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The Irish Sun
18-05-2025
- Business
- The Irish Sun
Inside Saudi's blood-soaked $8.8TRILLION Neom megacity project plagued by death & chaos as it grinds to humiliating halt
WHEN Saudi Arabia revealed its ambitious $500billion megacity project, set to be a glittering jewel in the heart of the country's desert, the world marvelled. But the Advertisement 10 NEOM is envisaged as a futuristic city in the desert Credit: @neom / instagram 10 The project has been plagued by delays and setbacks Credit: NEOM 10 NEOM was announced as part of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman's Project 2030 in 2017 Credit: @neom / instagram 10 The anticipated cost of delivering the gargantuan scheme is reported to have spiralled Credit: Rise 10 NEOM will be a futuristic city across 26,000 sqft on the Red Sea and will include smaller projects Stunning concept art gave a taste of what was to come, from floating structures to luxury holiday and ski resorts, but eight years on and not much progress has been made. The daring project has been plagued by setbacks and controversy ever since the first construction workers descended into the sprawling dunes. Advertisement read more world news The anticipated cost of delivering the gargantuan scheme is reported to have spiralled from $500bn (£386bn) estimate to a head-spinning $8.8 trillion (£6.8 trillion), according to But even more shocking are the human rights abuses and brutal conditions for workers looming over NEOM - issues that have plagued the country well before the project. As many as One former employee has shared their story of working at the gigaproject with The Sun, shedding light on the atrocities taking place behind NEOM's doors. Advertisement Most read in The US Sun Live Blog Exclusive Rights organisations have long blasted the Saudi regime's record on workers' welfare, with a recent Human Rights Watch report detailing the "gruesome yet avoidable" deaths faced by many migrant workers. The advocacy group mentions that some workers die falling Human Rights Watch researcher Joey Shea told the Sun: "Unfortunately migrant workers in Saudi Arabia continue to face widespread abuses, some of which may amount to situations of forced labour, including at high profile gigaprojects. "On NEOM, Human Rights Watch has found that ambitious targets set by Saudi authorities have tight and unrealistic deadlines which can lead employers to demand that workers continue to work under dangerous conditions. Advertisement "Migrant workers in Saudi Arabia experience illegal and exorbitant Recruitment Fees, limits to job mobility, obstacles exiting the country, as well as serious health and safety risks." Michael, whose name has been changed to protect his identity, told The Sun that the project is unlikely to be anywhere near complete before 2055. Talking about delays, Michael said: "From the very beginning, NEOM had a very long timeline. "There were certain objectives they wanted to achieve by 2030, but most of the leadership were aware of a longer timeframe." Advertisement Michael said NEOM's management has "overspent quite a bit" since its announcement. He says: "They were focusing on way too many things at the same time. "They just wanted everything at the highest level possible. The biggest entertainment complex in the world. The biggest media studio in the region. "No matter how much money you throw at the thing, it takes more than just money to make it work." Advertisement The much hyped project, aided by an aggressive social media marketing campaign, has sought to big up NEOM as a vision of futuristic city living. Sci-fi ideas from But NEOM continues to fall chronically behind schedule, with many of its most ambitious projects still looking like a distant dream. Speaking exclusively to The Sun, the former employee described the work culture at NEOM. Advertisement 10 NEOM continues to fall chronically behind schedule Credit: NEOM 10 Sci-fi ideas from levitating trains to an artificial moon are reported to have been among the features of the project Credit: Rise 10 Many experts have questioned the viability of the proposals Credit: @neom / instagram He said: "When I started doing the project, I talked to some people and said that it's absolutely crazy. Advertisement "Then my Saudi friend told me that in this region, things tend to not be the way they seem. In reality, you never know what's going on in the highest echelons of power." NEOM brands itself as the "future of urban living", aimed at providing sustainable living with 100% renewable energy. One of the flagship proposals in the project is The Line - a single-building high-tech "city" that would house nine million people in just 34 square kilometres. Located deep in the desert, NEOM's construction has also seen horrifying reports of forced displacement of tribal villagers from to make way for construction. Advertisement Those who resisted suffered a brutal crackdown, which has drawn furious condemnation from human rights groups. A report into the matter by Saudi human rights group ALQST reads: "The NEOM project, which