Saudi Arabia's ambitious Neom
Championed by Crown Prince Mohammed Ben Salman (MBS) to diversify the national economy and attract wealthy expatriates, the Neom project is a futuristic megapolis in the west of the country. At the heart of this futuristic city is The Line, a "smart", eco-friendly and self-sufficient city. Still under construction, The Line aims to be a mirror of the future. The city consists of gigantic "mirror buildings" designed to be environmentally responsible. The Line would operate without cars, using 100% renewable energy.
On paper, Neom has nothing but benefits. The megalopolis offers wealthy foreign investors unique homes at prices that rival those in Jeddah, the country's second-largest city. Luxury properties generate over a million dollars (3.67 million Saudi dirhams). Like Jeddah, Neom is expected to become the new stronghold for wealthy expatriates. The futuristic city may even dethrone the country's second-largest city. Among expatriates interested in real estate investment in Neom, 42% claim to be tempted by a wealthy property in The Line. However, 19% prefer to invest in Sindalah, the artificial island of super-luxury (part of the Neom project).
But while the government likes to tout the benefits of its real estate megaprojects intended for expats, it is quieter about their excessive financial costs. Neom is estimated to cost $500 billion, financed by the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF). Earlier this year, MBS himself recalled the cost of the first phase of The Line: nearly $335 billion. All the more reason for skeptics to worry about future phases, especially since foreign investors are said to be fewer than expected.
Contrary to the state's initial estimates, only 300,000 people will be able to live in The Line by 2030. That's a far cry from the announced 1.5 million. The reason given is the titanic size of the project, which is taking longer than expected. By 2030, only 2.4 kilometers of The Line will have been completed, instead of the 170 kilometers estimated. Nevertheless, the government continues to support Neom financially, even if it means losing 2% of GDP in the budget deficit. Launched in 2016, Neom is one of the pillars of Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia's ambitious economic and social plan.
20 other ambitious real estate projects revolve around Neom. So there's no question of backtracking. MSB is determined to make his country the new El Dorado for wealthy expatriates.
