In the heart of the desert, a massive £6.8 trillion mega-city project known as Neom in Saudi Arabia is facing significant challenges. The ambitious development has already consumed vast financial resources but is struggling with major construction delays.
In response to the setbacks, the Saudi government has launched a review that could lead to a significant downsizing of the project’s grand ambitions. The futuristic city was planned to showcase The Line, a series of towering skyscrapers reaching half a kilometer high and extending 125 miles through the desert.
Originally allocated a budget of around £365 billion with a target completion date of 2030, the project seemed unstoppable in its vision. However, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who spearheaded the initiative to reduce Saudi Arabia’s reliance on oil, has expressed frustration over the numerous delays plaguing the development.
As other projects have been put on hold or abandoned, Neom is now under scrutiny and may shift its focus towards artificial intelligence data centers instead of the initially envisioned expansive city, as reported by the Express.
Insiders familiar with the review have indicated that the fate of The Line hangs in the balance, potentially facing complete cancellation or significant downsizing. Despite the uncertainties, the prince sees potential in the project to alleviate the overcrowding issues in cities like Riyadh, struggling to accommodate the country’s 35 million residents.
The original plans for Neom encompassed a vast 6,500 square kilometer nature reserve and Trojena, a mountainous retreat featuring Saudi Arabia’s first outdoor ski slopes. Trojena aims to offer a cold winter climate and moderate year-round weather.
Although scheduled to host the 2029 Asian Winter Games, officials have acknowledged that Trojena will not be completed on time. The Line, characterized by mirror-clad structures, was designed to house nine million people, promising a unique urban living experience with all amenities within a short walk and a rapid transit system traversing the entire length in just 20 minutes.
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 described The Line as a groundbreaking city prioritizing human needs while preserving the surrounding nature. However, declining oil revenues have prompted a review of expenditures by the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund.
Currently, the only operational section of Neom is the Sindalah yachting destination, which has been deemed largely unsuccessful, with reports suggesting a lack of interest from Prince Mohammed in its formal launch last year.
With a shift towards artificial intelligence, Saudi Arabia and the UAE are positioning themselves as global tech leaders, reflected in the unveiling of HUMAIN by the PIF, focusing on advanced AI and data center infrastructure development.
Amid economic transformations, Saudi Arabia has witnessed significant social changes, including reforms such as disbanding the religious police and granting women the right to drive. While Prince Mohammed has garnered praise for these reforms, critics have faced severe repercussions, including lengthy prison sentences for dissent on social media platforms.
Attempts to seek comments from NEOM by Express.co.uk are ongoing.