Oxagon is the industrial and port city of NEOM, located on the Gulf of Aqaba. Designed as a floating octagonal city, Oxagon is dedicated to advanced manufacturing, port logistics, and research and development. It is one of the largest industrial city projects of the 2020s and houses some of the most visible NEOM partnerships.
At a glance
- Location: Gulf of Aqaba, southwestern NEOM region.
- Form: octagonal master plan, partially floating on the Gulf of Aqaba.
- Function: port, advanced manufacturing, R&D, residential.
- Anchor tenant: NEOM Green Hydrogen Company plant, a joint venture with Air Products and ACWA Power.
- Connection: at the southern entry to the Suez Canal shipping corridor.
Why an octagonal city
Oxagon’s distinctive octagonal master plan is a response to its waterfront geometry. The eight-sided form lets the city extend onto the Gulf of Aqaba on a floating platform while keeping its inland districts close to road and rail infrastructure. The shape also enables planned modules of mixed-use districts to repeat around the perimeter without breaking the urban pattern.
The port
Oxagon Port is the maritime gateway to NEOM. Designed for container, bulk, and roll-on roll-off traffic, the port is positioned at the southern entry to the Suez Canal corridor, one of the busiest shipping routes in the world. Adjacent free zone facilities and on-site logistics services target light manufacturing, e-commerce fulfilment, and component assembly.
Industries
Oxagon’s industrial programme spans several segments.
- Green hydrogen and ammonia. The NEOM Green Hydrogen Company plant is the largest single anchor and is being delivered in stages.
- Modular construction. Factories producing modular building components for NEOM’s own construction programme.
- Advanced manufacturing. Robotics, additive manufacturing, and high-tech assembly.
- Mobility and electric vehicles. Companies focused on EV components, battery systems, and autonomous vehicles.
- Sustainable food and water. Vertical farming, desalination, and food-tech facilities.
NEOM Green Hydrogen Company
The NEOM Green Hydrogen Company is the most prominent Oxagon tenant. The joint venture between NEOM, Air Products, and ACWA Power is constructing one of the world’s largest green hydrogen production facilities, powered by dedicated solar and wind generation. The plant will convert renewable electricity into hydrogen and ammonia for export and for NEOM’s own use.
Research and development
Oxagon’s R&D programme is intended to attract advanced research institutions, technology companies, and applied science laboratories. The aim is to create a clustering effect similar to Silicon Valley or Shenzhen, with industry and research co-located.
Residential and amenity
In addition to industrial and research uses, Oxagon includes residential districts for the workforce and adjacent retail, education, and leisure amenities. The aim is to host an in-place living workforce rather than rely on commuting.
How Oxagon connects to the rest of NEOM
Oxagon sits at the southwestern entry of the NEOM region. It is connected to the rest of NEOM by road and by the planned high-speed transit network. The Line, when complete, will run inland through the region with Oxagon at its southern end.
Why Oxagon matters
Oxagon is the industrial anchor of NEOM. Where The Line is about urbanism, Trojena about leisure, and Sindalah about hospitality, Oxagon is about production. It is also a critical revenue and economic-impact pillar of the NEOM thesis, generating exports, employment, and a productive base for the region.
Related reading
For the wider context, see the main NEOM overview. For green hydrogen specifically, see NEOM green hydrogen explained. For other destinations, see The Line, Trojena, Sindalah, and Magna.
Sources
This article draws on NEOM Company announcements, NEOM Green Hydrogen Company publications, Air Products and ACWA Power disclosures, Public Investment Fund publications, and reporting from Bloomberg, the Wall Street Journal, the Financial Times, and Reuters. Corrections welcome.