Latest news with #MohammadbinSalman
Miami Herald
04-07-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
New Satellite Images Show Progress Building World's Biggest Roller Coaster
A new satellite image showed progress on a massive new water and theme park being built in the deserts of Saudi Arabia and set to become among the world's largest with the world's biggest roller coaster. The Qiddiya Six Flags project highlights another example of how the kingdom is racing to meet its economic and developmental targets beyond oil under Vision 2030, the transformation plan launched nearly a decade ago by Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman. Several of those massive projects have faced delays, budget overruns and questions from human rights groups, including the crown prince's flagship Neom project, currently the world's largest construction site. Qiddiya City is located in the Tuwaiq Mountains, about 28 miles from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia's capital. The Six Flags amusement park is set to feature the world's tallest, fastest and longest rollercoaster - Falcons Flight - reaching 640 feet and speeds of 155 mph. The city will also include Acquarabia water park and extreme watersports zone, as well as the world's first themed anime series park. According to Qiddiya Investment Company's (QIC) website, construction at Six Flags and Aquarabia is now over 80 percent. The park will span more than 2.5 million square feet and feature over 20 rides and attractions. In 2018, The Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), which owns QIC, signed a licensing and development agreement with Six Flags to build the U.S.‑branded theme park. In February, Qiddiya company announced Six Flags Entertainment Corporation as the amusement park's official operator. The Maryland-based Six Flags America will permanently close on November 2. Elsewhere in the Gulf, the Walt Disney Company announced that it is expanding its global theme park empire with a resort coming to Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Jason Freeman, Senior Vice President Corporate Operations & Guest Services at Six Flags said in June: 'Those are the Falcons Flight, which is going to be the world's tallest, fastest and longest roller coaster. We have the world's tallest pendulum ride. We have the world's tallest drop tower. We have the world's tallest inverted top hat roller coaster. And we have the world's tallest till coaster.' The company is now publicly advertising for its amusement park which it says is planned for opening later this year. Related Articles A Real New Middle East Is Emerging | OpinionKey Trump Ally Bolsters Missile Defense as Iran ThreatensDonald Trump's Properties Are Doing Better Than EverHow to Watch Mexico vs. Saudi Arabia: Live Stream Gold Cup Quarterfinals, TV Channel 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Newsweek
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
New Satellite Images Show Progress Building World's Biggest Roller Coaster
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A new satellite image showed progress on a massive new water and theme park being built in the deserts of Saudi Arabia and set to become among the world's largest with the world's biggest roller coaster. Why It Matters The Qiddiya Six Flags project highlights another example of how the kingdom is racing to meet its economic and developmental targets beyond oil under Vision 2030, the transformation plan launched nearly a decade ago by Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman. Drag slider compare photos Several of those massive projects have faced delays, budget overruns and questions from human rights groups, including the crown prince's flagship Neom project, currently the world's largest construction site. What To Know Qiddiya City is located in the Tuwaiq Mountains, about 28 miles from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia's capital. The Six Flags amusement park is set to feature the world's tallest, fastest and longest rollercoaster — Falcon's Flight — reaching 640 feet and speeds of 155 mph. The city will also include Acquarabia water park and extreme watersports zone, as well as the world's first themed anime series park. Satellite image showing theme parks' construction at Saudi Arabia's Qiddiya City in July 2024. Satellite image showing theme parks' construction at Saudi Arabia's Qiddiya City in July 2024. Google Earth Pro According to Qiddiya Investment Company's (QIC) website, construction at Six Flags and Aquarabia is now over 80 percent. The park will span more than 2.5 million square feet and feature over 20 rides and attractions. In 2018, The Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), which owns QIC, signed a licensing and development agreement with Six Flags to build the U.S.‑branded theme park. In February, Qiddiya company announced Six Flags Entertainment Corporation as the amusement park's official operator. The Maryland-based Six Flags America will permanently close on November 2. Elsewhere in the Gulf, the Walt Disney Company announced that it is expanding its global theme park empire with a resort coming to Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. What People Are Saying Jason Freeman, Senior Vice President Corporate Operations & Guest Services at Six Flags said in June: "Those are the Falcon's Flight, which is going to be the world's tallest, fastest and longest roller coaster. We have the world's tallest pendulum ride. We have the world's tallest drop tower. We have the world's tallest inverted top hat roller coaster. And we have the world's tallest till coaster." Gyrospin is up and spinning, testing and commissioning are in full swing (literally 😎) This beast of a ride is getting ready to drop jaws and raise adrenaline at Six Flags Qiddiya City 💥 Built by our friends at Zamperla, it's not just big… it's record-breaking. Who's ready… — Six Flags Qiddiya City (@SFQiddiyaCity) June 19, 2025 What Happens Next The company is now publicly advertising for its amusement park which it says is planned for opening later this year.
