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Miguel Jorge
WriterJournalist. I've spent more than half of my life writing about technology, science, and culture. Before landing here, I worked at Telefónica, Prisa, Globus Comunicación, Hipertextual, and Gizmodo. I'm part of Webedia's cross-section team.
Alba Mora
WriterAn established tech journalist, I entered the world of consumer tech by chance in 2018. In my writing and translating career, I've also covered a diverse range of topics, including entertainment, travel, science, and the economy.
The latest Neom news depict a picture that’s quite different from what many initially expected from this ambitious project in Saudi Arabia. The proposed futuristic city wants to be much more than just luxury hotels and towering skyscrapers. One key focus will be becoming a leading hub for artificial intelligence. Additionally, recent developments suggest the project will include a highly exclusive complex designed for a single individual.
A luxurious palace complex. The Neom megaproject is an ambitious $2 trillion initiative to transform Saudi Arabia’s economy and establish the country as a global leader in technology, innovation, and tourism. New satellite images recently emerged and revealed a mysterious architecture: the construction of a lavish palace on the Red Sea coast.
These images were captured in January by Maxar Technologies. They showcase an exclusive complex that includes private beaches, extensive gardens, a golf course, and up to 10 helipads.
It can only belong to one man. According to Business Insider, the palace will likely serve as a residence for Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Although there has been little discussion about the complex since the project began, satellite imagery aligns with earlier reports from Reuters in 2018. At that time, the news agency mentioned that the first contracts were awarded for the construction of up to five royal palaces in a region around 100 miles from Tabuk in Northwestern Saudi Arabia.
Neom: a megaproject with both promises and challenges. Neom is a key element of Crown Prince Mohammed’s modernization plan, which aims to diversify the Saudi economy and reduce its reliance on oil. The most ambitious initiative is The Line, a 110-mile-long vertical city envisioned as a futuristic model of sustainable urban development.
However, the project has encountered financial difficulties, environmental controversies, and human rights concerns, including reports of fatalities. Originally slated for completion in 2030, development has significantly slowed, leading to speculation that the project may be abandoned altogether. It’s currently estimated that only a 1.55-mile section, known as the Hidden Marina, may be completed by the original deadline.
A prince and his lifestyle. Business Insider reports that Crown Prince Mohammed is known for his extravagant lifestyle and extensive property portfolio. Among his most notable acquisitions are a $300 million chateau in the south of France and a $400 million superyacht.
The construction of a palace in Neom aligns with the level of opulence associated with him.
Neom: between ambition and reality. In the end, this monumental project represents Saudi Arabia’s most ambitious attempt to redefine its economic future and global image. However, challenges in its execution, a lack of foreign investment, and concerns over its environmental and social impact raise questions about its short-term viability.
The discovery of a private palace within the Neom megaproject raises further questions about its true nature. It casts doubt on whether this is a step toward the Saudi kingdom’s envisioned future or merely a symbol of excess and megalomania within a highly uncertain plan.
Images | Maxar Technologies
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