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The Dark Side Of Construction That Shocks The World: The Billion-Dollar Investment In The Megacity NEOM In Saudi Arabia Has Already Cost The Lives Of More Than 21 Thousand Workers
More than 21 thousand workers from India, Bangladesh, and Nepal have reportedly lost their lives in Saudi Arabia since 2017, according to a documentary investigation produced by ITV in the United Kingdom. The allegations point to grueling working conditions in construction linked to the ambitious Saudi Vision 2030 plan, such as NEOM and The Line, which are the focus of large-scale megaprojects.
The Saudi Vision 2030 is an economic diversification strategy led by the Public Investment Fund (PIF). Among the most emblematic initiatives is The Line, a mirrored linear city, 500 meters tall and 2.4 kilometers long, located in the heart of the desert.
Working in extreme conditions, the more than 140 thousand migrant workers in NEOM face shifts of up to 16 hours a day, according to witnesses.
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Use Of “Lethal Force” In The Removal Of Villages In The Path Of The Line
Despite this, Saudi authorities have disputed the claims. The National Council for Occupational Safety and Health stated that the rate of work-related fatalities in the country is 1.12 per 100 thousand workers — one of the lowest rates globally.
NEOM, in a statement, reaffirmed its commitment to high safety standards, mentioning frequent inspections to ensure compliance with labor and international laws.
However, the allegations gained traction with additional reports. The documentary also highlighted the use of “lethal force” in the removal of villages in the path of The Line. A former Saudi intelligence officer, now in exile, claimed he was ordered to forcibly remove residents, even with permission for lethal violence against those who resisted.
Although these claims have not been independently verified, the global impact has been significant.
This scenario has placed major architecture and engineering firms in the spotlight. Offices like Foster + Partners and Zaha Hadid Architects, involved in Saudi projects, chose not to comment on the allegations.
International scrutiny grows as Saudi Arabia seeks to position its endeavors as symbols of modernity and innovation.
Investment In The Construction Of The Jeddah Tower: The Tallest Building In The World At 1 Kilometer High
At another point, the Jeddah Tower, which is set to become the tallest building in the world, is resuming activity after years of stagnation. Expected to restart in 2025, the tower, which will exceed 1 kilometer in height, is another landmark of Saudi construction.
Originally started in 2013, the construction faced interruptions due to the 2017 anti-corruption campaign and the pandemic, remaining in a nearly abandoned state since 2020.
Although separate from the NEOM construction projects, the Jeddah Tower is part of a larger effort to place Saudi Arabia at the center of global architecture and engineering. However, criticism surrounding working conditions continues to challenge the country’s reputation.
Saudi Arabia continues to heavily invest in infrastructure and construction as part of its economic strategy. However, controversies raise questions about the balance between innovation and workers’ rights. The dispute between progress and ethics seems only to be beginning.
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