6 things to know about the giant port at world's biggest construction site in Saudi Arabia's floating complex

Saudi Arabia's futuristic floating port at Oxagon is taking shape fast. Strategically located on the Red Sea, the port will be fully automated, renewable-powered and central to global trade. Here are six things to know about the project. read more
Saudi Arabia's ambitious Neom project continues to make headlines, this time with visible progress at Oxagon, its futuristic floating industrial complex. Newly released satellite imagery has revealed significant developments at the Port of Neom, located in Oxagon, one of the most striking components of the world's largest construction site.
Here are six key things to know about the giant port being developed at the heart of this next-generation megacity:
A port at a strategic global trade artery
The Port of Neom is rising on the Red Sea, along one of the busiest maritime trade corridors in the world. Its proximity to the Suez Canal—through which nearly 12% of global trade passes—gives it a pivotal advantage. This location positions Oxagon as a crucial new player in connecting Asia, Africa and Europe.
Update🚨: Recent images posted by Giles Pendleton (Chief Operating Officer THE LINE at NEOM | Chief Development Officer) of Oxagon, showing immense progress in infrastructure works + Oxagon village is about to have more construction work coming as the site being prepared. pic.twitter.com/pRnHgESy0J — Saud (@Saudfromabove) April 13, 2025
STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
A symbol of Saudi Arabia's economic transition
Oxagon is part of the Saudi Vision 2030 initiative aimed at reducing the kingdom's dependence on oil. Along with other components like The Line and Trojena, it reflects Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's ambitions to reposition Saudi Arabia as a global hub of innovation and sustainability.
World-class automation arrives
In a major milestone, the Port of Neom recently received Saudi Arabia's first fully automated, remote-controlled cranes. This step marks the beginning of a tech-first operational approach, designed to enhance Red Sea logistics and attract global business through efficiency and digital transformation.
A hub for green energy and smart industries
Oxagon is also the site for Neom's Green Hydrogen Company (NGHC), which is developing what will be the world's largest green hydrogen plant. The $8.4 billion project underscores Oxagon's role as not just a logistics centre but a future global capital for sustainable industry.
Designed for people and planet
Unlike conventional industrial zones, Oxagon has been envisioned as a mixed-use, compact city that will run entirely on renewable energy. Its planners aim to host around 90,000 residents by 2030. 'Industrial development cannot continue at the expense of people or the environment,' said Oxagon CEO Vishal Wanchoo in May.
Strong global interest and leadership focus
Neom recently appointed a new CEO tasked with tackling budget overruns and delays across its many sub-projects. Despite these challenges, optimism remains high. Melissa Blake, Port Director at Neom, wrote on LinkedIn: 'Port of Neom is excited to receive the first batch of cranes and other cargo handling equipment as we come another step closer to delivering our vision.'
The Saudi government describes Oxagon as 'a place where people, nature and technology come together in harmony,' signalling a break from traditional development models.
What's next?
The Port of Neom is expected to become the primary gateway for trade in northwestern Saudi Arabia. With a smart logistics hub connecting three continents, the port could redefine how goods flow through the region, offering a glimpse of what global trade might look like in the decades to come.

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

The Hindu

09-06-2025

• The Hindu

Wipro moves West Asia headquarters to Riyadh

Wipro on Monday announced the relocation of its West Asia regional headquarters from Al Khobar to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The new office in Riyadh was the latest addition to Wipro's growing presence in the region, which included offices in Riyadh, Al Khobar, Jeddah, and Jubail, the company said. 'The inauguration of Wipro's new regional headquarters in Riyadh marks a significant milestone that contributes to accelerating the growth of the Kingdom's digital economy,' said Mohammed AlRobayan, Deputy Minister for Technology at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT). 'This also underscores the attractiveness of Saudi Arabia's digital business environment. We value the company's investment in developing national competencies, in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 and enhancing the Kingdom's position as a global technology hub,' he added. In addition to this new office opening, Wipro recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University (PMU) to establish a Center of Excellence (CoE) in Riyadh. This partnership aims to upskill local talent by providing academic training in advanced technologies, hands-on experience, and access to Wipro's resources, according to the company. 'The establishment of our new regional headquarters in Riyadh reaffirms our commitment to supporting the dynamic business landscape in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,' said Vinay Firake, CEO – Asia Pacific, India, Middle East & Africa (APMEA), Wipro Limited. This commitment was strengthened by the recent appointment of Mohamed Mousa as company's new Managing Director for Wipro Middle East, based in Riyadh, Wipro said.

