The Saudi city that will sit across three countries and cost Dhs1.83 trillion
This ambitious project promises a lifestyle not currently on offer in the kingdom…
Change has been afoot in Saudi Arabia for a while now. Vision 2030, the country’s post-oil economic plan, has seen a considerable loosening on restrictions for women. Girls can now play sports at school, women can vote, and most notably, the ban on women driving has been lifted (effective June next year).
Many of these moves have been pushed by the kingdom’s Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, who’s noted for his forward-thinking outlook.
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The latest project from the crown prince is a big one. He’s behind plans for a US$500 billion (Dhs1.83 trillion) city on the Red Sea, which will sit along the Saudi borders with Egypt and Jordan.
Called Neom, the city will sit outside the country’s “existing government framework,” the prince told reporters at a press conference, according to CNN.
“We try to work only with the dreamers,” Crown Prince Mohammed said. “This place is not for conventional people or companies.”
Promotional materials for the project show women exercising in yoga gear and working alongside men, and Neom’s website says it is looking to attract expatriates as well as Saudi nationals. While it’s hard to say too much before the city is built, it does sound like it will provide a different lifestyle.
Funded by a mix of investors and the Saudi government, Neom will also be sustainable, the crown prince said, adding that there will be “no room for anything traditional.” CNN reported that the city would be powered entirely by regenerative energy.
The plans are impressive, but more detail was needed, an economist told Australia’s Brisbrane Times.
“Saudi Arabia has announced a number of mega-projects recently, but what investors will ultimately look for is greater details, progress with plans and initial investment,” Monica Malik, chief economist of Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank said.
The first stage would be ready by 2025, according to documents found on Neom’s website.
International media have drawn comparisons to Dubai. We imagine the prince will be hoping for similar levels of success.
Images: Neom, Getty
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