Latest news with #Project2030
Forbes
6 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
Why Your Company's Future Depends On Thinking Like A Disruptor Today
What's your Project 2030? And what's the first bold move you're making next week to build it? Too many leaders are still looking at 2026 through the lens of 2025. That's incrementalism. Safe. Predictable. And it's the fast lane to irrelevance. Let me challenge you to flip your perspective. Start with 2030. Project what the world could look like if your industry was radically transformed. Now ask: what would you have to do in 2028, 2027, 2026 to get there? Vinod Khosla, legendary venture capitalist and founder of Khosla Ventures, puts it bluntly: by 2030, AI will have reshaped industries across the board. From healthcare to automotive, entertainment to national defense, the cost structures, workforce dynamics, and business models we know today will be unrecognizable. That vision is a wake-up call. Khosla's challenge? Stop working forward. Start architecting backward from the world you want to lead. Because here's the truth: disruption is already happening. Healthcare is on the verge of becoming an AI-driven service economy. Entertainment will be dominated by AI-native creators. Nations are already building sovereign AI infrastructure to protect their autonomy. This is what happens when you stop incrementing and start thinking like a disruptor. This isn't just about tech. It's about leadership. You can wait for transformation to come to you. Or you can create it. In every industry, someone will step up and drive costs down, quality up, and rewire the value chain. That person needs to be you. Don't just assign this to an innovation team with a mandate to impress the board. Build a portfolio of high-impact, high-upside experiments. 10 projects. Half a percent of market cap each. If nine fail and one hits, you redefine your category. Here's how to build your Project 2030 plan: Remember: Most companies fall out of the Fortune 500 not because the tech wasn't there, but because they couldn't let go of old assumptions. The rate of churn is accelerating. Khosla predicts up to 50% of today's Fortune 500 could be gone by 2035. You want to stay in the game? Build a Project 2030 vision. Align your org around it. Start from where the world is going. Not from where you are. This is your call to co-elevate, to lead without authority, to disrupt yourself before someone else does. So ask yourself: what's your Project 2030? And what's the first bold move you're making next week to build it?
India.com
19-07-2025
- Business
- India.com
Bad news for Saudi Prince Mohammed bin Salman's dream project, sources say 1000..., it's 20 percent...
New Delhi: Saudi Arabia's dream project Neom City seems to be in trouble. Semaphore reported in its report on Friday, July 18 that Neom is considering laying off 1,000 employees. This is 20 percent of the total employees working on this project. This shows that the Saudi Arabian government is downsizing its mega project. What is the issue with Neom? Semaphore has reported that Neom is considering layoffs as part of a comprehensive change. Under this, more than 1,000 employees may leave Neom's site on the northwestern Red Sea coast and transfer to Riyadh. The report also said that these plans have not been finalized yet. There may be further changes in them. This report by Semaphore is the latest in a series of articles. This shows that the Saudi Arabian government is curbing its ambitions in the case of Neom. Neom aims to turn Saudi Arabia's Red Sea coast into a 170-km-long city called The Line and an industrial park. What does Neom signify? Neom is made up of a mixture of the Greek word Neos (new) and the Arabic word Mustaqbal (future), here, Neom means 'new future'. It is part of Mohammed bin Salman's Project 2030 (Saudi Vision 2030/ Vision 2030). The city of Neom will be spread over 2,63,000 hectares. Through this, Mohammed bin Salman aims to reduce the dependence of the Saudi economy on oil. Why is the project under scrutiny? Before Semaphore, Bloomberg has recently reported in one of its reports that Saudi Arabia has asked several consulting firms to review the feasibility of 'The Line'. The Financial Times claimed earlier this year that Saudi Arabia has launched a comprehensive review of Neom because of the many questions surrounding it. The viability of Neom has long been a subject of debate. There are doubts, especially among investors who feel Saudi Arabia is unlikely to attract people to live in this futuristic remote city. Neom is currently being funded by Saudi Arabia's $1 trillion Public Investment Fund (PIF). However, the project has faced setbacks due to limited interest from foreign investors.
