NEOM Magna Access Road Stabilization Project
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
As part of Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Vision 2030, NEOM’s Magna region is positioned to become a global model for luxury sustainable tourism. Situated along the Gulf of Aqaba, the Magna corridor includes 12 groundbreaking destinations such as Leyja, Epicon, Siranna, and Jaumur. These iconic destinations span over 120 kilometers and demand safe, reliable access for construction and operations. To enable this vision, the Magna Access Road was identified as a critical infrastructure route requiring comprehensive geohazard mitigation and slope stabilization. The route not only serves construction traffic but also acts as the primary supply chain artery for the coastal region. Given the scale and complexity, Acrobatica Spider Access was entrusted with executing this strategic rope access project from 2023 to 2025, leveraging its expertise in geotechnical rope access solutions in Saudi Arabia.
PROJECT CHALLENGES
The landscape across the Magna route is defined by highly fractured and weathered rock formations of the Arabian Crystalline Shield. Deep disintegration, kaolinization, and instability due to the Dead Sea Transform Fault zone created critical safety hazards. These conditions posed the risk of massive rock collapses and landslides.
Key challenges included:
• Hazardous access zones requiring lead rock climbing and IRATA-certified rope access
• Terrain instability due to deep weathering and loose kaolinite clay
• Potential for large-scale rock collapse during scaling operations
• The need for strict safety protocols across high-traffic and multi-contractor environments
SCOPE OF WORK
Acrobatica Spider Access was responsible for a full suite of rock stabilization and geohazard control services including:
• Lead climbing and access system installation
• Rock scaling (manual and mechanical with jack hammers, airbags, and expansive agents)
• Controlled demolition and managed rockfall of overhanging cliffs
• Borehole drilling, rock bolt anchor installation, and grouting
• Installation of rockfall protection mesh and barriers
• Hauling and lifting of heavy tools and geotechnical equipment
ACCESS & SAFETY METHODOLOGY
• To ensure controlled access and safe work in extreme terrain, the team applied a hybrid access strategy:
• Lead Climbing Techniques combining UIAA and IRATA standards
• Rope Access Methods: ascending, re-belay, tension lines, hauling, EN795 anchor point installation (tested per BS 7883:2019)
• Mobile Elevated Work Platforms (MEWPs) with certified IPAF 3b operators
• Advanced anchoring using chemical resins suited for fractured rock environments
• Safety communication protocols including Toolbox Talks, hazard signaling, traffic planning, and designated shelter zones
QUALIFIED TEAM
Spider Access fielded a multi-disciplinary team of IRATA-certified rope access technicians, geotechnical specialists, and project supervisors:
• Supervisors: 10+ years in geohazard mitigation, IRATA Level 3, site leadership, HSE compliance
• Technicians: IRATA Levels 1 & 2, trained in IPAF and PASMA, experienced in rockfall control and vertical access systems
RESULTS & HIGHLIGHTS
Despite the harsh geological and climatic conditions, Acrobatica Spider Access achieved exceptional results:
• Escarpments along 42 kilometers of access road stabilized
• Over 180,000 safe man-hours with zero accidents
• Thousands of tons of unstable rock safely removed or secured
• 8 square kilometers of terrain mitigated against rockfall hazards
• Full compliance with safety and engineering standards across the entire scope
CONCLUSION
The NEOM Magna Access Road project stands as a benchmark for large-scale rope access geohazard mitigation and rock stabilization in Saudi Arabia. Acrobatica Spider Access successfully delivered complex terrain access and slope protection solutions under extreme geological and environmental conditions. By integrating IRATA-certified rope access methods, cutting-edge stabilization technologies, and an expert workforce, the team ensured the safe and uninterrupted progress of NEOM’s coastal development.
This project reinforces Acrobatica Spider Access’s reputation as a reliable partner for highrisk infrastructure support and solidifies its role in advancing Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 through technical excellence and safety leadership. This project not only secured a high-risk access corridor but also reinforced Acrobatica Spider Access’s reputation as a trusted contractor for complex rope access operations in the GCC region.
