From Desert to Futuristic Cities: Inside Saudi Arabia’s Neom Project
The Neom project in Saudi Arabia is recognized as one of the world's largest and most ambitious civil engineering projects. It is a central part of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's (MBS) Vision 2030 initiative and aims to transform the country's economic structure and reduce its dependency on oil. This report examines the various details and challenges associated with this massive project.
Key Details
1. Neom Project
- Overview: Neom is the largest civil engineering project in the world and a flagship component of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The project includes various components such as The Line, a linear city stretching 170 kilometers.
- Duration: The project is expected to take over 50 years to complete. Initial expectations to complete Neom by 2030 have been dismissed, emphasizing the long-term nature of this ambitious endeavor.
2. Long-Term Goals
- Statement by Finance Minister: Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Jadaan, the Saudi Minister of Finance, emphasized that Neom is a long-term plan. He highlighted that expecting the project to be built, operated, and profitable within a few years is unrealistic.
- Short to Medium-Term Returns: While some individual projects within Neom may generate returns in the short to medium term, the overall program is designed for long-term development.
3. Scaled Back Ambitions
- Population Targets: Originally, the Saudi government aimed to have 1.5 million residents living in The Line by 2030. However, this target has been scaled back to fewer than 300,000 residents.
- Project Phasing: Sources have indicated that The Line will be built in phases or with a shorter initial length compared to the original 170-kilometer plan.
4. Challenges and Criticisms
- Migrant Worker Deaths: There have been allegations that 21,000 migrant workers have died in Saudi Arabia since the project began in 2016. These allegations have been met with silence from civil engineering firms involved in Neom.
- Government Response: Saudi authorities have described the allegations as "misinformation" and continue to promote the project's benefits.
5. Project Progress
- Phase One of The Line: In November 2024, it was announced that Mott MacDonald is working on Phase One of The Line. The company will manage city infrastructure, including both vertical and horizontal structures and city utility systems.
- Leadership Changes: The CEO of Neom abruptly stepped down in November 2024 after six years in the role, with no explanation provided for this departure.
6. Economic Context
- Budget Deficit: Saudi Arabia has forecast a $26.8 billion budget deficit for 2025, representing about 2.3% of GDP. Despite this, the Kingdom maintains a strong financial position and continues to invest heavily in Vision 2030 projects.
- Economic Diversification: Neom is a key element in Saudi Arabia's strategy to diversify its economy away from oil. The project aims to attract investment in sectors such as tourism, entertainment, and infrastructure.
7. Growth Projections
- Recent Economic Performance: The Saudi economy has experienced contractions in recent years due to declining global oil prices and the transformative changes underway. In 2022, Saudi Arabia was the fastest-growing G20 economy, but its GDP contracted in 2023.
- Future Outlook: The Saudi government has forecast modest growth of 0.8% for the current year, with expectations of a sharp acceleration in 2025 as non-oil activities begin to drive economic growth.
8. Components of Neom:
- The Line: Detailed as a 170-kilometer linear city with two parallel skyscrapers.
- Octagon: Described as the world's largest floating structure, an octagon-shaped port city on the Red Sea.
- Trojena: A ski resort offering year-round skiing and set to host the 2029 Asian Winter Games.
- Sindalah: An island resort with an 86-berth marina aimed at the yachting community.
9. Location of Neom:
- Neom spans around 10,200 square miles in northwestern Saudi Arabia, bounded by the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aqaba.
10. Architecture Studios Involved
1. Confirmed Studios: Firms such as Zaha Hadid Architects, UNStudio, Aedas, LAVA, Bureau Proberts, and Mecanoo were confirmed to be working on Trojena.
2. Sindalah: Luca Dini Design and Architecture was mentioned as the designer for Sindalah.
11. Controversies and Human Rights Issues
1. Evictions and Human Rights:
- Evictions of the Huwaitat tribe, with an estimated 20,000 members being relocated.
- The death of Abdul Rahim al-Huwaiti and the sentencing of three people connected to him.
12. Sustainability and Environmental Concerns
1. Sustainability Claims:
- The development aims to be powered by 100% renewable energy.
- Criticisms regarding the expected high embodied carbon associated with the project's construction.