has been mired in secrecy from the start and marked by serious rights violations, shows the extent to which the Saudi authorities are prepared to proceed with planned projects at the expense of local inhabitants." Julia Legner, executive director at ALQST for human rights, told The Sun: "While the project faces reported delays and downsizing, the human rights concerns remain as pressing as ever. "These include widespread labour rights abuses and uninvestigated worker deaths, and the continued imprisonment of dozens of local inhabitants who peacefully opposed their forced displacement. Advertisement "At this critical juncture, companies involved—or considering involvement—must carefully assess the situation and take appropriate action to avoid complicity in these ongoing abuses." Many experts have questioned the viability of the proposals, and Michael is sceptical they will ever be realised. "Maybe the idea of The Line and robot cops is a very expensive marketing ploy. But it's worked," he said. "So what if it's going to be scaled back? They've achieved their objective. It's put Saudi Arabia on the map. Advertisement "Even if NEOM just becomes a small tourist resort with some hotel and villas, that would already be seen as a massive success." Saudi Arabia has invested vast sums in prestige building projects across the country over the past decade. This isn't just limited to NEOM, with plans to build the world's tallest building in Jeddah and numerous stadiums for the 2034 FIFA World Cup also well underway. 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. But widespread problems with workers' rights have been reported across these projects, with Human Rights Watch blasting a "blatant failure to protect migrant workers" in the country. Advertisement "These abuses are enabled by Saudi Arabia's kafala, or labour sponsorship, system that ties the legal status of migrant workers to their respective sponsors," the group says. An Amnesty International spokesperson told The Sun: 'With projects like NEOM Saudi Arabia is trying to present a glitzy, futuristic vision of the country, but this should not come at the expense of human rights. 'Governments supporting investment in the project have a clear obligation to ensure they are not contributing to human rights violations and all investors, and companies involved in NEOM have a responsibility to carry out necessary due diligence checks to identify, prevent and address human rights abuses. "No vision of the future can justify trampling on human rights today.' Advertisement But Michael believes the country is ultimately "heading in the right direction", noting the lifting of a ban on women driving and reduction in policing of religion. "NEOM is an incredibly interesting business story. It's a big story in how big projects sometimes fail," Michael said. The Saudi embassy in London and NEOM were contacted for comment. 10 Widespread problems with workers' rights have been reported across these projects Credit: NEOM Advertisement 10 It remains unclear when NEOM will finally be completed Credit: NEOM
Scottish Sun
18-05-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Inside Saudi's blood-soaked $8.8TRILLION Neom megacity project plagued by death & chaos as it grinds to humiliating halt
A worker spoke exclusively to The Sun about the horrors of the project, with over 21,000 labourers now said to have died DESERT DISASTER ZONE Inside Saudi's blood-soaked $8.8TRILLION Neom megacity project plagued by death & chaos as it grinds to humiliating halt Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) WHEN Saudi Arabia revealed its ambitious $500billion megacity project, set to be a glittering jewel in the heart of the country's desert, the world marvelled. But the Middle Eastern nation's NEOM project - which would see a high-tech utopia built from scratch near the country's border with Jordan - has long been cursed as one worker reveals all. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 10 NEOM is envisaged as a futuristic city in the desert Credit: @neom / instagram 10 The project has been plagued by delays and setbacks Credit: NEOM 10 NEOM was announced as part of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman's Project 2030 in 2017 Credit: @neom / instagram 10 The anticipated cost of delivering the gargantuan scheme is reported to have spiralled Credit: Rise 10 NEOM was announced as part of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman's Project 2030 in 2017 - a major push to wean the oil-rich nation's economy off its reliance on fossil fuels. NEOM will be a futuristic city across 26,000 sqft on the Red Sea and will include smaller projects The Line, Oxagon, Trojena, Sindalah and the Gulf of Aqaba Projects. Stunning concept art gave a taste of what was to come, from floating structures to luxury holiday and ski resorts, but eight years on and not much progress has been made. The daring project has been plagued by setbacks and controversy ever since the first construction workers descended into the sprawling dunes. The anticipated cost of delivering the gargantuan scheme is reported to have