The engineers encountered a colossal challenge.
For weeks, a massive operation involving thousands of trucks and diggers worked tirelessly at Neom, the world's largest construction project in Saudi Arabia. However, they inadvertently deposited millions of cubic feet of sand in the exact location where architects had planned to dig a waterway to the Red Sea. This mistake led to a costly setback, requiring the sand to be moved to a new location, underscoring the turbulent journey of the Saudi project from concept to execution.
Despite facing skepticism, Saudi Arabia is moving forward with Neom, a project involving hundreds of billions of dollars in investments. Neom, comparable in size to Massachusetts, features futuristic architecture, including an arid ski resort, and aims to attract a population larger than New York City.
At the core of this initiative is "The Line," a multitrillion-dollar project envisioned as a pair of skyscrapers taller than the Empire State Building, stretching 105 miles to house nine million people. Due to cost concerns, the first phase has been scaled back, with plans to build only 1.5 miles by 2030.
Neom symbolizes Saudi Arabia's efforts to diversify its economy away from oil and become a global hub. However, the project's extravagant costs and ambitious design pose significant challenges. Neom must accommodate over 100,000 additional construction workers, source massive amounts of materials, and address concerns about the livability of its vertical city concept.
The project's escalating costs, estimated at over $500 billion, raise doubts about its financial feasibility. Neom has been primarily funded by the Saudi government, as attracting private investment for future phases seems uncertain.
Despite these challenges, Neom represents Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's vision to transform Saudi Arabia. The project's futuristic design, led by top architects, aims to create a city unlike any other, albeit with significant risks and uncertainties.
Neom's development echoes historical city-building endeavors, such as Brasília, which faced financial strains and urban planning challenges. Neom's progress has been slow, with completion limited to film studios and a royal complex. Challenges persist, including infrastructure development and environmental impact.
Neom's future remains uncertain, with questions about its practicality and sustainability. However, it stands as a bold attempt to redefine urban living and Saudi Arabia's economic landscape, albeit with immense challenges ahead.