Neom, located in northwestern Saudi Arabia, is emerging as a leading production and creative hub in the country’s business media sector. With the largest soundstages in Saudi Arabia and a total of ten stages set to be operational by mid-2024, including a cutting-edge volumetric stage, Neom is the largest purpose-built production facility in the region.
The Neom region, spanning 26,500 square kilometers, is designed to showcase an alternative way of living and working. It is set to become home to The Line, a car-less city powered by renewable energy and designed to accommodate 9 million people.
Neom aims to focus on 14 sectors, including entertainment, culture, media, sports, tourism, technology, digital, education, research, innovation, food, and energy. The $500 billion investment in Neom will not only support production but also drive the growth of various industries.
The name “Neom” combines the words “neo” for “new” and “mustaqbal,” which means “future” in Arabic. This aligns with the futuristic goals of the project, which was conceived by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Wayne Borg, Neom’s managing director for media industries, entertainment, and culture, highlighted the positive feedback from industry stars who visit Neom. The hub’s untouched natural beauty, diverse landscapes, and top-notch facilities make it an attractive destination for productions and talent.
Neom offers competitive production incentives, including a 40 percent cash rebate, in addition to in-kind components and extra cash incentives based on project scale and scope. The streamlined process ensures quick payout within 45 to 90 days.
Since opening its first stage in 2021, Neom has attracted 35 productions across various genres and formats. These include documentaries, TV shows, feature films, and reality television. Neom’s success has resulted in repeat business from producers.
Looking ahead, Neom aims to become an integrated media hub, offering a million square meters of production facilities, support services, industry tenancy, incubation, and startup support. The goal is to create a true industry base that fosters talent and enables the realization of creative visions.
With its focus on sustainability and redefining urbanism, Neom seeks to minimize the environmental impact and provide a unique environment for living, working, and interacting.