Science fiction often teases utopian cities with floating skyscrapers, AI-driven economies, zero-carbon footprints. What if that fiction became a blueprint? Enter NEOM, Saudi Arabia’s $500 billion investment for rewriting the rules of urban living. It is a 26,500 km² sandbox for innovators, entrepreneurs, and businesses tired of yesterday’s limitations.
Picture a place where drones deliver coffee, data runs on sunlight, and your office view is a coral reef. Now imagine running a business where the rules of old economies don’t apply, and the future is the baseline. That’s NEOM. If you’re thinking, “What is NEOM and how do I get in early?” Keep reading. In this blog post, we discuss its location and show how your company can claim a slice of this sci-fi-meets-reality playground.
Why Businesses Are Eyeing NEOM
Solve modern problems in a city built for solutions. Tired of traditional bureaucracy? NEOM is designed to cut through that noise. It’s intentionally built to support digital-first operations, reducing friction and fast-tracking approvals. Think paperless systems, instant responses, and a government that speaks startup.
Want access to global talent without relocation hassle? NEOM’s vision of a hyper-connected society means businesses can plug into a borderless workforce. Professionals, consultants, and innovators from every continent are already engaging with NEOM’s infrastructure remotely while the city continues to attract top-tier experts on-ground.
Looking for a sustainability badge? NEOM doesn’t only do greenwashing. It also runs on 100% renewable energy, has a zero-carbon blueprint, and builds circular economies into its urban planning. Your green credentials come baked in.
NEOM is where innovation gets funded, fast-tracked, and future-proofed. The Saudi government is pouring over $500 billion into it. But beyond the number is a bold invitation: Build your business in a city rewriting how cities work.
What is NEOM?
NEOM is Saudi Arabia’s flagship smart city project, stretching across 26,500 square kilometers in the northwestern corner of the kingdom. More than just a futuristic facelift, it’s a full-on reinvention of urban living. The ambition? Create a city that sets the global standard for innovation, sustainability, and quality of life.
It’s structured around four major sub-projects:
- THE LINE: A 170 km linear city without roads or cars. No congestion. No noise. Just walkable communities built vertically.
- OXAGON: An octagon-shaped, floating industrial city redefining manufacturing and logistics.
- TROJENA: A mountain destination with outdoor skiing, luxury resorts, and nature-centric experiences.
- SINDALAH: A Red Sea island reimagined as a luxury retreat for yachting, leisure, and high-end tourism.
Each zone has a dedicated economic focus, inviting businesses to align with its purpose. Whether you’re into biotech, digital entertainment, green hydrogen, or hospitality, NEOM has a space and incentives for you.
| NEOM Snapshot | Traditional Cities |
| Runs on 100% renewables | Reliant on fossil fuels |
| Laws rewritten for tech-first businesses | Legacy regulations slow progress |
| 40% of land preserved for nature | Urban sprawl dominates |
NEOM City Location
NEOM is in Tabuk Province near the borders of Egypt and Jordan. Flanked by the Red Sea and nestled among mountainous terrain, it occupies a sweet spot in global geography.
Here’s why location matters:
- It offers proximity to three continents: Asia, Africa, and Europe.
- It’s a gateway to international shipping lanes via the Suez Canal.
- It benefits from coastal winds and solar radiation, making it ideal for clean energy projects.
This isn’t only some cool place to build. It’s quite the power move for global access.
Who Should Consider Setting Up in NEOM?
This city is tailor-made for businesses operating in frontier sectors. But even if you’re not inventing flying cars, there’s still a lane for you. You’re here because:
- Bureaucracy burns time. Traditional company setups drown you in paperwork.
- Innovation needs a home. And your ideas crave infrastructure that doesn’t stifle them.
- Sustainability isn’t optional. Clients demand green credentials, but execution feels like rocket science.
NEOM answers all three.
NEOM is ideal for:
- Tech startups, AI ventures, and robotics labs
- Renewable energy firms and environmental consultancies
- Healthcare innovators and biotech R&D
- Edtech platforms, digital academies, and training programs
- Creative industries, architecture firms, and smart infrastructure providers
Why now? Because early adopters help shape policy. Companies entering NEOM today enjoy deeper collaboration with governing bodies, better negotiation leverage, and priority placement in key developments.
Early adopters will enjoy:
- Exclusive access to government support
- Potential investment opportunities from NEOM’s funding bodies
- Zero corporate tax (for now)
- A blank slate to innovate
How to Open a Company in NEOM
Let’s get to the meat of it: setting up. While it might feel like breaking into uncharted territory, NEOM’s process is refreshingly modern.
Your Setup Path
Start with clarity. Your business activity defines your license category. From there, the NEOM Authority guides you through selecting your legal structure. Most SMEs opt for a Limited Liability Company.
Applications are submitted digitally. The NEOM portal is your best friend here. You’ll provide ID documents, legal papers, and business plans. Each step is verified online so no paper trails or endless queues.
Once your license is approved, you’ll open a local bank account and sign a lease (or virtual office agreement). Then? You’re officially in business.
