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Saudi Arabia Revealed That ‘The Line’, Its Futuristic Megacity Project Valued at R$ 8 Trillion, Will Only Be Completed in 50 Years, But Defended Its Strategy.
Saudi Arabia has officially acknowledged that the ambitious futuristic city project Neom, including the horizontal skyscraper ‘The Line‘, will not be completed before 50 years.
Despite this, the government insists on the viability of the venture and responds to criticism with firm statements.
The announcement was made during an event in Riyadh by Finance Minister Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Jadaan, who highlighted the unprecedented scale of the project and the focus on long-term returns.
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The Neom Project and Its Ambitions
The Neom project is the centerpiece of the Vision 2030 plan led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
With an estimated budget of US$ 1.3 trillion, about R$ 8 trillion, the initiative aims to transform Saudi Arabia into a global hub for innovation and tourism.
At the forefront of the proposal is ‘The Line’, a horizontal skyscraper stretching 170 kilometers, clad in mirrored facades, designed to accommodate 1.5 million people.
However, recent adjustments indicate that the initial length will be reduced to 2.4 kilometers, with capacity for only 300,000 inhabitants by 2030.
The core idea of Neom is to revolutionize the concept of cities, offering advanced urban solutions such as sustainable mobility, cutting-edge infrastructure, and integrated technological services.
Saudi Arabia sees the project as a strategy to diversify its economy, which is currently oil-dependent.
Contested Deadlines and Financing Challenges
Initially, the completion of Neom was expected by 2030. However, Al-Jadaan emphasized that this forecast was unrealistic, explaining that “Neom is a 50-year plan“.
He reinforced that Saudis are not “fools” and recognize the challenges of such a colossal project.
According to experts, the main difficulty lies in securing foreign financing. Torbjorn Soltvedt from the consultancy Maplecroft stated to The Telegraph that foreign investors “do not fully believe in the vision of a new Saudi Arabia“.
This mistrust is fueled by issues like the volatility of the oil market and global economic uncertainty.
Despite this, the Saudi government continues to invest billions of dollars in the construction of Neom, with the expectation that smaller projects within the complex will generate returns in the short and medium term.
Leadership Changes and Project Impacts
Recently, a change in Neom’s leadership attracted attention. According to an official statement, the transition will ensure “agility and efficiency” in the execution of plans.
However, the swap has generated speculation about internal problems in the project’s administration. Some analysts associate the restructuring with difficulties in maintaining the original timeline and scale of The Line.
Nevertheless, Saudi Arabia insists that progress is on track. Aerial images released earlier this year show advancements in excavations along the country’s northwest coast, where the infrastructure of Neom is beginning to take shape.
Labor Controversies and Human Rights
Despite the grandeur of the project, concerns about working conditions and human rights have gained prominence.
Advocacy groups accuse Saudi Arabia of exploiting migrant workers, many of whom come from countries such as India, Bangladesh, and Nepal.
Recent statistics indicate that more than 21,000 workers have died in eight years since the beginning of Vision 2030.
ITV reports reveal that around 100,000 migrants are missing, while hundreds of deaths remain unexplained.
Among the most serious allegations are wage delays of up to 10 months, excessive working hours, and inadequate food. A driver working on the project reported that exhaustion has led to an increase in accidents, with about five occurrences monthly.
Furthermore, extreme stress has caused many workers to develop serious illnesses.
An undercover journalist identified as Noura interviewed workers on-site, who described conditions close to slavery.
“We are treated like beggars,” one of them stated. Another shocking report revealed that workers are not allowed to leave the country to visit their families.
Official Response from Neom
In light of the accusations, the administration of Neom stated that it is reviewing the allegations and promised corrective actions when necessary.
In a statement, they emphasized that all contractors must comply with the company’s Code of Conduct, based on Saudi laws and international labor standards. Frequent inspections would be conducted to ensure compliance with the rules.
Despite these statements, human rights groups remain skeptical, pointing to a lack of transparency and absent repercussions for recurring violations.
Critics highlight that the scale of the project complicates the implementation of effective measures to protect workers.
Social and Environmental Impacts
In addition to labor controversies, the environmental and social impact of Neom is also a concern for experts.
The construction of The Line involves excavating large desert and mountainous areas, which could affect local ecosystems and displace communities.
Saudi Arabia faces criticism for a lack of dialogue with local residents, many of whom have been forced to leave their homes without adequate compensation.
Another aspect raised is the technical feasibility of The Line. While the concept of a horizontal skyscraper is innovative, engineers question the sustainability of the design, which relies on cutting-edge technology and highly specific materials.
Conclusion: An Uncertain Future
While Saudi Arabia continues to promote Neom as a symbol of modernity and innovation, practical and ethical challenges remain. The government is betting on the long term to convince investors and overcome criticism.
However, with extended deadlines and growing controversies, the success of Neom is far from guaranteed.
The images of excavations and promises of futuristic luxury starkly contrast with allegations of abuses and deaths behind the scenes.
For now, Saudi Arabia reaffirms its commitment to the project, even in the face of enormous obstacles. As Al-Jadaan said, “this is a long-term program.”
Yet, the social and economic issues surrounding Neom may determine whether it will be remembered as a landmark in history or an example of unfettered ambition without support.
Essa cidade e insustentável por se só. Os moradores seriam milionários, que não torram nem um ovo.quem faria a cidade funcionar seria os trabalhadores que não morariam lá.
A está sendo explorada através da falta de concessionária que explique quais são essas condições deles. Quem faria essa cidade funcionar seria os trabalhadores que não morariam lá, e os moradores resultados seriam grandes, estando com ajudas ou não. Porque o governo diz não pode construir e resolver problemas tratando mal os trabalhadores. Como as pessoas são exploradas e não tratadas como seres humanos preocupamos, devido às notícias sobre a Arábia Saudita prolongar o complote da construção da cidade em 50 anos devendo R$8 trilhões dando uma crore grande cheio na parte ajuda e da movimentação do valor.