On 16th of November, 2021, Mohammed bin Salman, Chairman of the NEOM and the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, revealed the launching of Oxagon, the 7-kilometre-wide world’s biggest floating city. During the announcement, his Royal Highness mentioned, “Oxagon will be the catalyst for economic growth and diversity in NEOM and the Kingdom, further meeting our ambitions under Vision 2030. Oxagon will contribute to redefining the world’s approach to industrial development in the future, protecting the environment while creating jobs and growth for NEOM. It will contribute to Saudi Arabia’s regional trade and commerce and support creating a new focal point for global trade flows. This new city, built around innovative new industries, has started its development and we look forward to the city’s rapid expansion.” 

Similar to its name, Oxagon City will be constructed in the form of an Octagon shape with 8 sides and 8 angles, with a portion of the area on land and a division sticking out towards the Red Sea. The logistic hub is targeted to create a home of up to 90000 citizens by the end of 2030. The new floating industrial city is part of NEOM’s grand economic project, which is targeted to redefine the living style and work life of humankind in future. Oxagon, which is one of the ten domains of the NEOM growth plan, is projected to transform into a port city that would become an added advantage for shipping and travelling through the Suez Canal. According to Mohammed bin Salman, the Crown Prince of the Kingdom, this futuristic city will be a bridge to draw transnational skills and give new life into production, which will, in turn, boost the flow of the international trading relationship. 

Oxagon Zone And Its Features

Oxagon City will be situated on the coastline of the Red Sea, facilitated by a motorised dock that integrates smart industrial networks with over 13% of international trade advancing through the Suez Canal. The smart city is expected to house around 90,000 residents and offers roughly 70,000 employment opportunities by the end of 2030. Along with the said goals, the upcoming industrial city also boasts a list of unique features. It will set to become the world’s largest floating structure with expeditious transit to THE LINE and NEOM airport. It will become the biggest cruise terminal in the Red Sea, with thirteen per cent of the global trade passing through the Suez Canal. The city will be a bridge to connect nature with humanity in a short span of a 5-minute walk- whether one wishes to hit the beach or become one with nature at the park. Oxagon NEOM also aims to offer 100% clean energy to the residents. 

Business Hub

One of the main highlights and focuses of Oxagon NEOM is that the city will be filled with factories, operation-related spaces, manufacturing buildings, and such, apart from the residential neighbourhoods. The establishment of the city is considered to be a big benefit for the commercial sector, as it is nearest to the Suez Canal, where a percentage of global trade transits through it. According to an anonymous statement, Oxagon is devised to become a technologically-advanced business hub in the world with its ultra-modern integrated harbour terminal connectivity. 

NEOM will be highly focusing on the seven divisions to perfect Oxagon come to life, which are sustainable energy, water innovation, autonomous mobility, health and well-being, sustainable food production, modern methods of construction, and technology and digital manufacturing, which will be all generated by 100% sustainable energy. It is reported that a few residents have already confirmed their slot on the premises, which demonstrates logistic corporations like the multilateral hydrogen project concerning Air Products, NEOM, and ACWA Power. Gulf Modular International is also one of the facilities that are set to launch the world’s leading transportable building manufacturer in the city, along with Desert Technologies and Hyzon Motors.

Incorporate Residents With Nature

Another central purpose behind the creation of Oxagon is for the residential provinces to merge with nature, while still living at the state-of-the-art location. The community can efficiently walk and commute using the provided hybrid-electric methods of transportation. Oxagon balances the principles and codes of THE LINE, offering exceptional comfort in communion with nature.

The majority section of the community will be located on the oceanfront, considering the establishment of the city. The residents will live in a chilled and regulated environment due to the ocean’s natural alleviating influences, as stated by the CEO of Oxagon, Vishal Wanchoo. He further added to the statement that Oxagon will be irrepressible to the astronomical tide, and hopes to provide exceptional lifestyle, comfort, and enveloping amusement possibilities. 

A Global Benchmark For Ultra-Modern Technologies 

In addition to the above features, Oxagon will also feature the first integrated logistics network and port habitat for NEOM, which will also be the world’s first ever. The combination of the harbour, rail transportation, and logistic installation will provide top-notch production and advantageous levels of carbon-neutral emissions. This will set the city at an international benchmark for adopting technology and becoming a resource-friendly establishment. 

The phygital (physical and digital) logistics approach will permit real-time programming, which will result in timely delivery, productivity, and profitability for business partners. The heart of Oxagon City would be the acquisition of leading-edge technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial and predictive intelligence, human-machine fusion, and robotics, which are all connected to a grid of mechanized distribution epicentres and independent last-mile logistic investments to push the dreams of NEOM of constructing a seamless and efficient logistics network.

Pic Credit: NEOM