Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Neom Megacity Project
Why in the News?
The Wall Street Journal has highlighted controversies surrounding the Neom Megacity Project, a key project of Saudi Arabia and world’s largest construction real-estate project.
About Neom Megacity Project:
| Details | |
| Location | Northwestern Tabuk Province, Saudi Arabia, along the Red Sea |
| Launched |
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| Objective | To diversify Saudi Arabia’s economy and reduce its reliance on oil. |
| Size |
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| Completion Year | Expected by 2039 |
| Key Projects |
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| Technological Focus |
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| Environmental Goals |
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Controversies surrounding the Project:
- Displacement of Indigenous Tribes: The Huwaitat tribe has been forcibly displaced, leading to human rights concerns.
- Slow Progress: Construction is behind schedule, with only 1.4 km of The Line expected to be completed by 2030.
- Workplace Misconduct: Reports of toxic culture and unethical leadership, including neglect of worker safety.
- Surveillance Concerns: Critics worry about the project’s use of real-time monitoring, raising privacy concerns.
- Cost Overruns: The project’s budget has ballooned from $500 billion to $1.5 trillion, leading to scaled-down plans.
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