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Saudi Arabia's Neom has started construction on the Epicon towers project, which is one of its flagship developments in the Gulf of Aqaba region of the Neom gigaproject.

The enabling works have begun on site and are being carried out by local foundation contractor Ammico Contracting.

The project, previously known as the Gas Station Hotel, involves the construction of a twin-tower hotel with 41 keys and 14 residential suites and apartments. The towers will measure 275 metres and 225 metres in height.

The development also includes a resort with 120 rooms and 45 villas.

Neom is working with Hong Kong-based 10 Design as the lead consultant for the project. Singapore-based Meinhardt Group is providing the overall infrastructure design services.

Neom announced the Epicon towers project in the Gulf of Aqaba region in November. Several high-profile project launches followed this announcement, including Leyja, Siranna, Utamo, Norlana, Aquellum, Zardun, Xaynor and Elanan.

Neom Gulf of Aqaba projects

The projects are Neom’s latest developments after The Line, Trojena, Oxagon and Sindalah Island.

In October, MEED exclusively reported that Neom is planning to engage infrastructure contractors on an early contractor involvement basis to develop the Gulf of Aqaba project infrastructure.

The contractors will participate in developing and reviewing the design, time and cost estimation studies, procurement plan, pre-construction services, programme schedule development, construction and interface management.

In September, MEED reported that Neom had selected a joint venture of the local Al Ayuni Investment Company and Turkish contractor Limak Holding to deliver the early works for the Cube mountain resort at the Gulf of Aqaba in Neom.

The scope of work includes enabling works, drilling of vertical and inclined boreholes, a drill-and-blast construction access tunnel, excavation works at the top of the mountain and other associated works.