The Irish Sun
18-05-2025
- Business
- The Irish Sun
Inside Saudi's blood-soaked $8.8TRILLION Neom megacity project plagued by death & chaos as it grinds to humiliating halt
WHEN Saudi Arabia revealed its ambitious $500billion megacity project, set to be a glittering jewel in the heart of the country's desert, the world marvelled. But the Advertisement 10 NEOM is envisaged as a futuristic city in the desert Credit: @neom / instagram 10 The project has been plagued by delays and setbacks Credit: NEOM 10 NEOM was announced as part of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman's Project 2030 in 2017 Credit: @neom / instagram 10 The anticipated cost of delivering the gargantuan scheme is reported to have spiralled Credit: Rise 10 NEOM will be a futuristic city across 26,000 sqft on the Red Sea and will include smaller projects Stunning concept art gave a taste of what was to come, from floating structures to luxury holiday and ski resorts, but eight years on and not much progress has been made. The daring project has been plagued by setbacks and controversy ever since the first construction workers descended into the sprawling dunes. Advertisement read more world news The anticipated cost of delivering the gargantuan scheme is reported to have spiralled from $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. As many as 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. Advertisement Most read in The US Sun Live Blog Exclusive 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 die 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. "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. Advertisement "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." Advertisement 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." Advertisement 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 But NEOM continues to fall chronically behind schedule, with many of its most ambitious projects still looking like a distant dream. Speaking exclusively to The Sun, the former employee described the work culture at NEOM. Advertisement 10 NEOM continues to fall chronically behind schedule Credit: NEOM 10 Sci-fi ideas from levitating trains to an artificial moon are reported to have been among the features of the project Credit: Rise 10 Many experts have questioned the viability of the proposals Credit: @neom / instagram He said: "When I started doing the project, I talked to some people and said that it's absolutely crazy. Advertisement "Then my Saudi friend told me that in this region, things tend to not be the way they seem. In reality, you never know what's going on in the highest echelons of power." NEOM brands itself as the "future of urban living", aimed at providing sustainable living with 100% renewable energy. One of the flagship proposals in the project is The Line - a single-building high-tech "city" that would house nine million people in just 34 square kilometres. Located deep in the desert, NEOM's construction has also seen horrifying reports of forced displacement of tribal villagers from to make way for construction. Advertisement Those who resisted suffered a brutal crackdown, which has drawn furious condemnation from human rights groups. A report into the matter by Saudi human rights group ALQST reads: "The NEOM project, which has been mired in secrecy from the start and marked by serious rights violations, shows the extent to which the Saudi authorities are prepared to proceed with planned projects at the expense of local inhabitants." Julia Legner, executive director at ALQST for human rights, told The Sun: "While the project faces reported delays and downsizing, the human rights concerns remain as pressing as ever. "These include widespread labour rights abuses and uninvestigated worker deaths, and the continued imprisonment of dozens of local inhabitants who peacefully opposed their forced displacement. Advertisement "At this critical juncture, companies involved—or considering involvement—must carefully assess the situation and take appropriate action to avoid complicity in these ongoing abuses." Many experts have questioned the viability of the proposals, and Michael is sceptical they will ever be realised. "Maybe the idea of The Line and robot cops is a very expensive marketing ploy. But it's worked," he said. "So what if it's going to be scaled back? They've achieved their objective. It's put Saudi Arabia on the map. Advertisement "Even if NEOM just becomes a small tourist resort with some hotel and villas, that would already be seen as a massive success." Saudi Arabia has invested vast sums in prestige building projects across the country over the past decade. This isn't just limited to NEOM, with plans to build the world's tallest building in Jeddah and numerous stadiums for the 2034 FIFA World Cup also well underway. 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. But widespread problems with workers' rights have been reported across these projects, with Human Rights Watch blasting a "blatant failure to protect migrant workers" in the country. Advertisement "These abuses are enabled by Saudi Arabia's kafala, or labour sponsorship, system that ties the legal status of migrant workers to their respective sponsors," the group says. An Amnesty International spokesperson told The Sun: 'With projects like NEOM Saudi Arabia is trying to present a glitzy, futuristic vision of the country, but this should not come at the expense of human rights. 'Governments supporting investment in the project have a clear obligation to ensure they are not contributing to human rights violations and all investors, and companies involved in NEOM have a responsibility to carry out necessary due diligence checks to identify, prevent and address human rights abuses. "No vision of the future can justify trampling on human rights today.' Advertisement But Michael believes the country is ultimately "heading in the right direction", noting the lifting of a ban on women driving and reduction in policing of religion. "NEOM is an incredibly interesting business story. It's a big story in how big projects sometimes fail," Michael said. The Saudi embassy in London and NEOM were contacted for comment. 10 Widespread problems with workers' rights have been reported across these projects Credit: NEOM Advertisement 10 It remains unclear when NEOM will finally be completed Credit: NEOM
