Wayne Borg is not one to say no to a challenge. When the industry stalwart was approached to set up the media efforts of NEOM, Saudi Arabia’s ambitious futuristic city that is the beating heart behind the country’s efforts to diversify its infrastructure, he considered it a “once in a lifetime” opportunity.

For many, the idea of setting up camp in the middle of the desert to spearhead the media branch of this highly aspirational project in a country that only lifted its 35-year-old region related ban on cinema in 2017, it would be a daunting prospect. But for Borg, who is no stranger to the region after having worked in the UAE with the twofour54 media hub, it was an opportunity he couldn’t resist.

“What we’ve seen in the last couple of years is that we’ve been able to mobilize very quickly, I think to the significant surprise of the region and the international industry,”, “Being able to make things happen and become operational so quickly is something I’m really proud of.” Wayne Borg, NEOM’s Managing Director for Media, Entertainment Culture and Fashion

There are two main locations for production at NEOM: NEOM’s Media Village and its Bajdah Desert Studios. Both are about a 30-minute car journey from each other. Last week, the Media Village officially opened the doors to its second soundstage, bringing the total number of operational stages in the region to four, (the other two are located at Bajdah Desert).

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