Five years into Neom’s construction, many staff members have left, leading those left behind to joke that when working for MBS’ vanity project you bring two buckets.
Neom is touted as an eco-friendly utopia, yet that comes at a cost.
The Line
The Line is a pair of mirrored buildings designed by US studio Morphosis Architects – founded by Pritzker Prize winner Thom Mayne – that will serve as the focal point of Neom. Boasting an expansive interior court that can host various activities or be used as an art gallery space, The Line was intended to become “a living breathing urban space”.
These structures will be connected by an expansive outdoor garden area featuring panoramic mountain views and several artificial lakes dotted throughout. A swan-shaped bridge will also connect their upper and lower levels.
Another component of The Line is a circular plaza with a retractable roof, perfect for hosting events and concerts. Furthermore, an innovative green roof will help reduce energy consumption and enhance air quality.
Apart from The Line, Neom’s latest progress video provides details about other projects being constructed within its borders. These include Oxagon, Sindalah, and Trojena – projected to be finished by 2024-2029 respectively – along with plans to build the world’s largest green hydrogen plant which should become operational by 2026 – these will contribute to Neom becoming the world’s first zero-carbon city.
The Oxagon
The Oxagon is a sustainable industrial city that emphasizes sustainable practices to support business success while reinvigorating conservation efforts. With advanced automation and connectivity systems, exceptional livability features like high-speed rail and port infrastructure as well as access to natural beauty such as beaches nearby; plus its octagonal design ensures minimal impact on the environment – 95% of its area remains preserved – the Oxagon offers businesses a sustainable edge while reinvigorating conservation.
Home of a fully integrated port and logistics hub with the capacity of handling 3.5 million TEUs annually, including efficient offloading/loading facilities, optimized logistics networks, state-of-the-art port control center, and an automated crane – all powered by renewable solar, wind, and green hydrogen energy sources.
The octagonal structure is intended to maximize land usage, protect 95% of natural environments, and optimize water usage with its unique shape. Furthermore, its reduced infrastructure needs to create dense urban communities capable of accommodating more residents and businesses.
A recent construction progress video released by NEOM shows real-world footage of its massive development project. It provides insight into how its first four destinations Sindalah, Trojena, The Line, and Oxagon are taking shape quickly; further revealing plans for an upcoming YOTEL property in Oxagon which promises sustainable urban living.
The City Center
Neom City will be situated on the border between Saudi Arabia and Jordan and powered entirely by renewable energy, to become carbon-negative over time. Water production and storage will also be central components. In addition to being car-free, smart city features will prioritize walkability with AI-enabled micromobility; high-speed rail hub travel times should only take 20 minutes end-to-end; it will host top universities, research centers, and hospitals, including world-class neom hospitals offering cutting-edge medical services from robotic surgery to virtual reality telemedicine telemedicine services.
Construction on the city is proceeding apace, with multiple projects and partnerships contributing to its development. One such partnership involves ACWA Power International and Air Products who plan on building a green hydrogen plant that will produce clean fuel from wind, sunlight, and empty kand. They expect this facility to become operational within four years using 120 Thyssenkrupp AG electrolyzers.
However this ambitious project has caused considerable debate. Critics have voiced concerns regarding human rights in Saudi Arabia as well as local evictions for this development project. Additionally, members of the Huwaitat tribe residing near where this city will be built were relocated as part of this development project – many 20,000 members had to leave behind their ancestral homes to make way for this construction work. It is widely criticized as it disregards indigenous populations without transparency in decision-making processes.
The Waterfront
Neom’s developers aim to make it an international leader in technology and innovation by designing an impressive waterfront that echoes Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay with tech companies and an oceanographic research center.
Neom is carbon neutral, using renewable energy sources and an innovative tram system to transport its citizens across its streets.
Neom will offer free high-speed internet for its residents as well as automated, interactive government services. Residents will enjoy world-class trains, world-renowned entertainment such as wave pools, and best practice healthy living guidelines; its focus will also be heavily placed upon sports and entertainment with world-renowned trains operating through it all the time! Plus neom will serve as a hub of science, innovation, and entrepreneurship with an automated next-generation port providing global connectivity.
However, the project has caused much controversy. Some see it as an effort by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to improve his image after journalist Jamal Khashoggi’s death and as an effort by him to divert attention away from Saudi Arabia’s human rights record. Furthermore, several members of an indigenous Howeitat tribe have been dislocated from their homes or even had them demolished; one member has even been killed while three more received 50-year jail terms for participating.