New Indian Express

09-06-2025

• New Indian Express

Wipro strengthens Middle East presence with new regional headquarters in Riyadh

BENGALURU: IT services major Wipro has announced the relocation of its Middle East regional headquarters from Al Khobar to Riyadh, further expanding its footprint in Saudi Arabia. The company already operates offices in Riyadh, Al Khobar, Jeddah, and Jubail. The move reflects Wipro's strategic commitment to the Kingdom's digital transformation goals, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030. 'Inaugurating Wipro's regional headquarters in Riyadh is a significant milestone that supports the growth of the Kingdom's digital economy and highlights the attractiveness of Saudi Arabia's digital business environment,' said Mohammed AlRobayan, Deputy Minister for Technology at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT). 'We appreciate the company's investment in developing national competencies.' As part of its broader regional strategy, Wipro recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University (PMU) to establish a Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Riyadh. The CoE will focus on upskilling local talent through training in advanced technologies, hands-on experience, and access to Wipro's global resources. 'The establishment of our new regional headquarters in Riyadh reaffirms our commitment to supporting Saudi Arabia's dynamic business landscape,' said Vinay Firake, CEO – Asia Pacific, India, Middle East & Africa (APMEA), Wipro Limited. 'This move, along with our broader efforts in the Kingdom, reflects our vision of fostering sustainable growth and building a future-ready workforce.' Wipro also announced the appointment of Mohamed Mousa as its new Managing Director for the Middle East, based in Riyadh. The company said this leadership change would further strengthen its decades-long presence in the region.

First Post

09-06-2025

• First Post

6 things to know about the giant port at world's biggest construction site in Saudi Arabia's floating complex

Saudi Arabia's futuristic floating port at Oxagon is taking shape fast. Strategically located on the Red Sea, the port will be fully automated, renewable-powered and central to global trade. Here are six things to know about the project. read more Saudi Arabia's ambitious Neom project continues to make headlines, this time with visible progress at Oxagon, its futuristic floating industrial complex. Newly released satellite imagery has revealed significant developments at the Port of Neom, located in Oxagon, one of the most striking components of the world's largest construction site. Here are six key things to know about the giant port being developed at the heart of this next-generation megacity: A port at a strategic global trade artery The Port of Neom is rising on the Red Sea, along one of the busiest maritime trade corridors in the world. Its proximity to the Suez Canal—through which nearly 12% of global trade passes—gives it a pivotal advantage. This location positions Oxagon as a crucial new player in connecting Asia, Africa and Europe. Update🚨: Recent images posted by Giles Pendleton (Chief Operating Officer THE LINE at NEOM | Chief Development Officer) of Oxagon, showing immense progress in infrastructure works + Oxagon village is about to have more construction work coming as the site being prepared. — Saud (@Saudfromabove) April 13, 2025 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A symbol of Saudi Arabia's economic transition Oxagon is part of the Saudi Vision 2030 initiative aimed at reducing the kingdom's dependence on oil. Along with other components like The Line and Trojena, it reflects Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's ambitions to reposition Saudi Arabia as a global hub of innovation and sustainability. World-class automation arrives In a major milestone, the Port of Neom recently received Saudi Arabia's first fully automated, remote-controlled cranes. This step marks the beginning of a tech-first operational approach, designed to enhance Red Sea logistics and attract global business through efficiency and digital transformation. A hub for green energy and smart industries Oxagon is also the site for Neom's Green Hydrogen Company (NGHC), which is developing what will be the world's largest green hydrogen plant. The $8.4 billion project underscores Oxagon's role as not just a logistics centre but a future global capital for sustainable industry. Designed for people and planet Unlike conventional industrial zones, Oxagon has been envisioned as a mixed-use, compact city that will run entirely on renewable energy. Its planners aim to host around 90,000 residents by 2030. 'Industrial development cannot continue at the expense of people or the environment,' said Oxagon CEO Vishal Wanchoo in May. Strong global interest and leadership focus Neom recently appointed a new CEO tasked with tackling budget overruns and delays across its many sub-projects. Despite these challenges, optimism remains high. Melissa Blake, Port Director at Neom, wrote on LinkedIn: 'Port of Neom is excited to receive the first batch of cranes and other cargo handling equipment as we come another step closer to delivering our vision.' The Saudi government describes Oxagon as 'a place where people, nature and technology come together in harmony,' signalling a break from traditional development models. What's next? The Port of Neom is expected to become the primary gateway for trade in northwestern Saudi Arabia. With a smart logistics hub connecting three continents, the port could redefine how goods flow through the region, offering a glimpse of what global trade might look like in the decades to come.