The Irish Sun
28-06-2025
- The Irish Sun
Meet the ‘Neom' WAGS – glam Brit TikTok housewives of Saudis building $1tn mega city… and why it's hiding a dark secret
IN the deserts of north-western Saudi Arabia sits a gated Brit family enclave - and while wives stay home to look after their young kids, their husbands are busy building Neom - the $1 trillion mega-city. But the glamorous Brit influencers also act like they too are working for the project as they spend their days posting social media content, painting a glossy picture of life there - but it hides a dark secret. 19 Women who live in Neom have taken to TikTok to share what life is like there Credit: TikTok/follow_eisha 19 A dozen now-influencers - most with young children - made the move months or even years ago Credit: instagram/@aidamcphrsn 19 A residential facility in NEOM designed for 10,000 residents A dozen now-influencers - most with young children - made the move months or even years ago as their husbands landed various jobs working for the Saudi project. The high salaries are said to be the main attraction for a new life in the desert - as well as the often free accommodation - with some senior executives offered over $1 million annually. It appears that most, if not all of the women had normal jobs before taking up social media as they moved thousands of miles away. And, by offering an insight into the project and their luxurious life there, the women have accumulated thousands of followers across Instagram and TikTok. Footage uploaded to social media shows perfect pre-schools, playgrounds, virtually zero traffic and community-building activities like coffee mornings for the housewives. Families also come together in a central food hall on the site for buffet-style eating for every meal of the day. The temporary accommodations are also equipped with luxury amenities like swimming pools, spa facilities, playgrounds and football pitches. One TikToker shared a video on how items compare price-wise in Saudi supermarkets, with a punnet of strawberries or blueberries costing up to £10. But the Brit expat insists, "considering where we are, the prices are really really good". And to help deal with such a change in environment, UK chocolates and sweets are stocked on the shelves. Humiliation for Saudi Arabia as £1trillion 110-mile long sideways skyscraper The Line will only be 1% of planned size But the rosy image posted of Neom couldn't be further from the underlying truth, having been built on bloodshed and slavery - with women in the country reportedly slaughtered for speaking out against the ruling regime. Neom was announced as part of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman's Project 2030 in 2017 - a major push to wean the oil-rich nation's economy off its reliance on fossil fuels. The anticipated cost of delivering the gargantuan scheme is reported to have spiralled from a $500bn (£386bn) estimate to a head-spinning $8.8 trillion (£6.8 trillion), according to But even more shocking are the human rights abuses and brutal conditions for workers looming over Neom - issues that have plagued the country well before the project. I absolutely love the community here, and I just wouldn't change it for the world. Samantha Brit mum As many as But as some international workers continue to ensure the high-tech, blood-soaked utopia is built on time, their families are residing in a gated community equipped with everything they could possibly need - including a Starbucks. Nick McGeehan from NGO FairSquare told The Sun how mumfluencers in Saudi are "very clearly a public relations strategy" - and "quite an effective one". He said: "It is trying to attract all sorts of investment into the country to sort of realise its commercial ambitions for the country, and to do that, it needs to sort of exhibit this progressive, tolerant face. 19 Brit mum Samara films day-in-the-life videos in Neom Credit: TikTok/@ 19 Brit mum Samantha shows off her new lifestyle over 4,000 miles away Credit: TikTok/@ 19 The temporary accommodations are also equipped with luxury amenities like swimming pools, spa facilities, playgrounds and football pitches 19 It remains unclear when Neom will finally be completed Credit: NEOM "Western women are a key part of that. Sending this message to audiences that this is a safe place, it's a good place for families, is very important to them. "And of course, the reality in Saudi Arabia is quite different to the one that's being presented, unfortunately." Life in Neom Brit mum Samantha films day-in-the-life videos showing off her new lifestyle over 4,000 miles away. This consists of school runs, gym sessions and salon appointments, which she describes as "great" and "amazing" in nearly all of her videos. Similarly, another Brit mumfluencer Samara has lived at the compound for over two years. She has dubbed her time on Neom as "incredible" and, like Samantha, shows off the amenities and what she and her family get up to day-to-day. Samara says in one video: "I can't believe I am saying this, but it has been nearly two years since I packed up my life in the UK and I got on an aeroplane with my then five-week-old baby to move to somewhere that I had never ever been before. "It was absolutely madness if you ask me but honestly it was the best decision I have ever made in my life and it still is. "I absolutely love the community here, and I just wouldn't change it for the world." 