Leadership changes at NEOM took place this week, principally with the appointment of a new acting Chief Executive Officer Aiman Al-Mudaifer.
Al-Mudaifer replaces Eng. Nadhmi Al-Nasr, who has overseen the project as. since August 2018. A reason for Al-Nasr’s departure was not given.
There is no word on if this affects any of the superyacht offerings planned by the megaproject amid reports stating that schemes are being “scaled back”.
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“As NEOM enters a new phase of delivery, this new leadership will ensure operational continuity, agility, and efficiency to match the overall vision and objectives of the project.” the press release states.
NEOM celebrated the launch of its first city, Sindalah Island, at the end of October. As part of Red Sea Week, Sindalah Island’s opening attracted 53 yachts, giving Red Sea traffic a sizeable boost. Sindalah’s Marina operates at an 86-berth capacity for superyachts up to 180 meters in length, alongside 75 off-shore buoys. In June 2023, IGY Marinas was announced to oversee the management of the development. The marina recently received a 5-Gold Anchor Accreditation by The International Yacht Harbour Association.
RELATED: Saudi Red Sea Authority Issue First-Ever Yacht Tourism Licenses
From a regulatory standpoint, the Saudi Red Authority has made significant developments, recently issuing tourist licenses for six yacht agents in Saudi Arabia for the first time. In an effort to regulate maritime and tourist activities, acknowledge infrastructure needs, and promote investment in Saudi Arabia, the regional and international companies to receive licenses from SRSA include Faisal M. Higgi & Associates Co. Ltd., Yusuf bin Ahmed Kanoo, Hill Robinson, JLS Yachts LLC, GAC, and HASCO Group.