Portrait of Mohammed bin Salman
Politician · organisation
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Mohammed bin Salman on NEOM

Visionary project champion (strong) Position evolved

TL;DR

Mohammed bin Salman views NEOM as the cornerstone of Saudi Arabia's post-oil future, embodying unparalleled technological and urban ambition.

Key Points

  • He announced the project on 24 October 2017 as part of Saudi Vision 2030 to reduce oil dependence and diversify the economy.

  • He personally proposed the radical concept for The Line, a 170km linear city, suggesting design alterations like flipping the width to two towers.

  • In 2023, he dismissed critics of the project's ambition, stating that they can keep saying it cannot be done while he keeps proving them wrong.

Summary

Mohammed bin Salman launched NEOM in October 2017 as a flagship project of Saudi Vision 2030, designed to diversify the economy away from oil dependency. He is the driving force and hands-on chair behind the massive arcology and planned city, which is intended to operate with an autonomous judicial system and unique tax and labor laws, separate from the existing governmental framework. He has consistently demonstrated strong belief in the project's transformative potential, viewing it as a demonstration of the Kingdom's will to set a new global agenda and be a hub for innovation and sustainable living.

Despite initial grand plans, including the 170-kilometer linear city The Line, the project has faced substantial scaling back after years of delays and cost overruns, with internal audits revealing extensive problems. The Crown Prince has, however, pushed back against critics who doubted the feasibility of the ambitious scale, asserting they will prove the doubters wrong. This evolution suggests a painful learning process, but the core intent remains to use NEOM to present a new, technologically advanced model for urbanism and environmental protection, even as the execution adjusts to realism.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mohammed bin Salman envisions NEOM as a radical, futuristic region on the Red Sea coast, powered by 100% renewable energy, designed to establish a new model for sustainable urban living and global innovation. He has stated it will operate independently to create efficiencies in city functions and attract global talent.

Yes, reports indicate the project has been substantially scaled back from its original multi-trillion-dollar ambitions following delays and cost overruns. While he previously dismissed doubters, the official adjustments suggest a move toward a more realistic, albeit significantly smaller, execution of the vision.

Mohammed bin Salman has met criticism regarding the project's feasibility with defiance, stating in 2023 that those who doubt the ambition should 'keep saying that,' as he will 'keep proving them wrong.' This reflects his strong personal commitment to the project despite external skepticism.

Sources4

* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.