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32 INTERNATIONAL AWEMainta Diabierna, 3 November 2023
Controversial Neom Project Progresses Amidst Ambitious Vision
THE vast expanse of Saudi Arabia, a grand vision is mate- Neom’s goal is to transform a sandy desert landscape into
rializing – the creation of a futuristic metropolis known as a lush green oasis. Along The Line, additional trees will
Neom. This city of the future, 33 times the size of New York, be planted, and artificial rain will be used to nurture the
is a bold endeavor that promises to redefine urban living in flora. At night, a massive artificial moon will illuminate the
unprecedented ways. metropolis, while the coastline will feature glow-in-the-dark
Imagine a city that stretches in a straight line for 170 kilo- sand, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. Furthermore, Neom
meters, free from conventional streets and automobiles. has ambitious plans for the world’s largest coral reef and
Instead, Neom’s centerpiece, aptly named “The Line,” a Jurassic Park-inspired island teeming with robotic dino-
features an underground hydrogen-powered train, providing saurs to captivate its residents and visitors.
an eco-friendly alternative to traditional transit systems.
While this might sound like a plot from a science fiction However, the project has not been without its share of
movie, it is the reality that began taking shape in 2021. controversy. Local residents have been forcibly relocated,
and several prominent figures distanced themselves from
Neom, a fusion of the Greek word “néos” (new) and the the endeavor following the murder of government critic
Arabic word “mustaqbal” (future), was unveiled in 2017 as Jamal Khashoggi by Saudi agents. Human rights organiza-
a groundbreaking urban development project. It promises tions have criticized Neom, viewing it as an attempt to divert
to be a pioneering metropolis, living up to its name. attention from the country’s poor human rights record.
What sets The Line apart is its unwavering commitment to Nonetheless, the first steps towards Neom have already
sustainability. Saudi Arabia aims to create a city that runs been taken. The relentless effort to move mountains of
entirely on 100% renewable energy derived from sources sand to accommodate the underground infrastructure is
such as solar, wind, and hydrogen. Neom will also be an underway, though it remains a colossal undertaking that will
automotive-free zone, ensuring that residents are never require time and resources. When the Saudi Crown Prince
more than a five-minute walk from their workplaces, schools, proclaimed Neom as the “most ambitious project in the
hobbies, and shopping. An underground train system will world,” he was not exaggerating.
connect different city sectors, making travel convenient and As Neom continues to unfold, the world watches with bated
eco-friendly. Artificial intelligence is set to play a significant breath, curious to see whether this audacious vision will
role, with holograms replacing physical teachers in a move become a reality, or remain a futuristic dream that sparks
toward more tech-savvy education. both enthusiasm and controversy in equal measure.
