NEOM's ambition to turn the gigaproject into a world sports powerhouse took a 
leap forward this week with the hosting of its first officially-endorsed 
international events – the first of their kind to take place in the new 
destination, which is being developed in the North-Western corner of Saudi 
Arabia along the borders of Egypt and Jordan.     

VNR: https://vimeo.com/349287792   

Highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lw9wEP8qVHw     

Athletes from 16 nations have taken to the crystal-clear waters of the pristine 
beaches of Gayal in NEOM, situated on the Gulf of Aqaba, to participate in the 
IWWF NEOM Wakeboard event. 

The off-shore action was but one part of a sporting spectacular that also 
included a FIFA-endorsed Beach Soccer Cup tournament. The four-day 
international event included teams from Saudi Arabia, China, Egypt, England, 
Oman and the UAE. Oman won in style in a thrilling final that saw them beat 
Egypt 5-4 after extra time.

Other events included exhibition Beach Rugby matches with players from Saudi 
Arabia and an all-female set of match officials, plus a Beach Tennis invitation 
event starring male and female players from the region. 

NEOM has been described as 'the world's most ambitious project' – a land of the 
future created to empower global talents and maximise human health and 
potential. Sport is an integral part of the NEOM philosophy, both at the elite 
level and at grass roots.

NEOM CEO Nadhmi Al-Nasr said "As we build the land of the future, we see sports 
as an integral part of the NEOM offering, leveraging our unique pristine land 
to host international sporting events both for professional and everyday 
athletes, as well as those who choose to visit and live in NEOM. Sport plays a 
leading role in the realisation of our dream to inspire us all to live 
healthier lifestyles." 

"It's great testimony to the spirit of NEOM that we are hosting a World Cup and 
International Beach Soccer Tournament at such an early stage in our 
development," said Jason Harborow, head of NEOM's Future of Sport sector. "As 
we evolve, Beach Sports will be an important part of our offering and major 
events will be high on the agenda." 

NEOM's Beach Sports events follow the wildly successful Wing Suit & Climbing 
Challenge in April, which showcased NEOM's incredible mountains to over 300 
million people in 105 countries around the globe.

In the meantime, further world-class events are planned to reinforce NEOM's 
reputation as the world's most exciting and visually spectacular sporting 
destination.   


SOURCE: NEOM