Scottish Sun
18-05-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Inside Saudi's blood-soaked $8.8TRILLION Neom megacity project plagued by death & chaos as it grinds to humiliating halt
A worker spoke exclusively to The Sun about the horrors of the project, with over 21,000 labourers now said to have died DESERT DISASTER ZONE Inside Saudi's blood-soaked $8.8TRILLION Neom megacity project plagued by death & chaos as it grinds to humiliating halt Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) WHEN Saudi Arabia revealed its ambitious $500billion megacity project, set to be a glittering jewel in the heart of the country's desert, the world marvelled. But the Middle Eastern nation's NEOM project - which would see a high-tech utopia built from scratch near the country's border with Jordan - has long been cursed as one worker reveals all. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 10 NEOM is envisaged as a futuristic city in the desert Credit: @neom / instagram 10 The project has been plagued by delays and setbacks Credit: NEOM 10 NEOM was announced as part of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman's Project 2030 in 2017 Credit: @neom / instagram 10 The anticipated cost of delivering the gargantuan scheme is reported to have spiralled Credit: Rise 10 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. NEOM will be a futuristic city across 26,000 sqft on the Red Sea and will include smaller projects The Line, Oxagon, Trojena, Sindalah and the Gulf of Aqaba Projects. Stunning concept art gave a taste of what was to come, from floating structures to luxury holiday and ski resorts, but eight years on and not much progress has been made. The daring project has been plagued by setbacks and controversy ever since the first construction workers descended into the sprawling dunes. The anticipated cost of delivering the gargantuan scheme is reported to have spiralled from $500bn (£386bn) estimate to a head-spinning $8.8 trillion (£6.8 trillion), according to The New Civil Engineer. 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. As many as 21,000 are reported to have died during construction on various sections of NEOM, although Saudi authorities have disputed this figure. 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 die falling from buildings, by electrocution, and even decapitation. 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. "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 levitating trains to an artificial moon are reported to have been among the 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. Speaking exclusively to The Sun, the former employee described the work culture at NEOM. 10 NEOM continues to fall chronically behind schedule Credit: NEOM 10 Sci-fi ideas from levitating trains to an artificial moon are reported to have been among the features of the project Credit: Rise 10 Many experts have questioned the viability of the proposals Credit: @neom / instagram He said: "When I started doing the project, I talked to some people and said that it's absolutely crazy. "Then my Saudi friend told me that in this region, things tend to not be the way they seem. In reality, you never know what's going on in the highest echelons of power." NEOM brands itself as the "future of urban living", aimed at providing sustainable living with 100% renewable energy. One of the flagship proposals in the project is The Line - a single-building high-tech "city" that would house nine million people in just 34 square kilometres. Located deep in the desert, NEOM's construction has also seen horrifying reports of forced displacement of tribal villagers from to make way for construction. Those who resisted suffered a brutal crackdown, which has drawn furious condemnation from human rights groups. A report into the matter by Saudi human rights group ALQST reads: "The NEOM project, which has been mired in secrecy from the start and marked by serious rights violations, shows the extent to which the Saudi authorities are prepared to proceed with planned projects at the expense of local inhabitants." Julia Legner, executive director at ALQST for human rights, told The Sun: "While the project faces reported delays and downsizing, the human rights concerns remain as pressing as ever. "These include widespread labour rights abuses and uninvestigated worker deaths, and the continued imprisonment of dozens of local inhabitants who peacefully opposed their forced displacement. "At this critical juncture, companies involved—or considering involvement—must carefully assess the situation and take appropriate action to avoid complicity in these ongoing abuses." Many experts have questioned the viability of the proposals, and Michael is sceptical they will ever be realised. "Maybe the idea of The Line and robot cops is a very expensive marketing ploy. But it's worked," he said. "So what if it's going to be scaled back? They've achieved their objective. It's put Saudi Arabia on the map. "Even if NEOM just becomes a small tourist resort with some hotel and villas, that would already be seen as a massive success." Saudi Arabia has invested vast sums in prestige building projects across the country over the past decade. This isn't just limited to NEOM, with plans to build the world's tallest building in Jeddah and numerous stadiums for the 2034 FIFA World Cup also well underway. 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. But widespread problems with workers' rights have been reported across these projects, with Human Rights Watch blasting a "blatant failure to protect migrant workers" in the country. "These abuses are enabled by Saudi Arabia's kafala, or labour sponsorship, system that ties the legal status of migrant workers to their respective sponsors," the group says. An Amnesty International spokesperson told The Sun: 'With projects like NEOM Saudi Arabia is trying to present a glitzy, futuristic vision of the country, but this should not come at the expense of human rights. 'Governments supporting investment in the project have a clear obligation to ensure they are not contributing to human rights violations and all investors, and companies involved in NEOM have a responsibility to carry out necessary due diligence checks to identify, prevent and address human rights abuses. "No vision of the future can justify trampling on human rights today.' But Michael believes the country is ultimately "heading in the right direction", noting the lifting of a ban on women driving and reduction in policing of religion. "NEOM is an incredibly interesting business story. It's a big story in how big projects sometimes fail," Michael said. The Saudi embassy in London and NEOM were contacted for comment. 10 Widespread problems with workers' rights have been reported across these projects Credit: NEOM
