Latest news with #GilesPendleton
Newsweek
10 hours ago
- Business
- Newsweek
Satellite Images Show Giant Port Emerge at World's Biggest Construction Site
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Satellite imagery showed advances in construction of Oxagon, a floating industrial complex that is a key component of Saudi Arabia's Neom, currently the world's largest construction site. Newsweek has contacted Neom for comment. Why It Matters The new port city has a strategic location in one of the world's busiest maritime trade routes connecting Asia, Africa, and Europe. Neom is the flagship element of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 aimed at diversifying its economy away from oil dependence. Oxagon, The Line and the Trojena Ski resort are among its most ambitious pieces. Neom has recently announced several progress reports, with a new CEO now in charge of resolving the project's budget overruns and delays amid multiple simultaneous, ambitious, and costly projects. What To Know Images captured by the Copernicus Sentinel-2 satellites showed rapid progress made on Oxagon city and port, set to become one of the world's most advanced port terminals, the facility lies on the Red Sea in northwestern Saudi Arabia. Drag slider compare photos The Port of NEOM has received Saudi Arabia's first fully automated, remote-controlled cranes, marking a key step in boosting Red Sea trade, automation, and tech-driven job creation, the company announced this week on LinkedIn. The Red Sea corridor is a major shipping route linking Asia via the Indian Ocean, to Europe and Africa via the Suez Canal. Oxagon's proximity to the canal, which facilitates almost 12% of global trade, provides it with a strategic edge, according to Blackridge Research & Consulting, an Indian-based specialized market research firm. The port is part of an envisioned cutting-edge industrial city which will fully rely on renewable energy and aims to host some 90,000 inhabitants by 2030, according to the government's vision. Update🚨: Recent images posted by Giles Pendleton (Chief Operating Officer THE LINE at NEOM | Chief Development Officer) of Oxagon, showing immense progress in infrastructure works + Oxagon village is about to have more construction work coming as the site being prepared. — Saud (@Saudfromabove) April 13, 2025 Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had announced the establishment of Oxagon in 2021. "It will contribute to Saudi Arabia's regional trade and commerce, and support creating a new focal point for global trade flows," Al-Arabiya's English website quoted him as saying. Neom's Green Hydrogen Company (NGHC) is developing the world's largest green hydrogen facility—a $8.4 billion project— at Oxagon. What People Are Saying Melissa Blake, Port Director at Neom wrote on Linkedin: "Port of Neom is excited to receive the first batch of cranes and other cargo handling equipment as we come another step closer to delivering our vision." Saudi Arabia's Government Vision 2030's website: "Sitting at the crossroads of 3 continents, Oxagon is a place where people, nature and technology come together in harmony." Vishal Wanchoo, CEO of Oxagon said in May: "Industrial development cannot continue at the expense of people or the environment. We're offering a compact, mixed-use city where industry, nature, and community coexist." What Happens Next The port is planned to act as the main trade gateway to northwestern Saudi Arabia, with a smart logistics hub, connects Asia, Europe, and Africa.
