Saudi Arabia is reducing the scope of its ambitious Neom project, a futuristic city designed to operate solely on renewable energy. Initially planned as a cutting-edge urban development, Neom has faced repeated delays and budget increases. The city was also scheduled to host the 2029 Asian Winter Games, but the event has now been postponed amid ongoing challenges.
The scaled-back plans mark a shift in the kingdom’s approach to the megacity, which has been a central part of its Vision 2030 economic diversification strategy. Officials have yet to provide detailed updates on the revised timeline or the new scale of the project.
**Why this matters**
Neom was intended to showcase Saudi Arabia’s commitment to innovation and sustainability, positioning the country as a leader in futuristic urban development. Scaling back the project may impact investor confidence and the kingdom’s broader economic goals. Additionally, the postponement of the Asian Winter Games highlights the logistical and financial difficulties involved in hosting large-scale international events in emerging developments.
Source: NewsData