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Lethal Force, 16-Hour Shifts, and Thousands of Deaths: The Shocking Truth Behind the Works on The Line, Saudi Arabia’s Most Ambitious Project
Behind the futuristic images and promises of technological innovation, Saudi Arabia hides a harsh and disturbing reality. What was meant to be a global showcase of progress with megaprojects like The Line and the Jeddah Tower, has been built with the sweat and, tragically, the blood of thousands of migrant workers. Since 2017, over 21,000 deaths have been recorded among workers coming from countries like India, Bangladesh, and Nepal. And these lives are being sacrificed in the name of an ambitious vision for the future called Saudi Vision 2030.
Futurism at a Human Cost: What Is Saudi Vision 2030?
Saudi Vision 2030 is a bold plan launched by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman with the mission of diversifying the Saudi economy and reducing dependence on oil. Among the most symbolic projects is The Line, a 170-kilometer linear city that promises to revolutionize urban concepts. The construction will be 500 meters tall and 2.4 km wide, with giant mirrors covering the sides, in the middle of the desert.
However, while the project shines in marketing campaigns, the behind-the-scenes of the construction reveals work shifts of up to 16 hours per day, according to witnesses interviewed in a documentary by British broadcaster ITV, which exposed the serial deaths of migrant workers.
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Migrant Workers: Lives Erased Under the Desert Heat
More than 140,000 foreign workers are currently active at construction sites linked to the NEOM project. Most are recruited from South Asian countries with promises of good salaries and decent conditions. But the reality at the construction sites has been brutal: extreme heat, exhausting shifts, and inadequate infrastructure. “I saw people fainting in the middle of excavation. Some never returned,” revealed a former Nepali worker to Amnesty International.
The ITV documentary suggests that these deaths, although officially attributed to “natural causes,” are directly related to the working conditions imposed by the companies involved in the works.
NEOM Denies, but Reports Keep Accumulating
In response to the accusations, the NEOM project’s administration claimed to maintain “high safety standards” and to strictly follow labor laws. The Saudi National Council for Occupational Safety and Health also argued that the country has one of the lowest fatality rates in the world: 1.12 per 100,000 workers.
However, reports continue to emerge, particularly related to the forced removal of residents living in the region where The Line is being constructed. A former exiled Saudi intelligence officer revealed to ITV that he was instructed to use “lethal force” during the expulsion of local communities — reinforcing criticisms of human rights violations.
Architecture Giants Under Pressure
The controversy has splashed onto renowned international companies. Firms like Foster + Partners and Zaha Hadid Architects, directly involved in Saudi projects, have avoided commenting on the scandal. However, international public pressure is growing every day, especially among those questioning how architecture can serve innovation without colluding with authoritarian regimes or abusive practices.
Jeddah Tower: Another Symbol Resurfaces Under the Same Shadows
Outside of the NEOM region, another engineering giant is about to resurface: the Jeddah Tower, which is expected to exceed 1 kilometer in height and become the tallest building in the world. Construction started in 2013 but halted following the anti-corruption campaign in 2017 and the pandemic. It is now expected to resume construction in 2025, as reported by CNBC.
Although this project is not directly linked to the NEOM complex, concerns about the treatment of workers remain the same. After all, Saudi Arabia has heavily invested in megaconstructions as a strategy for economic transformation, but has failed to ensure that this growth is truly sustainable and ethical.
Progress by Force: The Clash Between Innovation and Human Rights
With trillions of dollars at stake, Saudi Arabia aims to position itself as a global leader in infrastructure and technology. Yet, the human cost of these projects raises an uncomfortable question: Is it possible to build the future at the expense of the dignity of thousands of people?
For organizations like Human Rights Watch, the answer is clear. The country still needs to prove that it is willing to respect fundamental rights while seeking to modernize its image before the world.
Do you believe that innovation and development can justify so many deaths and abuses? Share your opinion in the comments and share this article with those who still think that futurism and progress are always synonymous with advancement.
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