Scottish Sun
30-04-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Aerial pics show world's biggest building site for 105mile sideways skyscraper ‘The Line'… but project faces big blow
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) PLANS for the world's longest sideways skyscraper have been dealt a "big blow" - while new images showed the audacious project's skeletal building site. Saudi Arabia's trillion-dollar megacity The Line has been plagued by scandal and setbacks - and now the NEOM project is facing another hitch. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 9 An aerial view of The Line's progress shows the construction site Credit: NEOM 9 Concept image of The Line, Saudi Arabia's flagship NEOM megacity Credit: Giles Pendleton FRICS 9 New images showed the bare-bones construction site in the Saudi dessert. A concrete floor runs along the sand with little sight of activity - as the flagship city looks nowhere near complete. And now, NEOM's acting boss Aiman al-Mudaifer has said a "comprehensive review" of the ambitious build has been launched. The review for Saudi Prince Mohammed bin Salman's crown jewels scheme aims to look at the feasibility and priority of projects within the scheme. The acting leader has also faced simmering backlash over his management style and pressure to deliver results. One source close to the build said the main projects at NEOM were "in general going on", but added that some were being "reviewed in terms of their scope". The source added the review was "taking place in a n environment of limited resources", according to Financial Times. "Some things were done that need to be looked at again," they said. The Line - which was originally planned to house 1.5 million people but will now only accommodate 300,000 - covers desert and mountains by the Red Sea. Saudi Arabia unveils ultra-lux resort for BILLIONAIRES complete with private docks for world's biggest superyachts It is part of the NEOM gigaproject, alongside other megalomaniac structures such as Oxagon, Zardun and Trojena. The Saudi dream has struggled to meet deadlines and stay behind budget limits. The Prince's Vision 2030 programme aims to develop the kingdom with projects like these aiming to boost other sources of revenue. It has also drawn scepticism for its unrealistic-ambition - and criticism for its alleged human rights abuses. But another person close to the matter said the review was being conducted to 'decide what to double down on'. They said that it was related to "spending recalibration". Prince Mohamed serves as the de facto leader and chair of NEOM, which is owned by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund worth £700billion. Mudaifer was appointed as NEOM's acting chief executive when the company was entering a "new phase of delivery". They said that his leadership would "ensure operational continuity, agility and efficiency to match the overall vision and objectives of the project'. 9 Images showed the dessert site along which will host the megaproject Credit: NEOM 9 Progress of NEOM for the megaproject along the Red Sea Credit: NEOM 9 Part of the plan for design for The Line - Neom's flagship 170km-long city Credit: AFP 9 A digital mock-up one of the marinas planned for Neom Credit: AFP But the wildly ambitious megacity is hurtling towards financial meltdown - and has now faced this "big blow". Flying taxis, ski resorts in the desert, and the 105-mile (170-kilometre) mirrored metropolis The Line are currently looking like a monument to hubris, mismanagement, and economic overreach. It has a projected price tag of £6.9trillion. And it comes after Trump's tariffs - which could worsen its situation even more. Top 5 blunders plaguing NEOM project BY Juliana Cruz Lima, Foreign News Reporter Saudi Arabia's NEOM project, despite its ambitious vision, has been criticized for several major blunders that have raised concerns about its feasibility, ethics, and overall execution. Here are the top five major blunders associated with the project: Forced Displacement of Indigenous Communities: One of the most significant controversies surrounding NEOM is the forced displacement of the Huwaitat tribe. This indigenous community, which has lived in the area for centuries, was forcibly removed from their ancestral lands to make way for the development of the mega-city. The Saudi government's crackdown on those who resisted, including the killing of a tribal leader, Abdul Rahim al-Howeiti, has drawn widespread condemnation from human rights organisations. This blunder not only sparked international outrage but also tainted NEOM's image as a forward-thinking, humane project. Environmental Impact and Sustainability Concerns: NEOM has been marketed as an environmentally sustainable city, but the environmental impact of such a massive development is a major concern. The project's scale—covering over 26,500 square kilometers—poses significant risks to local ecosystems, particularly in the Red Sea, which is home to rich marine biodiversity. Critics argue that the construction of artificial islands and extensive urbanisation could lead to irreversible ecological damage. The enormous water and energy demands required to maintain a green city in the desert also raise questions about the project's sustainability. Economic Viability and Cost Overruns: NEOM is one of the most expensive development projects in history. But there are serious doubts about its economic viability. Critics