spiralled from $500bn (£386bn) estimate to a head-spinning $8.8 trillion (£6.8 trillion), according to The New Civil Engineer. But even more shocking are the human rights abuses and brutal conditions for workers looming over NEOM - issues that have plagued the country well before the project. As many as 21,000 are reported to have died during construction on various sections of NEOM, although Saudi authorities have disputed this figure. One former employee has shared their story of working at the gigaproject with The Sun, shedding light on the atrocities taking place behind NEOM's doors. Rights organisations have long blasted the Saudi regime's record on workers' welfare, with a recent Human Rights Watch report detailing the "gruesome yet avoidable" deaths faced by many migrant workers. The advocacy group mentions that some workers die falling from buildings, by electrocution, and even decapitation. Human Rights Watch researcher Joey Shea told the Sun: "Unfortunately migrant workers in Saudi Arabia continue to face widespread abuses, some of which may amount to situations of forced labour, including at high profile gigaprojects. "On NEOM, Human Rights Watch has found that ambitious targets set by Saudi authorities have tight and unrealistic deadlines which can lead employers to demand that workers continue to work under dangerous conditions. "Migrant workers in Saudi Arabia experience illegal and exorbitant Recruitment Fees, limits to job mobility, obstacles exiting the country, as well as serious health and safety risks." Michael, whose name has been changed to protect his identity, told The Sun that the project is unlikely to be anywhere near complete before 2055. Talking about delays, Michael said: "From the very beginning, NEOM had a very long timeline. "There were certain objectives they wanted to achieve by 2030, but most of the leadership were aware of a longer timeframe." Michael said NEOM's management has "overspent quite a bit" since its announcement. He says: "They were focusing on way too many things at the same time. "They just wanted everything at the highest level possible. The biggest entertainment complex in the world. The biggest media studio in the region. "No matter how much money you throw at the thing, it takes more than just money to make it work." The much hyped project, aided by an aggressive social media marketing campaign, has sought to big up NEOM as a vision of futuristic city living. Sci-fi ideas from levitating trains to an artificial moon are reported to have been among the features of the project. But NEOM continues to fall chronically behind schedule, with many of its most ambitious projects still looking like a distant dream. Speaking exclusively to The Sun, the former employee described the work culture at NEOM. 10 NEOM continues to fall chronically behind schedule Credit: NEOM 10 Sci-fi ideas from levitating trains to an artificial moon are reported to have been among the features of the project Credit: Rise 10 Many experts have questioned the viability of the proposals Credit: @neom / instagram He said: "When I started doing the project, I talked to some people and said that it's absolutely crazy. "Then my Saudi friend told me that in this region, things tend to not be the way they seem. In reality, you never know what's going on in the highest echelons of power." NEOM brands itself as the "future of urban living", aimed at providing sustainable living with 100% renewable energy. One of the flagship proposals in the project is The Line - a single-building high-tech "city" that would house nine million people in just 34 square kilometres. Located deep in the desert, NEOM's construction has also seen horrifying reports of forced displacement of tribal villagers from to make way for construction. Those who resisted suffered a brutal crackdown, which has drawn furious condemnation from human rights groups. A report into the matter by Saudi human rights group ALQST reads: "The NEOM project, which has been mired in secrecy from the start and marked by serious rights violations, shows the extent to which the Saudi authorities are prepared to proceed with planned projects at the expense of local inhabitants." Julia Legner, executive director at ALQST for human rights, told The Sun: "While the project faces reported delays and downsizing, the human rights concerns remain as pressing as ever. "These include widespread labour rights abuses and uninvestigated worker deaths, and the continued imprisonment of dozens of local inhabitants who peacefully opposed their forced displacement. "At this critical juncture, companies involved—or considering involvement—must carefully assess the situation and take appropriate action to avoid complicity in these ongoing abuses." Many experts have questioned the viability of the proposals, and Michael is sceptical they will ever be realised. "Maybe the idea of The Line and robot cops is a very expensive marketing ploy. But it's worked," he said. "So what if it's going to be scaled back? They've achieved their objective. It's put Saudi Arabia on the map. "Even if NEOM just becomes a small tourist resort with some hotel and villas, that would already be seen as a massive success." Saudi Arabia has invested vast sums in prestige building projects across the country over the past decade. This isn't just limited to NEOM, with plans to build the world's tallest building in Jeddah and numerous stadiums for the 2034 FIFA World Cup also well underway. 