The Sun
18-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Inside Saudi's blood-soaked $8.8TRILLION Neom megacity project plagued by death & chaos as it grinds to humiliating halt
WHEN Saudi Arabia revealed its ambitious $500billion megacity project, set to be a glittering jewel in the heart of the country's desert, the world marvelled. But the Middle Eastern nation's NEOM project - which would see a high-tech utopia built from scratch near the country's border with Jordan - has long been cursed as one worker reveals all. 10 10 10 10 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. NEOM will be a futuristic city across 26,000 sqft on the Red Sea and will include smaller projects The Line, Oxagon, Trojena, Sindalah and the Gulf of Aqaba Projects. Stunning concept art gave a taste of what was to come, from floating structures to luxury holiday and ski resorts, but eight years on and not much progress has been made. The daring project has been plagued by setbacks and controversy ever since the first construction workers descended into the sprawling dunes. The anticipated cost of delivering the gargantuan scheme is reported to have spiralled from $500bn (£386bn) estimate to a head-spinning $8.8 trillion (£6.8 trillion), according to The New Civil Engineer. 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. As many as 21,000 are reported to have died during construction on various sections of NEOM, although Saudi authorities have disputed this figure. 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 die falling from buildings, by electrocution, and even decapitation. 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. "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 levitating trains to an artificial moon are reported to have been among the 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. Speaking exclusively to The Sun, the former employee described the work culture at NEOM. 10 10 10 He said: "When I started doing the project, I talked to some people and said that it's absolutely crazy. "Then my Saudi friend told me that in this region, things tend to not be the way they seem. In reality, you never know what's going on in the highest echelons of power." NEOM brands itself as the "future of urban living", aimed at providing sustainable living with 100% renewable energy. One of the flagship proposals in the project is The Line - a single-building high-tech "city" that would house nine million people in just 34 square kilometres. Located deep in the desert, NEOM's construction has also seen horrifying reports of forced displacement of tribal villagers from to make way for construction. Those who resisted suffered a brutal crackdown, which has drawn furious condemnation from human rights groups. A report into the matter by Saudi human rights group ALQST reads: "The NEOM project, which has been mired in secrecy from the start and marked by serious rights violations, shows the extent to which the Saudi authorities are prepared to proceed with planned projects at the expense of local inhabitants." Julia Legner, executive director at ALQST for human rights, told The Sun: "While the project faces reported delays and downsizing, the human rights concerns remain as pressing as ever. "These include widespread labour rights abuses and uninvestigated worker deaths, and the continued imprisonment of dozens of local inhabitants who peacefully opposed their forced displacement. "At this critical juncture, companies involved—or considering involvement—must carefully assess the situation and take appropriate action to avoid complicity in these ongoing abuses." Many experts have questioned the viability of the proposals, and Michael is sceptical they will ever be realised. "Maybe the idea of The Line and robot cops is a very expensive marketing ploy. But it's worked," he said. "So what if it's going to be scaled back? They've achieved their objective. It's put Saudi Arabia on the map. "Even if NEOM just becomes a small tourist resort with some hotel and villas, that would already be seen as a massive success." Saudi Arabia has invested vast sums in prestige building projects across the country over the past decade. This isn't just limited to NEOM, with plans to build the world's tallest building in Jeddah and numerous stadiums for the 2034 FIFA World Cup also well underway. 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. But widespread problems with workers' rights have been reported across these projects, with Human Rights Watch blasting a "blatant failure to protect migrant workers" in the country. "These abuses are enabled by Saudi Arabia's kafala, or labour sponsorship, system that ties the legal status of migrant workers to their respective sponsors," the group says. An Amnesty International spokesperson told The Sun: 'With projects like NEOM Saudi Arabia is trying to present a glitzy, futuristic vision of the country, but this should not come at the expense of human rights. 'Governments supporting investment in the project have a clear obligation to ensure they are not contributing to human rights violations and all investors, and companies involved in NEOM have a responsibility to carry out necessary due diligence checks to identify, prevent and address human rights abuses. "No vision of the future can justify trampling on human rights today.' But Michael believes the country is ultimately "heading in the right direction", noting the lifting of a ban on women driving and reduction in policing of religion. "NEOM is an incredibly interesting business story. It's a big story in how big projects sometimes fail," Michael said. The Saudi embassy in London and NEOM were contacted for comment. 10 10
