Hampton by Hilton Sharma has become the first hotel to open in NEOM, marking a milestone moment for the futuristic city’s hospitality sector.

The property – the brand’s first launch in Saudi Arabia – has 201 spacious rooms and suites, a pool, a 24-hour gym as well as a restaurant called The Hub serving international dishes and complimentary breakfast for guests.

The hotel’s interior has been designed by Egypt-based Sabbour Consulting, with all of them integrating advanced energy systems in line with NEOM’s wider environmental goals.

From intelligent lighting to climate control systems, each feature is intended to minimise energy consumption, reduce carbon footprint and ultimately create a sustainable guest experience.

Golden Hospitality Solution meanwhile provided the hotel’s operating supplies and equipment, art work and uniforms.

NEOM Community 1 – home to many of the workers who are involved in the mega-project – is just a few minutes’ walk away, while it will take you half an hour on foot from the hotel to get to NEOM Community 2.

If it’s too hot to walk, Hampton by Hilton Sharma is also offering a shuttle service to both destinations.

Other transport links include NEOM Bay Airport, which is 30 minutes away, while the city of Tabuk is within a two-hour drive and Gayal Beach is 20 minutes by car.

One of the hotel’s staff members, front office supervisor Ahmed Sahil, wrote on LinkedIn: “We just cut the ribbon at Hampton By Hilton Sharma – not just the first Hampton in Saudi Arabia but also the very first hotel in the future city of NEOM.

“Our opening ceremony was nothing short of epic, and the vibe in NEOM is electric. Huge shoutout to our incredible team for making it all happen and to the NEOM community for the warm welcome.”

Other major properties set to open nearby the coming months and years include Morgans Originals, The Chedi, the Four Seasons, Luxury Collection and 25hours Trojena, as well as dozens of ultra-luxury resorts.

When the project was announced in April last year, Ahmed Alhatti, chairman of developers Cayan Group, said: “We are excited to become part of the visionary and unique project that is NEOM, and to be taking this step together with our globally recognized and respected partners Hilton Hotels and Resorts and BEC Arabia.

“The leadership of Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, has supported the private sector through such projects.”

Meanwhile, Carlos Khneisser, Vice President of Development for Middle East and Africa at Hilton, added at t he time:” “We’re delighted to be working with Cayan Group on the NEOM Community project.

“This signing signals Hilton’s ongoing efforts to contribute to the growth of the tourism sector in the Kingdom, our enduring commitment to both public and private sector partners and the growing demand for world-class offerings and new experiences throughout the Kingdom.”

The post Hampton by Hilton Sharma officially opens as NEOM’s first hotel appeared first on Middle East Traveller.