question whether the project can attract the necessary foreign investment and whether it will generate sufficient returns to justify the enormous expenditure. The economic risks are further compounded by potential cost overruns and delays, which are common in megaprojects of this scale. This financial gamble has led some to worry that NEOM could become a costly white elephant if it fails to meet its ambitious goals. Technological Overreach and Ethical Concerns: NEOM is envisioned as a high-tech city, heavily reliant on artificial intelligence, robotics, and extensive surveillance systems. While this technological ambition is central to NEOM's identity, it also raises significant ethical concerns. The level of surveillance planned for the city could lead to unprecedented control over residents' lives, sparking fears about privacy and civil liberties. The lack of transparency about how AI will be used, coupled with concerns about job displacement, has also led to criticism that NEOM's technological vision may be more dystopian than utopian. Cultural and Social Disconnect: NEOM's vision of a futuristic, liberalized society clashes sharply with Saudi Arabia's deeply conservative cultural norms. The project plans to introduce mixed-gender sports, entertainment events, and other liberal lifestyle elements that are rare in the kingdom. This cultural shift has raised concerns about a potential clash between NEOM's globalised vision and the traditional values of Saudi society. The disconnect between the project's ambitions and the broader cultural context has led to skepticism about whether NEOM can truly integrate into Saudi Arabia's social fabric without causing significant friction. Among its other scandals, satellite images analysed by Naraspace and ESA showed construction slowing across key NEOM sites. While the Hidden Marina and wind farms near The Line show some signs of life, vast swathes of the project are going dark – literally. Nighttime light intensity, used as a proxy for construction activity, has plummeted in the eastern development zones since last September. Bloomberg reports Saudi officials now believe just 2.4 kilometres of the 170-km Line will be built by 2030. Additionally, an ITV documentary alleged 21,000 migrant workers had died since 2016 under the Vision 2030 programme. A Saudi health and safety body dismissed the documentary as 'misinformation.' 9 The Shushah Island resort, part of the Neom project Credit: Neom Project
The Irish Sun
30-04-2025
- Business
- The Irish Sun
Aerial pics show world's biggest building site for 105mile sideways skyscraper ‘The Line'… but project faces big blow
PLANS for the world's longest sideways skyscraper have been dealt a "big blow" - while new images showed the audacious project's skeletal building site. Saudi Arabia's trillion-dollar 9 An aerial view of The Line's progress shows the construction site Credit: NEOM 9 Concept image of The Line, Saudi Arabia's flagship NEOM megacity Credit: Giles Pendleton FRICS 9 New images showed the bare-bones construction site in the Saudi dessert. A concrete floor runs along the sand with little sight of activity - as the And now, NEOM's The review for Saudi Prince READ MORE WORLD NEWS The acting leader has also faced simmering backlash over his management style and pressure to deliver results. One source close to the build said the main projects at The source added the review was "taking place in a n environment of limited resources", according to Financial Times. "Some things were done that need to be looked at again," they said. Most read in The Sun Saudi Arabia unveils ultra-lux resort for BILLIONAIRES complete with private docks for world's biggest superyachts It is part of the NEOM The Saudi The Prince's Vision 2030 programme aims to develop the kingdom with projects like these aiming to boost other sources of revenue. It has also drawn scepticism for its unrealistic-ambition - and criticism for its alleged human rights abuses. But another person close to the matter said the review was being conducted to 'decide what to double down on'. They said that it was related to "spending recalibration". Prince Mohamed serves as the de facto leader and chair of NEOM, which is owned by Saudi Arabia 's Public Investment Fund worth £700billion. Mudaifer was appointed as NEOM's acting chief executive when the company was entering a "new phase of delivery". They said that his leadership would "ensure operational continuity, agility and efficiency to match the overall vision and objectives of the 9 Images showed the dessert site along which will host the megaproject Credit: NEOM 9 Progress of NEOM for the megaproject along the Red Sea Credit: NEOM 9 Part of the plan for design for The Line - Neom's flagship 170km-long city Credit: AFP 9 A digital mock-up one of the marinas planned for Neom Credit: AFP But the wildly ambitious megacity is hurtling towards financial meltdown - and has now faced this "big blow". Flying taxis, ski resorts in the desert, and the 105-mile (170-kilometre) mirrored metropolis The Line are currently looking like a monument to hubris, mismanagement, and economic overreach. It has a projected price tag of £6.9trillion. And it comes after Top 5 blunders plaguing NEOM project BY Juliana Cruz Lima, Foreign News Reporter Saudi Arabia's NEOM project, despite its ambitious vision, has been criticized for several major blunders that have raised concerns about its feasibility, ethics, and overall execution. Here