NEOM is a key part of Saudi Arabia’s green rebranding

Significance

NEOM is a futuristic smart urban centre and tourism hub in north-western Saudi Arabia. The official rhetoric associated with the launch of NEOM emphasises the project’s environmental sustainability. It is the flagship for Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s desire to rebrand the kingdom as being at the forefront of the global transition to a zero-carbon future.

Impacts

• Major technology investors could create thousands of jobs for Saudi Arabia’s predominantly young population.
• Tens of thousands of foreign workers will be required for the construction phase and to staff industries and service centres.
• The influx of people and machinery to a sparsely populated area will have a negative impact on the environment.