NEOM to Welcome Luxury Eco-Resort Zannier Zardun in Magna Region
NEOM, Saudi Arabia’s groundbreaking city, is set to introduce Zannier Zardun, a luxury eco-resort in the Magna region, following a recent agreement with the French hospitality group Zannier Hotels. This new development is part of NEOM’s broader sustainable initiative, which aims to create a vibrant, eco-conscious community along the Gulf of Aqaba coastline.
The 800-room resort, spread across a 4-sq. km area within Zardun, will feature three distinct buildings, each offering unique experiences. Guests will have access to a variety of sports and leisure activities, including trekking, mountain biking, and rock climbing, as well as wellness experiences such as stargazing, meditation, and yoga.
This project aligns with Saudi Arabia’s National Tourism Strategy, which aims to diversify the economy by increasing tourism and reducing the Kingdom’s reliance on oil. The strategy targets attracting over 150 million visitors by 2030 and aims to raise tourism’s contribution to the Kingdom’s GDP from 6% to 10%.
NEOM’s Vision for Sustainable Tourism
Jeremy Lester, Executive Director at Magna, emphasized the resort’s alignment with NEOM’s mission of creating unparalleled experiences that honor the environment and cultural heritage of the Magna region.
“Zannier Zardun epitomizes NEOM’s dedication to crafting unrivaled experiences that celebrate the precious environment and rich heritage of Magna. Together, we will carefully conserve the vibrant ecosystem along the coast for future generations,” Lester said.
He further highlighted the resort’s blend of ultra-luxury and sustainability, noting that Zannier Zardun reflects a shared vision of creating lasting memories while upholding environmental stewardship.
Magna Development and Economic Impact
NEOM introduced the Magna region in June as part of its sustainable development initiative, featuring 12 locations along 120 kilometers of coastline. The Magna project will include 15 hotels, 1,600 rooms, over 2,500 residences, and is expected to create 15,000 jobs. By 2030, it is projected to contribute SR2.6 billion ($693 million) to Saudi Arabia’s GDP, house 14,500 residents, and attract 300,000 visitors annually.
Arnaud Zannier, Founder and CEO of Zannier Hotels, expressed excitement about the partnership with NEOM, noting that the agreement strengthens Zannier’s position in the luxury hospitality sector.
“This partnership highlights our ambitious vision and commitment to excellence, positioning us as a formidable contender in the luxury hospitality market,” Zannier said.
