Neom Bay Airport

Futuristic coastal gateway to Saudi Arabia's Red Sea Riviera

Sharma is a small coastal town in the Tabuk region of northwestern Saudi Arabia, positioned along the Red Sea just south of the Jordanian border. It has gained significant attention as the nearest existing settlement to NEOM, the kingdom's flagship giga-project, making it a strategic hub for workers, developers, and early visitors drawn to the region's rapid transformation.

Beyond its role as a launchpad for NEOM tourism, Sharma itself offers striking desert-meets-sea scenery, clear turquoise waters, and access to some of the Red Sea's finest coral reefs. The area is still largely undeveloped compared to established Saudi destinations, giving it a raw, frontier character that appeals to adventure travelers.

Infrastructure is expanding quickly, with Prince Mohammed bin Salman Airport (NEOM Bay Airport) now operational nearby, bringing the region within easy reach of Riyadh, Jeddah, and international hubs. Visitors should expect a destination in active transition, with amenities growing rapidly year by year.

• •NEOM Bay — glimpse the world's most ambitious urban development project from designated viewing areas
• •Red Sea Coral Reefs — world-class snorkeling and diving in pristine, largely untouched waters
• •Sharma Beach — quiet shoreline with dramatic mountain backdrops and vivid sunsets
• •Hisma Desert — sweeping sandstone plateau and rock formations just inland from the coast
• •Tabuk Region Escarpment — rugged highland terrain ideal for hiking and landscape photography
• •NEOM Bay Airport — striking modern architecture signaling the region's futuristic ambitions

Getting around: Private taxis and hired cars are currently the most practical way to get around Sharma and the surrounding Tabuk coastal corridor. Ride-hailing through Careem is available but coverage can be inconsistent in this rapidly developing area. Rental cars are recommended for independent travelers wishing to explore the coastline and desert interior; fuel stations are present but spacing them out requires planning. No urban bus or metro service exists yet in Sharma itself.

Best time: October through April offers the most comfortable temperatures, with mild days ideal for outdoor exploration and diving before summer heat becomes intense.

Local food: Try fresh Red Sea fish grilled with Gulf spices at local rest stops, alongside Saudi staples like kabsa rice, mutton stew, and date-stuffed pastries found at roadside eateries serving the region's workers and travelers.

This guide is provided for general information only. Verify details locally before making travel decisions.