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. But widespread problems with workers' rights have been reported across these projects, with Human Rights Watch blasting a "blatant failure to protect migrant workers" in the country. "These abuses are enabled by Saudi Arabia's kafala, or labour sponsorship, system that ties the legal status of migrant workers to their respective sponsors," the group says. An Amnesty International spokesperson told The Sun: 'With projects like NEOM Saudi Arabia is trying to present a glitzy, futuristic vision of the country, but this should not come at the expense of human rights. 'Governments supporting investment in the project have a clear obligation to ensure they are not contributing to human rights violations and all investors, and companies involved in NEOM have a responsibility to carry out necessary due diligence checks to identify, prevent and address human rights abuses. "No vision of the future can justify trampling on human rights today.' But Michael believes the country is ultimately "heading in the right direction", noting the lifting of a ban on women driving and reduction in policing of religion. "NEOM is an incredibly interesting business story. It's a big story in how big projects sometimes fail," Michael said. The Saudi embassy in London and NEOM were contacted for comment. 10 Widespread problems with workers' rights have been reported across these projects Credit: NEOM
The Sun
18-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Inside Saudi's blood-soaked $8.8TRILLION Neom megacity project plagued by death & chaos as it grinds to humiliating halt
WHEN Saudi Arabia revealed its ambitious $500billion megacity project, set to be a glittering jewel in the heart of the country's desert, the world marvelled. But the Middle Eastern nation's NEOM project - which would see a high-tech utopia built from scratch near the country's border with Jordan - has long been cursed as one worker reveals all. 10 10 10 10 NEOM was announced as part of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman's Project 2030 in 2017 - a major push to wean the oil-rich nation's economy off its reliance on fossil fuels. NEOM will be a futuristic city across 26,000 sqft on the Red Sea and will include smaller projects The Line, Oxagon, Trojena, Sindalah and the Gulf of Aqaba Projects. Stunning concept art gave a taste of what was to come, from floating structures to luxury holiday and ski resorts, but eight years on and not much progress has been made. The daring project has been plagued by setbacks and controversy ever since the first construction workers descended into the sprawling dunes. The anticipated cost of delivering the gargantuan scheme is reported to have spiralled from $500bn (£386bn) estimate to a head-spinning $8.8 trillion (£6.8 trillion), according to The New Civil Engineer. But even more shocking are the human rights abuses and brutal conditions for workers looming over NEOM - issues that have plagued the country well before the project. As many as 21,000 are reported to have died during construction on various sections of NEOM, although Saudi authorities have disputed this figure. One former employee has shared their story of working at the gigaproject with The Sun, shedding light on the atrocities taking place behind NEOM's doors. Rights organisations have long blasted the Saudi regime's record on workers' welfare, with a recent Human Rights Watch report detailing the "gruesome yet avoidable" deaths faced by many migrant workers. The advocacy group mentions that some workers die falling from buildings, by electrocution, and even decapitation. Human Rights Watch researcher Joey Shea told the Sun: "Unfortunately migrant workers in Saudi Arabia continue to face widespread abuses, some of which may amount to situations of forced labour, including at high profile gigaprojects. "On NEOM, Human Rights Watch has found that ambitious targets set by Saudi authorities have tight and unrealistic deadlines which can lead employers to demand that workers continue to work under dangerous conditions. "Migrant workers in Saudi Arabia experience illegal and exorbitant Recruitment Fees, limits to job mobility, obstacles exiting the country, as well as serious health and safety risks." Michael, whose name has been changed to protect his identity, told The Sun that the project is unlikely to be anywhere near complete before 2055. Talking about delays, Michael said: "From the very beginning, NEOM had a very long timeline. "There were certain objectives they wanted to achieve by 2030, but most of the leadership were aware of a longer timeframe." Michael said NEOM's management has "overspent quite a bit" since its announcement. He says: "They were focusing on way too many things at the