Neom: Saudi Arabia’s Vision for a Futuristic Megacity
What is Neom?
Neom (Arabic: نيوم), a bold urban development project, is emerging on the northern edge of the Red Sea in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Initiated in 2017 by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Neom aims to redefine urban living by integrating cutting-edge technology, sustainability, and innovation into a vast development spanning approximately 26,500 km² (10,200 sq mi). Located near the Gulf of Aqaba and bordered by Egypt and Jordan, Neom is strategically positioned to serve as a hub for global trade, luxury tourism, and renewable energy-powered living.
The project is an integral part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative, which seeks to diversify the nation’s economy beyond oil by investing in technology, tourism, and sustainable development. Neom is envisioned as a city of the future, complete with a floating industrial zone, luxury resorts, and The Line, a groundbreaking linear city powered entirely by renewable energy.
The Ambitious Scope of Neom
Neom is more than just a city—it’s a vision for the future of urban living. It plans to feature:
- The Line: A 170-kilometer-long linear city designed for walkability and zero-emissions, prioritizing sustainability.
- Oxagon: A floating industrial hub set to revolutionize global trade.
- Trojena: A luxury mountain destination with year-round skiing and outdoor activities.
- Sindalah: A premium island resort offering world-class leisure and tourism experiences.
Neom also plans to leverage advanced technologies, including robots for tasks like security, caregiving, and logistics. The entire development will be powered by wind and solar energy, showcasing a commitment to sustainability and innovation.
Challenges and Controversies
Despite its lofty goals, Neom faces significant challenges:
- Delays and Feasibility Concerns
Originally, key portions of Neom were expected to be completed by 2020, with further expansions by 2025. However, as of mid-2022, only two buildings had been constructed, leaving much of the site as barren desert. The estimated cost of over $1.5 trillion has led some experts to question the feasibility of completing such a massive project. In 2024, rumors about scaling back the project were denied by Saudi Economic Minister Faisal F. Alibrahim. - Environmental and Human Rights Issues
- Environmental Concerns: Critics have raised alarms about the ecological impact of constructing such a massive city in a sensitive desert ecosystem.
- Forced Evictions: The Howeitat tribe, a local community, has strongly opposed displacement from their ancestral lands. Approximately 20,000 people are expected to be relocated, leading to confrontations. The death of tribal member Abdul Rahim al-Huwaiti during a protest and the sentencing of three others to death have drawn international criticism.
- Labor Conditions
Expatriate workers have reported harsh working conditions, sparking further controversy over the project’s execution.
Etymology and Historical Context
The name “Neom” combines the Greek word “neo” (new) with the letter “M”, which represents both Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the Arabic word “mustaqbal” (future).
Neom draws inspiration from historical planned cities, such as those in ancient Greece and modern metropolises in the United States. It aims to blend this tradition with cutting-edge technology to create a self-sufficient city with its own legal, tax, and labor systems, independent of the current Saudi framework.
Leadership and International Collaboration
Initially spearheaded by Klaus Kleinfeld, Neom’s development is now led by Nadhmi Al-Nasr. To bolster its global profile, Saudi Arabia hired Gladstone Place Partners LLC in 2018 to manage international communications.
In addition, Egypt has contributed land to the project, strengthening its regional partnerships and aligning with Neom’s aim of being a global gateway.
A Cornerstone of Vision 2030
Neom represents Saudi Arabia’s ambition to diversify its economy and create a sustainable, innovation-driven future. As part of Vision 2030, it aims to reduce reliance on oil, attract foreign investment, and establish Saudi Arabia as a global leader in technology, renewable energy, and urban design.
While the road to completion is fraught with challenges, Neom embodies the Crown Prince’s vision for a forward-thinking Saudi Arabia. If successful, it could become a model for future cities worldwide, blending technology, sustainability, and culture in a way that redefines how we live and interact in urban spaces.