NEOM, Saudi Arabia’s groundbreaking smart city and regional development initiative, has officially appointed Eng. Aiman Al-Mudaifer as its new CEO and Managing Director. The announcement, confirmed by the NEOM Board of Directors, comes after a six-month interim period during which Al-Mudaifer served as acting CEO. His leadership marks a pivotal moment in NEOM’s evolution as it transitions into a new phase focused on large-scale delivery and execution.
This leadership change follows the departure of former CEO Eng. Nadhmi Al-Nasr in November 2024. Al-Mudaifer brings extensive experience from his previous role at the Public Investment Fund (PIF), where he led the Kingdom’s local real estate division. His track record includes overseeing multi-billion-dollar infrastructure and real estate investments, making him well-equipped to lead NEOM through its next stage of development.
As CEO, Al-Mudaifer will be responsible for steering NEOM’s strategic direction and ensuring timely progress across its core zones, including THE LINE, Oxagon, Trojena, Magna, and Sindalah. His role will be instrumental in aligning NEOM’s ambitious goals with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, the Kingdom’s roadmap for economic diversification and sustainability.
Progress Across NEOM’s Mega Projects
Among NEOM’s most high-profile initiatives is THE LINE—a 170-kilometer linear city designed to revolutionize urban living. During the World Economic Forum in Davos earlier this year, Chief Development Officer Denis Hickey provided updates on the project’s progress. Excavation and foundational work are underway, with vertical construction anticipated to begin later in 2025.
THE LINE is envisioned as a car-free, zero-emissions city, replacing traditional roads with high-speed rail and autonomous transportation. While the complete buildout may span a century, initial phases are expected to become operational within the next few years. Once fully realized, THE LINE will accommodate up to nine million residents and serve as a model for futuristic, sustainable urban planning.
Despite speculation surrounding potential scaling back of the project, NEOM leadership remains steadfast in its commitment to delivering on the full vision of THE LINE.
Other zones within NEOM are also seeing substantial development:
- Oxagon, NEOM’s industrial and logistics hub, now has an operational port and is expanding its infrastructure to support global trade.
- In Magna, early-stage excavation has begun to develop a luxury resort seamlessly integrated into a mountain landscape, aimed at boosting eco-tourism.
- Trojena, NEOM’s mountainous tourism destination, is constructing an artificial lake and surrounding facilities in preparation for hosting the 2029 Asian Winter Games.
- Sindalah, the island resort, continues its progression to become a premier luxury tourism destination in the Red Sea.
A Visionary Step Forward
With Al-Mudaifer now at the helm, NEOM is poised to accelerate its transformation into a global hub for innovation, sustainability, and futuristic living. His appointment signals continuity, operational strength, and a renewed focus on executing one of the world’s most ambitious development projects. As NEOM advances, it remains a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s strategic aspirations, setting a new standard for urban development on a global scale.