same time. "They just wanted everything at the highest level possible. The biggest entertainment complex in the world. The biggest media studio in the region. "No matter how much money you throw at the thing, it takes more than just money to make it work." The much hyped project, aided by an aggressive social media marketing campaign, has sought to big up NEOM as a vision of futuristic city living. Sci-fi ideas from levitating trains to an artificial moon are reported to have been among the features of the project. But NEOM continues to fall chronically behind schedule, with many of its most ambitious projects still looking like a distant dream. Speaking exclusively to The Sun, the former employee described the work culture at NEOM. 10 10 10 He said: "When I started doing the project, I talked to some people and said that it's absolutely crazy. "Then my Saudi friend told me that in this region, things tend to not be the way they seem. In reality, you never know what's going on in the highest echelons of power." NEOM brands itself as the "future of urban living", aimed at providing sustainable living with 100% renewable energy. One of the flagship proposals in the project is The Line - a single-building high-tech "city" that would house nine million people in just 34 square kilometres. Located deep in the desert, NEOM's construction has also seen horrifying reports of forced displacement of tribal villagers from to make way for construction. Those who resisted suffered a brutal crackdown, which has drawn furious condemnation from human rights groups. A report into the matter by Saudi human rights group ALQST reads: "The NEOM project, which has been mired in secrecy from the start and marked by serious rights violations, shows the extent to which the Saudi authorities are prepared to proceed with planned projects at the expense of local inhabitants." Julia Legner, executive director at ALQST for human rights, told The Sun: "While the project faces reported delays and downsizing, the human rights concerns remain as pressing as ever. "These include widespread labour rights abuses and uninvestigated worker deaths, and the continued imprisonment of dozens of local inhabitants who peacefully opposed their forced displacement. "At this critical juncture, companies involved—or considering involvement—must carefully assess the situation and take appropriate action to avoid complicity in these ongoing abuses." Many experts have questioned the viability of the proposals, and Michael is sceptical they will ever be realised. "Maybe the idea of The Line and robot cops is a very expensive marketing ploy. But it's worked," he said. "So what if it's going to be scaled back? They've achieved their objective. It's put Saudi Arabia on the map. "Even if NEOM just becomes a small tourist resort with some hotel and villas, that would already be seen as a massive success." Saudi Arabia has invested vast sums in prestige building projects across the country over the past decade. This isn't just limited to NEOM, with plans to build the world's tallest building in Jeddah and numerous stadiums for the 2034 FIFA World Cup also well underway. 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. But widespread problems with workers' rights have been reported across these projects, with Human Rights Watch blasting a "blatant failure to protect migrant workers" in the country. "These abuses are enabled by Saudi Arabia's kafala, or labour sponsorship, system that ties the legal status of migrant workers to their respective sponsors," the group says. An Amnesty International spokesperson told The Sun: 'With projects like NEOM Saudi Arabia is trying to present a glitzy, futuristic vision of the country, but this should not come at the expense of human rights. 'Governments supporting investment in the project have a clear obligation to ensure they are not contributing to human rights violations and all investors, and companies involved in NEOM have a responsibility to carry out necessary due diligence checks to identify, prevent and address human rights abuses. "No vision of the future can justify trampling on human rights today.' But Michael believes the country is ultimately "heading in the right direction", noting the lifting of a ban on women driving and reduction in policing of religion. "NEOM is an incredibly interesting business story. It's a big story in how big projects sometimes fail," Michael said. The Saudi embassy in London and NEOM were contacted for comment. 10 10
Telegraph
12-03-2025
- Business
- Telegraph
Revealed: Newcastle to launch ‘Project 2030' to disrupt English football elite
