The last discovery Four Saudi women embark on an unforgettable road trip through NEOM. Discover more about their journey

THE LAST DISCOVERY

Five days, four Saudi women, one unforgettable road trip

NEOM

NEOM is the unseen, the unexplored. With paths untrod, seas uncharted and hills unclimbed, it is one of the last places on earth to discover – a destination found at the crossroads of civilisation, rich in heritage, upon which the land of the future will be founded.

In this place of majestic beauty, NEOM invited four young Saudi women, each a leader in their field, to explore and discover the raw landscapes – rich red deserts with towering monoliths, some reaching hundreds of metres into the sky, majestic high mountains that receive snowfall each year as well as pristine and spectacular coastlines bordering turquoise waters teeming with the most vibrant of corals and rare sea life.

Professional drivers Reema Juffali and Dania Akeel joined DJ Nouf Sufyani (aka Cosmicat) and photographer Tasneem Al Sultan on a five-day road trip through NEOM, exploring the most remote and picturesque sites, uncovering the untold heritage and enjoying local hospitality as they camped under the stars. Along the way, they discovered a lot about each other and a little bit about themselves. They came as strangers but left as friends.

Driving fully electric vehicles, powered by renewables, their journey started in the dramatic Hisma Desert, following the ancient Hajj and trade routes that weave between the red monoliths.

It allowed them to take in the stark beauty of the landscape while exploring the narrow canyons and unearthing the ancient inscriptions left behind by those who had come before – all the while enjoying the freedom that the vast

Catalina seaplane wreckage

Road from Maqna to Ras Al Sheikh Humaid

NEOM INVITED FOUR YOUNG SAUDI WOMEN, EACH A LEADER IN THEIR FIELD, TO DISCOVER THE RAW LANDSCAPES

space in this land and the desert night sky provides to those who venture in.

From there, they travelled to the Gulf of Aqaba and the great Wadi Tayyb-Esm, with its 400-metre dramatic cliffs that cascade into the dark blue waters. They then drove down the coast to arrive at the Catalina seaplane wreckage at Ras Al Sheik Humaid to hear the tale of the Kendall family and how it came to be.

Warm autumn days were spent exploring the pristine Red Sea coast, visiting the beautiful sandy beaches of Gayal and Haddah, and swimming in the crystal clear turquoise waters teeming with sea life. Evenings were spent watching the sunset behind the grand islands of Tiran and Sanafir as camp was set.

The journey ended back where it all started, in the beautiful Hisma, where one last night was filled with stories and music as Cosmicat curated a night show inspired by the journey and the many discoveries.

To hear more stories from the road trip, visit the NEOM stand at ATM (ME4250)