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The ambitious NEOM project, led by Saudi Arabia, faces skepticism, but new images and videos are released to reaffirm the commitment to its construction.
A Saudi Arabia is determined to silence critics of the NEOM project, a monumental undertaking that promises to transform a vast desert area into a futuristic city. Announced in 2017 by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS), the project aims to create a 26.500 km² urban area on the northern tip of the Red Sea, with a budget of US$1,5 trillion. Faced with growing skepticism and recent reports indicating a reduction in project scale, the Saudi government launched an initiative called “Ground X” to prove that everything is still going according to plan.
Since the initial announcement of NEOM project, Saudi Arabia has faced a barrage of doubts about the feasibility of completing a construction of this magnitude by 2039. The project is not only ambitious, it is practically unimaginable: a city 170 km long, 200 meters wide and 500 meters high, called “The Line”, which will house nine million people in one of the driest regions on the planet. In comparison, it would be like building the equivalent of New York or London, all at once, in one of the most inhospitable places on Earth.
Saudi Arabia implemented the Ground X
To calm the investor concerns and the public, the Saudi Arabia implemented the Ground X, a monumental effort to document construction progress. The initiative includes two million photos and live broadcasts of ongoing works in the various areas of NOS. However, this “transparency” is only available to investors and suppliers, leaving the general population without access to this detailed information.
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NEOM Project is in process
In an effort to maintain enthusiasm for NEOM project, Giles Pendleton, Director of Operations for “The Line”, has been sharing regular updates on his social media, highlighting the progress of the works. In one of his posts, Pendleton refutes allegations that the project is being scaled back, stating that construction of the initial phase is at an accelerated pace and that nothing has been changed in the original plans. He also shared an impressive video that shows the grandeur of the works, where gigantic excavators and trucks appear tiny within the vast construction site.
More than just “The Line”
But the NEOM project is more than just “The Line.” It includes a number of other equally ambitious developments, such as Trojena, a desert ski resort; Sindalah, a luxury resort island in the Red Sea; and Oxagon, a complex floating industrial zone. The idea is to create a self-sufficient futuristic world, where energy is 100% renewable and daily needs are just a few minutes' walk away, all within a controlled and highly technological environment.
Saudi Arabia insists that everything is in progress
Despite the Saudi government's optimism, many experts remain skeptical about its ability to complete a project of this magnitude within the established timeframe and budget. THE Saudi Arabia insists that everything is in progress, with completion scheduled for 2039, but the lack of transparency for the general public raises questions about the true status of the works.
As the world watches, the Saudi Arabia continues to boost the NEOM project, betting on a vision that can redefine the concept of urbanization and sustainability. If successful, NEOM could be the jewel in MBS's crown, a symbol of innovation and power that will put the country in the spotlight. cutting edge of global architecture and technology. If it fails, however, it will be a stark reminder of the dangers of excessive ambitions.
A dream that, for many, still seems far away
For now, we can only wait and follow the development of this colossal undertaking, hoping that the images and videos released by the Saudi government are a faithful reflection of reality, and not just another marketing ploy to support a dream that, for many, still seems far away. of becoming reality.