19 Influencers have showed off Neom's vast, traffic-free, facilities Credit: TikTok/@sarasarasid 19 Neom is envisaged as a futuristic city in the desert Credit: @neom / instagram 19 It was announced as part of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman's Project 2030 in 2017 Credit: @neom / instagram Despite previous denials from Neom that influencers aren't paid, Nick has his doubts. He said: "I would be very surprised if there wasn't a commercial dimension to this. "We've seen this in the past, and we know that Saudi Arabia and the Gulf States spend millions and millions of pounds on public relations, and they're very smart how they do it." Just two weeks ago, Saudi journalist Turki al-Jasser was executed for "high treason". He was the founder of news blog The Saudi Scene, which is said to have regularly addressed topics in the country, like its infamous lack of rights for women. Nick pointed out how the life of expat influencers in Saudi differs greatly from the women who were born and raised there. The reality is, it's still quite a brutal place for anyone who wants to speak out, and it's still not a great place for women to go because of the way that women are still second-class citizens in the country Nick McGeehan NGO FairSquare Women's rights are incredibly patchy in the country and women exercise little control over their marriage , children, education, and even healthcare. Only six years ago were Saudi women were granted the right to drive. It is also known that women are being jailed, starved and flogged in "hellish" Saudi prisons for being "disobedient" to their husbands. Documented cases show various evidence of abuse and neglect at the notorious Dar al-Re'aya Prisoners are left malnourished and locked up in solitary confinement, the organisation claims. Several cases of suicide attempts in recent years have also been reported. 19 Harrowing footage shows an inmate trying to escape a notorious Dar al-Re'aya prison Credit: Facebook 19 Saudi human resources professional Mashael al-Jaloud, 33, walks in western clothes past women wearing niqab, an Islamic dress-code for women Credit: Getty 19 A Saudi woman celebrates as she drives her car in her neighborhood, in Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia in 2018 19 The project has been plagued by delays and setbacks Credit: Neom The name of the jails, Dar al-Re'aya, literally translates to "care homes ". They have existed since the 1960s and were initially presented as a rehabilitative "shelter" for women accused or convicted of certain crimes. The infamous cells house women and girls between the ages of just seven to 30. Nick said: "We cannot believe the sort of public relations image that we're sold about the country from influencers on TikTok and other social media. "The reality is, it's still quite a brutal place for anyone who wants to speak out, and it's still not a great place for women to go because of the way that women are still second-class citizens in the country." Nick believes it is "dangerous" to perpetuate this kind of unrealistic lifestyle on social media, based on the idea "you just have to shut up, consume, shop, sunbathe - and don't say a goddamn thing about what's going on to the people who've stood up and ask for their basic rights". He concluded: "It's cheap PR, right?" Some influencers living in Neom have been approached for comment. Futuristic city Neom is to be an unbelievable futuristic city across 26,000 sqft on the Red Sea and will include smaller projects like Some infrastructure in the plans includes floating buildings, as well as ultra-luxurious holiday and ski resorts. 19 The anticipated cost of delivering the gargantuan scheme is reported to have spiralled Credit: Rise 19 Neom continues to fall chronically behind schedule Credit: Neom 19 Sci-fi ideas from levitating trains to an artificial moon are reported to have been among the features of the project Credit: Rise But even after eight years, little progress has been made. And the project has been the subject of a number of controversies. One former employee has shared their story of working at the gigaproject with The Sun, shedding light on the atrocities taking place behind Neom's doors. Rights organisations have long blasted the Saudi regime's record on workers' welfare, with a recent Human Rights Watch report detailing the "gruesome yet avoidable" deaths faced by many migrant workers. The advocacy group mentions that some workers died falling Human Rights Watch researcher Joey Shea told The Sun: "Unfortunately, migrant workers in Saudi Arabia continue to face widespread abuses, some of which may amount to situations of forced labour, including at high-profile gigaprojects. 