are the top five major blunders associated with the project: Forced Displacement of Indigenous Communities : One of the most significant controversies surrounding NEOM is the forced displacement of the Huwaitat tribe. This indigenous community, which has lived in the area for centuries, was forcibly removed from their ancestral lands to make way for the development of the mega-city. The Saudi government's crackdown on those who resisted, including the killing of a tribal leader, Abdul Rahim al-Howeiti, has drawn widespread condemnation from human rights organisations. This blunder not only sparked international outrage but also tainted NEOM's image as a forward-thinking, humane project. Environmental Impact and Sustainability Concerns : NEOM has been marketed as an environmentally sustainable city, but the environmental impact of such a massive development is a major concern. The project's scale—covering over 26,500 square kilometers—poses significant risks to local ecosystems, particularly in the Red Sea, which is home to rich marine biodiversity. Critics argue that the construction of artificial islands and extensive urbanisation could lead to irreversible ecological damage. The enormous water and energy demands required to maintain a green city in the desert also raise questions about the project's sustainability. Economic Viability and Cost Overruns : NEOM is one of the most expensive development projects in history. But there are serious doubts about its economic viability. Critics question whether the project can attract the necessary foreign investment and whether it will generate sufficient returns to justify the enormous expenditure. The economic risks are further compounded by potential cost overruns and delays, which are common in megaprojects of this scale. This financial gamble has led some to worry that NEOM could become a costly white elephant if it fails to meet its ambitious goals. Technological Overreach and Ethical Concerns : NEOM is envisioned as a high-tech city, heavily reliant on artificial intelligence, robotics, and extensive surveillance systems. While this technological ambition is central to NEOM's identity, it also raises significant ethical concerns. The level of surveillance planned for the city could lead to unprecedented control over residents' lives, sparking fears about privacy and civil liberties. The lack of transparency about how AI will be used, coupled with concerns about job displacement, has also led to criticism that NEOM's technological vision may be more dystopian than utopian. Cultural and Social Disconnect : NEOM's vision of a futuristic, liberalized society clashes sharply with Saudi Arabia's deeply conservative cultural norms. The project plans to introduce mixed-gender sports, entertainment events, and other liberal lifestyle elements that are rare in the kingdom. This cultural shift has raised concerns about a potential clash between NEOM's globalised vision and the traditional values of Saudi society. The disconnect between the project's ambitions and the broader cultural context has led to skepticism about whether NEOM can truly integrate into Saudi Arabia's social fabric without causing significant friction. Among its other scandals, satellite images analysed by Naraspace and ESA showed construction slowing across key NEOM sites. While the Hidden Marina and wind farms near The Line show some signs of life, vast swathes of the project are going dark – literally. Nighttime light intensity, used as a proxy for construction activity, has plummeted in the eastern development zones since last September. Bloomberg reports Saudi officials now believe just 2.4 kilometres of the 170-km Line will be built by 2030. Additionally, an ITV documentary alleged 21,000 migrant workers had died since 2016 under the Vision 2030 programme. A Saudi health and safety body dismissed the documentary as 'misinformation.' 9 The Shushah Island resort, part of the Neom project Credit: Neom Project 9 With Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia wants to expand its economy beyond oil Credit: NEOM
Miami Herald
27-04-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
Satellite Images Show Advances on World's Biggest Construction Site
Satellite images show the significant advances on Saudi Arabia's $500 billion Neom project as new structures are built for the massive initiative, a key component of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's Vision 2030 strategy. Neom is beginning to take form across critical support zones beyond its high-profile urban centerpiece, The Line. Newsweek has reached out to Neom for comment. While Neom's glossy promotional material has drawn global attention, critics have questioned how much of the project exists beyond renderings. With access to the site restricted and few official updates, independent evidence of construction has been limited. The latest satellite images via Google Earth showcase Neom's shift from concept to reality, with major milestones set for completion by global events like the 2029 Asian Winter Games and the 2034 FIFA World Cup. This marks a pivotal moment in Saudi Arabia, which seeks to diversify the economy and reduce dependence on oil. The satellite imagery reveals key indicators of real-world development: large-scale earthworks, completed buildings, grid-like infrastructure layouts, and support facilities in operation. While much of Neom remains in the planning or preparatory stage, these