The Mount Everest-sized Blunder of Neom Project: An Analysis of Challenges in Transforming Saudi Arabia’s Economy

Engineers working on the Neom construction project in Saudi Arabia encountered a major problem that was as large as Mt. Everest. Thousands of trucks and excavators had been working tirelessly for weeks, digging up millions of cubic meters of sand for the world’s largest construction project. However, a mistake occurred when workers accidentally dumped the dirt in the exact location where it was intended to create a water channel to the Red Sea. This led to a labor-intensive process of removing and relocating the dirt to form a new sand mountain nearby. This costly blunder served as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by the ambitious Neom project, from its inception to execution.

Despite facing criticism, Saudi Arabia remains committed to pushing forward with projects worth billions of dollars in Neom, an area being built from scratch that is roughly the size of Massachusetts. The flagship development, known as “The Line,” includes plans for two skyscrapers that would reach a length of 105 miles and house nine million people. This project symbolizes Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s vision to transform the kingdom’s economy and reduce its dependence on oil revenue.

However, several obstacles stand in the way of realizing this ambitious goal. With over 100,000 construction workers needing housing in an isolated desert location, obtaining necessary materials could drive up global prices and prove challenging due to logistical difficulties. The unique concept of “The Line,” which involves building a vertical city within twin skyscrapers, presents its own set of challenges, including concerns about living conditions within these structures and potential impacts on migrating birds.

The cost estimates for completing “The Line” alone have already exceeded $2 trillion, making it one of the most expensive urban development projects ever undertaken. Despite attempts to scale back initial phases and manage costs more effectively, funding for this ambitious endeavor remains an ongoing challenge due to its unprecedented scope and complexity. The risks involved in creating such an unprecedented linear city highlight