Newcastle United are ready to launch 'Project 2030' as they move into the second phase of the club's quest for growth under Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund. After last month's board meeting, led by chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan, there will be a renewed push over the next five years to establish Newcastle as a powerful force in English and European football, with insiders labelling it 'Project 2030'. Rather than suggest PIF's interest in Newcastle is waning, Al-Rumayyan insisted it remains committed to turning the club into one of the leading football operations and has challenged all department heads to deliver a plan to get there. Sources have told Telegraph Sport the chairman was full of enthusiasm for the project and believes a five-year timescale is a realistic one to turn them into a club who compete for silverware every season, regularly play in the Champions League and eventually compete for the Premier League title. The ambition also extends to the women's team with the aim to achieve promotion to the WSL. The 2030 date is a loose deadline and is not cast in stone, but the intention is to continue to close the revenue gap on the traditional 'Big Six' and strive to build a squad who are competitive in the latter stages of every competition they play in. Having freed themselves of their constraints related to profit and sustainability rules (PSR) over the last 12 months with some difficult player sales, Newcastle are in a position to not only strengthen their squad, but also keep hold of their big-name players like in-demand striker Alexander Isak. Sporting director Paul Mitchell is yet to sign a marquee player after replacing Dan Ashworth in July last year, as he has had to deal with the club's PSR issue first. That meant moving on the likes of Miguel Almiron and Lloyd Kelly in January to give them more flexibility to spend in the next transfer window. But an ambitious summer is being discussed which will see Newcastle strengthen their squad in every department. In turn, Al-Rumayyan has also praised the job done by manager Eddie Howe and has once again reaffirmed that they see the 47-year-old as a long-term appointment and the man to help build the team into a trophy-winning side. Key pillars of Project 2030 Winning a trophy When Howe was interviewed for the job in 2021, he insisted the League Cup was the most realistic target as a first trophy for the new regime. Newcastle have reached the final for the second time in three years and he deserves a huge amount of credit for that. Newcastle face a daunting test at Wembley on Sunday and will have to beat the best team in the country in Liverpool if they are going to end a 70-year wait for a domestic trophy. But there is quiet confidence behind the scenes that the players and staff will be better equipped to succeed after their experience of losing to Manchester United two years ago. The occasion arguably got to them in 2023, with all the excitement of reaching a first cup final since 1999, but things have been a lot calmer this time around. Winning a major piece of silverware will be a huge step towards becoming regular trophy winners in the same way that Manchester City did by winning the FA Cup in 2011. New stadium The release of designs for Manchester United's new stadium this week has whetted the appetite on Tyneside for details of Newcastle's own plan to modernise. The internal preference, as revealed by Telegraph Sport, is to build a new home adjacent to St James' Park, using an overlapping footprint, that will mean the new stadium is built on some of the land currently occupied by the club. The capacity will be about 68-69,000 and it will cost in the region of £1.5billion. Work has been going on behind the scenes for some time, although they are still considering a back-up option, which would modernise and expand St James' Park to a capacity well in excess of 60,000, at an estimated cost of £800 million. The club continue to insist a final decision has not been made, but the idea is to have completed construction of either project in the early 2030s. Rejuvenating and strengthening squad There has long been a view that this Newcastle team have almost reached the end of their shelf life and are in need of an overhaul. The core of the squad is the same as the one that successfully escaped from relegation immediately after the takeover in 2021, with Kieran Trippier (34), Callum Wilson (33), Fabian Schar (33), Dan Burn (32) and Martin Dubravka (36) in the latter stages of their careers. Others like Sean Longstaff, Joelinton and Joe Willock were part of the team under former manager Steve Bruce. Mitchell has a track record in recruitment and he will look to reduce the average age of the squad in the summer, signing young talent from abroad, as well as one or two more established domestic talents. Player trading will remain important, although there is a desire to keep all their big names in the summer. Closing revenue gap Newcastle have made good progress and revenue has grown to a club record £320 million a year according to the latest set of accounts. But that is still some way short of the established Big Six. Arsenal's revenue was £616.6 million in 2024, Liverpool's stands at £614 million, while Tottenham Hotspur's is £539.6 million for the same period. Manchester City's is a whopping £715 million with Manchester United boasting revenue of £661.8 million. The gap remains a huge one. Until Newcastle can spend as much money on wages and transfers as the richest clubs in the country it will severely hinder their chances of success on the pitch.