19 Many experts have questioned the viability of the proposals Credit: @neom / instagram 19 Widespread problems with workers' rights have been reported across these projects Credit: AFP "On Neom, Human Rights Watch has found that ambitious targets set by Saudi authorities have tight and unrealistic deadlines which can lead employers to demand that workers continue to work under dangerous conditions. "Migrant workers in Saudi Arabia experience illegal and exorbitant recruitment fees, limits to job mobility, obstacles exiting the country, as well as serious health and safety risks." Michael, whose name has been changed to protect his identity, told The Sun that the project is unlikely to be anywhere near complete before 2055. Talking about delays, Michael said: "From the very beginning, Neom had a very long timeline. "There were certain objectives they wanted to achieve by 2030, but most of the leadership were aware of a longer timeframe." Michael said Neom's management has "overspent quite a bit" since its announcement. He says: "They were focusing on way too many things at the same time. "They just wanted everything at the highest level possible. The biggest entertainment complex in the world. The biggest media studio in the region. "No matter how much money you throw at the thing, it takes more than just money to make it work." The much hyped project, aided by an aggressive social media marketing campaign, has sought to big up Neom as a vision of futuristic city living. Sci-fi ideas from features of the project. But Neom continues to fall chronically behind schedule, with many of its most ambitious projects still looking like a distant dream. Top 5 blunders plaguing NEOM project By Juliana Cruz Lima, Foreign News Reporter Saudi Arabia's NEOM project, despite its ambitious vision, has been criticized for several major blunders that have raised concerns about its feasibility, ethics, and overall execution. Here are the top five major blunders associated with the project: Forced Displacement of Indigenous Communities : One of the most significant controversies surrounding NEOM is the forced displacement of the Huwaitat tribe. This indigenous community, which has lived in the area for centuries, was forcibly removed from their ancestral lands to make way for the development of the mega-city. The Saudi government's crackdown on those who resisted, including the killing of a tribal leader, Abdul Rahim al-Howeiti, has drawn widespread condemnation from human rights organisations. This blunder not only sparked international outrage but also tainted NEOM's image as a forward-thinking, humane project. Environmental Impact and Sustainability Concerns : NEOM has been marketed as an environmentally sustainable city, but the environmental impact of such a massive development is a major concern. The project's scale—covering over 26,500 square kilometers—poses significant risks to local ecosystems, particularly in the Red Sea, which is home to rich marine biodiversity. Critics argue that the construction of artificial islands and extensive urbanisation could lead to irreversible ecological damage. The enormous water and energy demands required to maintain a green city in the desert also raise questions about the project's sustainability. Economic Viability and Cost Overruns : NEOM is one of the most expensive development projects in history. But there are serious doubts about its economic viability. Critics question whether the project can attract the necessary foreign investment and whether it will generate sufficient returns to justify the enormous expenditure. The economic risks are further compounded by potential cost overruns and delays, which are common in megaprojects of this scale. This financial gamble has led some to worry that NEOM could become a costly white elephant if it fails to meet its ambitious goals. Technological Overreach and Ethical Concerns : NEOM is envisioned as a high-tech city, heavily reliant on artificial intelligence, robotics, and extensive surveillance systems. While this technological ambition is central to NEOM's identity, it also raises significant ethical concerns. The level of surveillance planned for the city could lead to unprecedented control over residents' lives, sparking fears about privacy and civil liberties. The lack of transparency about how AI will be used, coupled with concerns about job displacement, has also led to criticism that NEOM's technological vision may be more dystopian than utopian. Cultural and Social Disconnect : NEOM's vision of a futuristic, liberalized society clashes sharply with Saudi Arabia's deeply conservative cultural norms. The project plans to introduce mixed-gender sports, entertainment events, and other liberal lifestyle elements that are rare in the kingdom. This cultural shift has raised concerns about a potential clash between NEOM's globalised vision and the traditional values of Saudi society. The disconnect between the project's ambitions and the broader cultural context has led to skepticism about whether NEOM can truly integrate into Saudi Arabia's social fabric without causing significant friction.