2. Environmental Impact:
- Concerns over the mirrored facades' impact on animal and birdlife.
13. Timeline and Progress
1. Ambitious Timelines:
- Sindalah Island is to be completed by early 2024.
- Oxagon's first residents planned to move in by 2024.
- Trojena ski resort set to open in 2026.
- The Line is expected to be rolled out between now and 2045.
The well-known engineering firms that are involved in the Neom:
1. Morphosis: This architectural firm is involved in the design of part of "The Line" within the Neom project.
2. OMA (Office for Metropolitan Architecture): This firm is also participating in the design of part of the Neom project.
3. Adjaye Associates: This architectural firm is engaged in the design of part of the Neom project.
4. Peri Cobb Freed & Partners: This firm is also involved in designing part of the Neom project.
5. Studio Fuksas: This firm is engaged in the design of part of the Neom project.
6. Tom Wiscombe Architecture: This architectural firm is participating in the design of part of the Neom project.
7. UNStudio: This firm is also involved in the design of part of the Neom project.
8. Coop Himmelb(l)au: This firm is participating in the design of part of the Neom project.
9. HOK: This firm is engaged in the design of part of the Neom project.
10. Oyler Wu Collaborative: This firm is also involved in the design of part of the Neom project.
11. Delugan Meissl Associated Architects: This firm is engaged in the design of part of the Neom project.
Several key figures have expressed their opinions and provided insights on the Neom project:
1. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS): As the driving force behind Vision 2030 and Neom, MBS has been the most vocal advocate for the project. He has emphasized the importance of Neom in diversifying Saudi Arabia's economy and reducing its dependence on oil. click to read more
2. Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Jadaan: The Saudi Minister of Finance has commented on the long-term nature of the Neom project, highlighting that it is unrealistic to expect the project to be built, operated, and profitable within a few years. click to read more
3. Nadhmi Al-Nasr: The CEO of Neom, who has been leading the project, has provided updates and insights into the progress and plans of Neom. Click to read more
4. Architectural Firms: Various renowned architectural firms such as Zaha Hadid Architects, UNStudio, and Aecom have been involved in designing different components of Neom, including The Line and the Trojena ski resort. Click to read more
5. International Media and Experts: Various international media outlets and experts have commented on the ambitious nature of the project, its potential impact on the region, and the challenges it faces. Click to read more
The Neom project is undeniably one of the most ambitious and visionary initiatives of our time. Here are a few thoughts:
Vision and Ambition
Neom represents a bold and transformative vision for the future of urban development. The project's scale and scope are unmatched, aiming to create a futuristic city that integrates cutting-edge technology, sustainability, and modern urban planning. This level of ambition is commendable and sets a new standard for what urban development can aspire to achieve.
Economic Diversification
One of the most significant aspects of Neom is its role in Saudi Arabia's broader strategy to diversify its economy away from oil dependency. By investing in sectors such as tourism, entertainment, and infrastructure, Neom has the potential to drive economic growth and create new opportunities for the country. This diversification is crucial for the long-term stability and prosperity of Saudi Arabia.
Innovation and Sustainability
Neom's commitment to innovation and sustainability is another standout feature. The incorporation of renewable energy sources, advanced transportation systems, and sustainable urban design reflects a forward-thinking approach. If successfully implemented, Neom could serve as a global model for sustainable and technologically advanced cities.
Challenges and Criticisms
Despite its potential, Neom faces significant challenges. The scale and complexity of the project require meticulous planning, substantial financial investment, and international collaboration. Additionally, the criticisms regarding labor conditions and the reported deaths of migrant workers are serious concerns that need to be addressed transparently and ethically. Ensuring the welfare and rights of all workers involved in the project is paramount.
Long-Term Vision
The acknowledgment that Neom is a long-term project, expected to span over 50 years, shows a realistic and patient approach. This long-term perspective allows for careful planning, phased development, and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances and technological advancements.
Overall, the Neom project is a remarkable and ambitious endeavor that has the potential to significantly impact Saudi Arabia's economy, urban development, and global standing. While some challenges and criticisms need to be addressed, the project's vision for a futuristic, sustainable, and economically diverse city is an exciting prospect for the future.
Here's an AI's prediction picture on the Neom project