Saudi Arabia Spent $500B to Build a Futuristic City in the Desert, Now Reality Is Setting In

The reality of such an extensive financial project has begun to cause concern among investors as work slows down and the Saudi Government is yet to announce Neom’s 2024 budget.

However, the plans for the desert metropolis appear to have been scaled back, with rumors suggesting the city will only stretch for a mile and a half by 2030.

The prince has claimed he wants to revolutionize the Saudi nation and reduce its dependency on oil.

The region is even set to host the 2029 Asian Winter Games at Torjena, a luxurious mountain resort.

Further investment coming from local and overseas investors brought the project budget to around $1.5 trillion.

However, reports suggest that excessive spending of the nation’s money on The Line has been deemed controversial by high-ranking members of the Saudi government, per Bloomberg.

However, due to recent financial problems, officials have projected that the city could house as few as 300,00 people.

According to the experts, the reality of spending trillions of dollars has begun to cause concern within the Saudi government.

This appears to have happened after officials claimed that some of Neom’s other projects would be delayed well beyond 2030.

He continued, “The delay or rather the extension of some projects will serve the economy.”

From Prince Mohammed’s alleged involvement in the killing of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi to rumors that Saudi officials killed several members of a tribe who refused to leave their ancestral lands, the entirety of the Neom project has been tainted long before it’s even finished.

“To watch the crown prince’s promotional video is to be immersed in a distinctively Saudi form of arrogance, blending religious triumphalism and royal grandiosity.”

The ambitious scope of the city, initially set at $500 billion now faces potential cutbacks, delaying some of the most innovative features planned for the urban development (via the WSJ).

The harsh desert environment tests the limits of current technology, with sand and heat complicating maintenance and operation. These hurdles must be overcome to realize the high-tech oasis Saudi officials have envisioned.

Efforts to minimize ecological impact are critical to the project’s acceptance and success.

These delays could have ripple effects on investment and confidence in the project’s completion.

Reports indicate changes in labor needs, with some companies reducing their workforce. This impacts not only the project’s timeline but also the livelihood of thousands involved in construction.

Balancing economic benefits with community welfare is a significant challenge for the Saudi government.

Ensuring competitive benefits and a high quality of life is essential for drawing the expertise needed to fulfill Neom’s tech-driven aspirations.

The project’s progressive features may clash with traditional values, necessitating sensitive handling to foster social acceptance and integration.

While intended to enhance security, the potential for surveillance to be used for authoritarian purposes has alarmed human rights observers, echoing broader concerns about privacy in the digital age.

The project’s ability to attract global capital is important but faces scrutiny due to geopolitical tensions and internal challenges within Saudi Arabia, including human rights issues (via The New Arab).

Managing this aspect is crucial for maintaining momentum and ensuring the project’s image aligns with its ambitious goals.

This recalibration could help maintain stakeholder trust and ensure the project’s long-term viability in the evolving landscape of global city development.