areas demonstrate momentum. This Neom community appears to be home to employee housing, schools, sports facilities, and offices. Located 22–25 miles (35–40 kilometers) west of The Line, it functions as a logistical and operational center, essential for housing staff, engineers, and international consultants. A side-by-side satellite image comparison-from a barren landscape in 2018 to a fully developed campus in October 2024-visually confirms the site's transformation. Roughly 12–15 miles (20–24 kilometers) northeast of Oxagon, Neom's planned industrial hub, this site appears to serve as high-volume housing for workers. Satellite imagery shows organized housing blocks, utility structures, solar panels, and sports areas, emphasizing the site's critical role in supporting construction and logistics for Oxagon, The Line, and other sectors. A comparison of satellite images from 2017 and 2024 highlights the significant transformation of the area. Earlier this week, Giles Pendleton, Chief Operating Officer for The Line, released new on-site photos showing ground infrastructure visibly taking shape in Tabuk Province. The images reveal the 200-meter-wide city outline emerging from the desert-offering one of the clearest confirmations yet that physical work on Neom's signature linear city has begun. Neom has drawn international criticism for alleged human rights violations, particularly concerning the displacement of the Huwaitat tribe. Environmental groups have also raised alarms over the project's ecological footprint. Experts remain skeptical about whether ambitious elements-such as The Line's mirrored skyscrapers-can be delivered at the promised scale. Further construction updates are expected throughout 2025 as Neom aims to operationalize key zones ahead of major global events. Related Articles Stakes High for Trump in Middle East TripAerial Images Show Progress at World's Biggest Construction SiteHouthis Warn Saudi Arabia and UAE Will Pay Price if They Back New OffensiveIran Builds Ties With US Ally as Regional War Fears Grow 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Newsweek
27-04-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
Satellite Images Show Advances on World's Biggest Construction Site
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Satellite images show the significant advances on Saudi Arabia's $500 billion Neom project as new structures are built for the massive initiative, a key component of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's Vision 2030 strategy. Neom is beginning to take form across critical support zones beyond its high-profile urban centerpiece, The Line. Newsweek has reached out to Neom for comment. Why It Matters While Neom's glossy promotional material has drawn global attention, critics have questioned how much of the project exists beyond renderings. With access to the site restricted and few official updates, independent evidence of construction has been limited. The latest satellite images via Google Earth showcase Neom's shift from concept to reality, with major milestones set for completion by global events like the 2029 Asian Winter Games and the 2034 FIFA World Cup. This marks a pivotal moment in Saudi Arabia, which seeks to diversify the economy and reduce dependence on oil. What to Know The satellite imagery reveals key indicators of real-world development: large-scale earthworks, completed buildings, grid-like infrastructure layouts, and support facilities in operation. While much of Neom remains in the planning or preparatory stage, these areas demonstrate momentum. Drag slider compare photos This Neom community appears to be home to employee housing, schools, sports facilities, and offices. Located 22–25 miles (35–40 kilometers) west of The Line, it functions as a logistical and operational center, essential for housing staff, engineers, and international consultants. A side-by-side satellite image comparison—from a barren landscape in 2018 to a fully developed campus in October 2024—visually confirms the site's transformation. Drag slider compare photos Roughly 12–15 miles (20–24 kilometers) northeast of Oxagon, Neom's planned industrial hub, this site appears to serve as high-volume housing for workers. Satellite imagery shows organized housing blocks, utility structures, solar panels, and sports areas, emphasizing the site's critical role in supporting construction and logistics for Oxagon, The Line, and other sectors. A comparison of satellite images from 2017 and 2024 highlights the significant transformation of the area. Work on The Line Earlier this week, Giles Pendleton, Chief Operating Officer for The Line, released new on-site photos showing ground infrastructure visibly taking shape in Tabuk Province. The images reveal the 200-meter-wide city outline emerging from the desert—offering one of the clearest confirmations yet that physical work on Neom's signature linear city has begun. Criticism and Challenges Persist Neom has drawn international criticism for alleged human rights violations, particularly concerning the displacement of the Huwaitat tribe. Environmental groups have also raised alarms over the project's ecological footprint. Experts remain skeptical about whether ambitious elements—such as The Line's mirrored skyscrapers—can be delivered at the promised scale. What Happens Next Further construction updates are expected throughout 2025 as Neom aims to operationalize key zones ahead of major global events.
