Giga-cities: driving culture and innovation in the Middle East

From left to right: Stephen Oehme (Quantum), Lavin Nalinababu (HLB HAMT), Khalid Otain (HLB Saudia Arabia), James A. Kaplan (Destination Capital), David Johnson (Delivering Asia)

Delivering Asia leads the conversation at ARES

The Middle East’s giga-cities are transforming global urban landscapes, and Delivering Asia is at the forefront of this evolution. At the recent Asia Real Estate Summit (ARES), Delivering Asia’s CEO, David Johnson, moderated a dynamic panel discussion titled “Giga-cities: The Convergence of Culture and Innovation in the Middle East.”

The panel featured leading voices in hospitality, real estate, and sustainability, including James A. Kaplan (Destination Capital), Khalid Otain (HLB Saudi Arabia), Lavin Nalinababu (HLB HAMT), and Stephen Oehme (Quantum). Together, they explored how these visionary developments are reshaping the Middle East’s identity while setting a global benchmark for the future of cities.

“Giga-cities are about far more than scale or ambition,” Johnson remarked in his opening statement. “They represent a reimagining of urban living, where culture, innovation, and sustainability intersect. These developments aren’t just shaping the Middle East; they’re shaping the global conversation around what the future of cities should look like.”

Delivering Asia’s participation at ARES reflects its broader mission of connecting global brands with transformative opportunities. With expertise in hospitality and real estate, the agency plays a pivotal role in shaping conversations that drive the future of urban innovation.

At the heart of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 is an ambitious strategy to diversify the economy and redefine urban living. Giga-cities like NEOM, Diriyah, and the Red Sea Project showcase how cultural preservation, sustainability, and innovation can coexist to drive growth.

Saudi Arabia’s tourism boom underscores the critical role these projects play in transforming the Kingdom. International visitor numbers surged from 16 million in 2022 to a projected 33 million in 2024, with giga-cities serving as key attractions. For example:

• The Red Sea Project: Set to attract one million annual visitors by 2030, creating over 35,000 jobs and featuring 50 resorts alongside 1,000 residential properties.

• Diriyah: A $65 billion cultural restoration project combining luxury hospitality with historical preservation, aiming to welcome 25 million visitors annually and contribute $27 billion to GDP.

• AlUla: Transforming its vast archaeological landscapes into a global tourism destination, blending modern infrastructure with heritage preservation.

These giga-cities are more than destinations—they’re economic engines reshaping the Middle East and positioning it as a global hub for innovation, tourism, and sustainable growth.

Shaping the Future of Cities

1. NEOM: A blueprint

James A. Kaplan described NEOM as a transformative vision for sustainable living that embodies innovation on an unprecedented scale. Spanning 25,000 square kilometres, this futuristic mega-development includes The Line, a 140-kilometre linear city designed to operate entirely on renewable energy and achieve zero waste. Other components include Oxagon, the world’s largest floating industrial complex, and Trojena, a year-round mountain resort set to host the 2029 Asian Winter Games.

“The Line redefines urban living,” Kaplan noted. “While its scale may evolve, its ambition to set a global benchmark for sustainable cities remains steadfast.”

James A. Kaplan & David Johnson

2. Saudi Arabia and the UAE collab

Stephen Oehme emphasised the symbiotic relationship between Saudi Arabia and the UAE, describing how their shared ambitions foster a dynamic that benefits the entire region. Saudi Arabia’s giga-cities are driving the Kingdom’s transformation, while the UAE remains a beacon of ease in doing business and a hub for mature infrastructure.

“Saudi Arabia’s giga-cities are elevating the Middle East’s profile,” Oehme explained. “The UAE, with its mature infrastructure and ease of doing business, continues to attract investment. Together, they’re creating a regional ecosystem that fosters innovation, investment, and long-term growth.”

3. New frontiers

Khalid Otain and Lavin Nalinababu also highlighted the opportunities in emerging markets within Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Secondary Saudi cities and less prominent UAE emirates like Ras Al Khaimah offer tax incentives, streamlined regulations, and lower entry costs, making them attractive for investors seeking long-term growth.

“These regions represent untapped potential for businesses looking to establish themselves in the Middle East,” Nalinababu noted, pointing to projects like Ras Al Khaimah’s Wynn Resorts development, the first large-scale gaming and hospitality project in the region.

The panellists agreed that while flagship projects like NEOM and Diriyah dominate global headlines, the opportunities in emerging markets should not be underestimated.

4. Sustainability and human capital

Sustainability is at the core of giga-city planning, but its success ultimately relies on human capital. Projects like NEOM and the Red Sea Project are not just integrating renewable energy and circular economy principles—they’re setting global benchmarks for sustainable urbanisation.

Beyond infrastructure, Saudi Arabia is prioritising workforce development to meet the demand for skilled labour. Initiatives like the King Salman International University aim to prepare the Kingdom’s young population for careers in industries driving Vision 2030, from hospitality and real estate to advanced technology and renewable energy.

“A city is only as innovative as its people,” Otain remarked. “Developing human capital is essential to sustaining growth.”

Global perspectives. Local insights

The ARES panel discussion highlighted how giga-cities are reshaping the Middle East’s global influence and regional dynamics. As the conversation deepens, businesses face the challenge of navigating this rapidly evolving landscape. With a focus on connecting international expertise to local opportunities, panels like these bridge the gap between ambition and execution.

David Johnson closed the discussion with a powerful call to action: “The Middle East’s giga-cities are roadmaps for the future. For those seeking to make an impact in these dynamic markets, now is the time to act.”

Delivering Asia plays a key role in fostering these dialogues, helping global brands craft strategies that align with the region’s transformative potential. From shaping impactful messaging to connecting brands with local markets, the agency ensures that bold ideas don’t just spark conversations—they drive results.

Ready to connect your brand with the future of giga-cities? Let’s start the conversation.

https://www.deliveringasia.com/