NEOM currently favors transparency and speed. The government’s goal is to make bureaucracy a non-issue. Expect frequent updates as the system matures, but in a good way as more automation means less human error.
Paperwork Prep
Here’s what you’ll need on deck:
- Valid passport copies for all shareholders and directors
- Proof of company name reservation
- An initial business plan outlining operations
- Lease agreement or digital address proof
- Bank reference letter (not mandatory, but gives credibility)
Need help compiling all this? That’s what we’re here for. And we have got a whole team that lives for this. Our team does the prep work so you can focus on the big picture.
How to Open a Company in NEOM
Here’s where we roll up our sleeves. Starting a business in NEOM isn’t as complicated as it sounds—but it is different. Here’s a simplified path:
Step-by-Step Setup Guide
| Step | Action | Outcome |
| 1 | Define your business activity | Determines your license category |
| 2 | Choose company structure | LLCs are common for SMEs |
| 3 | Submit license application to NEOM Authority | Official permission to operate |
| 4 | Provide legal documents & ID proofs | Verifies ownership and legitimacy |
| 5 | Open a local bank account | Needed for capital deposit and transactions |
| 6 | Sign lease or virtual office agreement | Required for license finalization |
| 7 | Receive trade license & start hiring | You’re in business! |
This process might update further as NEOM’s systems mature, but it currently follows a streamlined approach backed by digital interfaces and centralized coordination.
What Makes NEOM a Goldmine for New Businesses?
Beyond the jaw-dropping visuals and billionaire backing, NEOM delivers actual business advantages:
Built for Tech
This is not a retrofit. NEOM’s infrastructure is designed around smart city tech—IoT, cloud services, AI-backed logistics, and digital twins are built into the blueprint.
Sustainable by Design
If your brand values align with climate responsibility, this is the real deal. Zero-emission transport, recycled water systems, and green construction practices come standard.
Incentives That Matter
NEOM offers tax benefits, government grants, and access to the Public Investment Fund (PIF) for high-potential businesses. Plus, being part of the ecosystem puts you in rooms where billion-dollar deals get discussed.
Digital Governance
Licensing, operations, and communication happen via one smart portal. It’s not just efficient—it’s predictable, which is priceless for planning.
International Appeal
The city is designed for global citizens. With English as the primary business language and visa pathways for investors and staff, you are joining a curated community.
Avoid These Rookie Mistakes:
Some missteps to dodge:
- Assuming NEOM is like Dubai or Riyadh: It’s not. It’s experimental, policy-flexible, and built for innovation.
- Waiting for the city to “finish”: NEOM is being built with its early residents. That means your input matters. Wait too long, and you lose your seat at the table.
- Trying to go solo: The processes are digital, yes—but knowing how to present your application or who to contact when something stalls can save you weeks. Local insight goes a long way.
Let’s Talk Timing
Right now, NEOM is transitioning from blueprint to build-out. That makes this the golden hour for business setup. Why?
- Founders have direct access to decision-makers.
- Terms are more negotiable.
- You can carve out early brand visibility in an uncluttered market.
Fast forward two years, and competition will be tighter. Early movers won’t just get space. They’ll help define how NEOM does business.
Why Timing Matters
NEOM is under construction, but open for business. Get in now and enjoy more leverage, more support, and more visibility. Wait too long and you will be the one catching up.
Here’s the Fast Recap:
- NEOM is a futuristic megacity in Saudi Arabia with four innovation zones.
- It’s perfect for businesses in tech, sustainability, health, education, and infrastructure.
- Setup is 100% digital and currently favors early adopters.
- The best time to act is now while policies are forming and entry costs are low.
Own the Future in NEOM with Company Formation Saudi
Don’t just watch the future happen. Own a piece of it. We help founders, SMEs, and bold thinkers set up businesses in NEOM without the guesswork. Let’s talk. Get in touch and we’ll walk you through every step of opening your company in the world’s most ambitious smart city.
Curious? So were we. Now, we help others make the leap, whether they’re launching their first startup, expanding their regional footprint, or pivoting to meet NEOM’s forward-thinking standards. Over the past year, we’ve guided countless entrepreneurs through the evolving processes of NEOM setup. From understanding licensing rules that change faster than fashion trends to figuring out all the digital submission systems (yes, it’s all online), we’re hands-on from day one. Our role? Think of us as your co-pilot.
We don’t just handle documents—we clarify the fine print, chase approvals, and connect you with NEOM-based legal and financial consultants. You’ll always know what’s next, what’s missing, and what’s optional (spoiler: not much, but we make it all manageable).
And if you’re still asking yourself whether NEOM is right for you, here’s the truth: it’s not for everyone. But if your business thrives in disruption, leans into innovation, and isn’t afraid to pioneer new spaces, then you’ll fit right in. Our experts will help you set up, scale, and stay compliant. You bring the vision. NEOM brings the sandbox. We’ll bring the blueprint.
Conclusion
The future isn’t built by spectators. NEOM is Saudi Arabia’s open invitation to rewrite the rules with pure potential. When someone asks “what is NEOM”, tell them It’s your next business address. Contact us now.