Arab Times
09-06-2025
- Politics
- Arab Times
Kuwait Amir congratulates Saudi King, Crown Prince on Hajj success
KUWAIT CITY, June 9: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah sent a cable of congratulations to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, commending the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on the successful organization of the 1446 Hajj season. His Highness the Amir lauded the outstanding efforts of the Saudi leadership and government institutions, especially the Ministry of Interior and other relevant sectors, for their dedicated service to pilgrims from around the world. He praised the continuous development of the holy sites and the integration of advanced technologies and smart services, which significantly contributed to facilitating the performance of Hajj rites. His Highness the Amir also highlighted the distinguished roles of Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, Advisor to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, Governor of the Makkah Region, and Head of the Central Hajj Committee, and Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Nayef Al-Saud, Minister of Interior and President of the Supreme Hajj Committee, for their exemplary coordination and leadership. He prayed to Almighty Allah to accept the pilgrims' good deeds and to grant Saudi Arabia and its people continued progress and prosperity under its wise leadership. His Highness the Amir also sent a separate cable to Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, congratulating him on the Kingdom's success in organizing this year's Hajj. He commended the Kingdom's use of modern technologies and comprehensive services to ensure a safe, seamless, and spiritually fulfilling pilgrimage. His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al- Sabah sent similar cables to both Saudi King Salman and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, praising the Kingdom's tireless efforts and organisation. He also extended appreciation to Prince Khaled Al-Faisal and Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud for their vital roles in ensuring the comfort and safety of millions of pilgrims. His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah sent congratulatory cables to both King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, lauding their leadership and the Kingdom's effective planning and execution during the pilgrimage. Kuwaiti First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah also sent a cable to Saudi Interior Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud, applauding the efforts of Saudi security forces in ensuring a smooth, secure, and peaceful Hajj season. Meanwhile, Kuwait's Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs Dr. Mohammad Al-Wasmi congratulated Saudi Arabia on its successful management of this year's Hajj, praising the comprehensive care extended to pilgrims and the Kingdom's commitment to their safety, comfort, and smooth movement. In a statement to KUNA, Dr. Al- Wasmi also commended Kuwait's own Hajj mission, noting the successful execution of operations and thanking campaign organisers for their cooperation in serving Kuwaiti pilgrims. For his part, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Islamic Affairs and Head of Kuwait's Hajj Mission, Bader Al-Mutairi, praised the outstanding organisation and high-quality services provided by Kuwaiti Hajj campaigns. Following an inspection visit to campaign headquarters in Mina, Al- Mutairi noted the dedication of mission teams working around the clock to ensure pilgrims' comfort. He also expressed appreciation for the cooperation extended by Saudi authorities, which greatly facilitated the mission's efforts. (KUNA)
Express Tribune
08-06-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Ayaz Sadiq thanks Saudi crown prince for support to Pakistan during 'difficult times'
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman hosts a luncheon in honour of Muslim leaders visiting the Kingdom to perform Hajj on June 8, 2025. Photo: National Assembly of Pakistan/X Listen to article National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Makkah on Sunday, where he thanked the kingdom for its consistent support to Pakistan during challenging periods. According to a statement from the NA Secretariat, the meeting took place during a royal luncheon hosted by the crown prince for Muslim leaders in the kingdom for the Hajj pilgrimage. Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori was also present at the event. سعودی ولی عہد شہزادہ محمد بن سلمان کی جانب سے حج بیت اللّٰہ کے لئے آئے مسلم رہنماؤں کے اعزاز میں ظہرانہ ظہرانے میں سپیکر قومی اسمبلی سردار ایاز صادق کی شرکت سپیکر قومی اسمبلی کی ظہرانے کے دوران سعودی ولی عہد سے ملاقات سعودی ولی عہد کا عالم اسلام کو درپیش چیلنجز حل کرنے کے عزم… — National Assembly 🇵🇰 (@NAofPakistan) June 8, 2025 During his conversation with the Saudi leader, Sadiq acknowledged Riyadh's longstanding diplomatic and economic backing. "Saudi Arabia has always stood by Pakistan during difficult times," Sadiq said. "We are grateful for the kingdom's leadership's clear stance on matters concerning Pakistan." The crown prince reaffirmed his commitment to working together with Muslim nations to address the common challenges facing the Islamic world.
