The Noble Prizes are heavily biased in favor of the West.
Also the person In question is a Jordanian of Palestinian origins with some recent Saudi Arabian ancestry as well hence his Saudi Arabian citizenship that he gained in 2021. Anyway it is good news that an Arab won but hardly news in the sense that Arabs/ancestors of Arabs have contributed to science for millennia, probably longer than any other (recorded in history that is) region in the world given that the Arab world is home to the oldest civilizations on the planet. However for various reasons the scientific output has been laughable (overall) in the modern era but things are changing for the better rather quickly and there could be another "Islamic Golden Age" in the making not far from now given demographics and the large focus on STEM by many wealthy Arab states. Part of the challenge is also that AI will revolutionize traditional science.
A fairly good overview of some of the largest megaprojects.
Saudi Arabia megaprojects: 24 massive developments in the making
Here are 24 upcoming mega projects that will play a key role in ensuring Saudi Arabia’s massive transformation
Saudi Arabia has announced several ambitious plans to build a series of large-scale projects aimed at reshaping the country into a prominent global economic force, over the past few years.
These initiatives, which involve substantial investments amounting to billions of dollars, seek to diversify the nation’s economy beyond oil, generate employment opportunities, and enhance its reputation as a premier destination for trade and tourism.
That said, here are 24 upcoming megaprojects that will play a key role in ensuring the Kingdom’s massive transformation:
1. Norlana
Norlana is a new ultra-modern residential community being developed in northwest Saudi Arabia as part of NEOM.
Situated on the coast of the Gulf of Aqaba, Norlana will consist of 711 properties including mansions, apartments and beach villas integrated with the surrounding natural dunes.
It will offer luxurious living and cater to active lifestyles, with amenities like a 120-berth marina, 18-hole golf course, equestrian centre and facilities for water sports and sailing.
Sustainability is a top priority for Norlana. It is being designed and built to preserve the coastal and marine environments.
While providing ultra-luxury living, residents will be able to experience the beauty of the location and immerse themselves in sports, wellness and passion pursuits.
Norlana aims to set a new standard for contemporary sustainable communities and complements other tourism destinations announced recently in the Gulf of Aqaba as part of NEOM’s regional development plans.
2. Utamo
NEOM recently unveiled Utamo, a new immersive destination for art and entertainment located along the Gulf of Aqaba coastline in northwest Saudi Arabia.
Utamo will be housed within a mountain cocoon and designed to seamlessly blend architecture with the surrounding natural beauty.
It will serve as a one-of-a-kind venue hosting music, art and cultural events through advanced audio-visual systems that promise to deliver sensory experiences.
Guests will be able to arrive via a landscaped garden pathway and enter through a towering 64-metre-high entrance hall.
Sustainability is a top priority, with cutting-edge construction techniques used to minimize environmental impact. Utamo aims to redefine entertainment through productions that converge reality with the digital realm.
It will provide a place for the world’s greatest artists to showcase their talents within exclusive performance spaces, VIP lounges and signature restaurants.
In line with NEOM’s regional development goals, Utamo complements recently announced sustainable tourism destinations like Leyja, Epicon and Siranna along the Gulf of Aqaba coastline.
3. Siranna
NEOM also announced Siranna, a new exclusive tourism destination located along the Gulf of Aqaba coastline in northwest Saudi Arabia.
Siranna will consist of a 65-key luxury hotel and 35 high-end residential properties, taking advantage of uninterrupted views of the Red Sea. The destination’s hexagonal pillar architecture will seamlessly blend into the rugged mountains and flora.
Guests will arrive by boat to the secluded bay and journey through natural rock formations to reach the enchanting entrance. Siranna aims to offer an escape for relaxation and original thinking through amenities like a beach club, spas, wellness facilities, and dining options.
Sustainability is a core focus during Siranna’s development, with techniques used to preserve the surrounding landscape and heritage. Trails through the connecting sea, mountain and wadi ecosystem will provide exploration opportunities.
In line with NEOM’s regional vision, Siranna will deliver an ultra-luxurious hospitality experience while supporting future sustainable living.
It complements other tourism destinations recently announced in the Gulf of Aqaba, to create spaces in nature that nurture creativity through conservation-centered development.
4. Epicon
NEOM’s Epicon, a new luxury coastal tourism destination located on the Gulf of Aqaba, will feature two striking towers up to 275 meters tall housing a 41-key ultra-premium hotel and luxury residences.
It will also include a 120-room resort and 45 beachfront villas situated near the hotel. The development aims to set new standards for hospitality and architecture through indulgent amenities and experiences for guests and residents to escape everyday stresses.
These include a beach club, spa, watersports, and destination dining overlooking spectacular shorelines. Cutting-edge innovations and world-class services and facilities within the luxurious residences and villas seek to deliver iconic living.
Epicon aims to position itself as a benchmark destination through unrestricted access to state-of-the-art amenities within spectacular Gulf views.
In line with objectives to strengthen NEOM’s ecotourism sector, it follows the recent announcement of the sustainable tourism development Leyja within a natural valley setting. Epicon and Leyja will enrich the experience offerings in NEOM and the broader Saudi tourism industry, aligned with the Kingdom’s vision.
5. Leyja
Leyja is a new tourism destination being developed in NEOM, Saudi Arabia’s mega-project located in the country’s northwest corner.
Leyja will be centred around a natural valley surrounded by 400-metre-high mountains, located along the coast of the Gulf of Aqaba. It aims to preserve 95 per cent of its land for nature, with three designed hotels that blend into the landscape.
The hotels will each have 40 rooms and offer distinct experiences catering to activities like adventure, relaxation, and wellness.
Once complete, Leyja will provide a variety of experiences for visitors centred around sustainability and nature.
These will include fine dining options from world-renowned chefs, wellness facilities like infinity pools, and guided activities in the stunning mountain scenery such as hiking trails and rock-climbing.
The goal is to develop eco-friendly tourism that supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 plans while protecting the natural environment of the unique valley setting.
6. The Line
The Line is a linear city project within NEOM, an ambitious mega-city development in northwestern Saudi Arabia.
Stretching over 170 kilometers, The Line is envisioned as a carbon-neutral vertical city that would avoid the use of cars through its walkable, dense design.
It would contain all necessities of city living including homes, schools, workspaces and parks directly accessible by foot, public transport or through a high-speed rail network.
With nature and green spaces integrated throughout, The Line aims to maximize resource efficiency while offering a high quality of life for its anticipated 9 million residents.
The Line’s vertical design is planned to minimize land and energy usage while connecting residents through social spaces.
Towering structures up to 500 meters tall will contain modular mixed-use pods organized to foster constant social interaction and access to the outdoors.
Cutting-edge technology like autonomous transport will further enhance sustainable living. When open, The Line could fundamentally transform urban design and connectivity while reducing Saudi Arabia’s environmental footprint as the country works to diversify its economy as part of Vision 2030.
