long. So, while a few mega-yachts might miss out, most of the grandest ones, like Jeff Bezos’ 127-metre behemoth, will fit right in.

The marina promenade will be a place alive with entertainment, leisure and cultural experiences, hosting year-round arts events and performance programmes, complemented by signature retail stores and world-class dining options.

Sure, the marina takes centre stage, but Jaumur is also set to become home to a vibrant community of up to 6,000 residents. Although details are still under wraps, we know there will be 500 chic apartments and nearly 700 luxurious villas, each with waterfront access and private mooring for smaller yachts and boats. The sleek concrete architecture will be beautifully interspersed with lush greenery, creating a stunning oasis.

Image: Neom

Elsewhere will be an international boarding school for the children of the elite, two luxury hotels with 350 rooms and suites between them, plus some sort of deep-sea research centre with submersible expeditions to study the coastline. Oh well, at least there’s some environmental practicality being taken into consideration.

I can’t help but wonder if this place is on this planet.

Jaumur is slated for Saudi’s Gulf of Aqaba region, designed by architects Liam Roberts and Terry Mcquillan.

The area is also where the bulk of the Neom development is located, including Treyam (“a luxury harbour destination designed for adventure and indulgence set amid tranquil lagoons and a stunning coral-rich shoreline”), Xaynor (“a private beachfront setting offering unparalleled comfort and unprecedented access to an untouched portion of the Gulf of Aqaba coast”) and Elanan (a wellness oasis where you can enjoy “breathtaking views, natural oasis, architectural harmony and exclusive experiences”).

So far nothing has actually been set in stone or built, so who know if this is just some billionaires’s fever dream that will exist on the internet for all of eternity. I’m sure Mother Earth will be better off with that trajectory.

[source:newatlas]