Neom : According to the report, the Saudi government has given the green light for extreme measures to ensure the clearance of the area for the ambitious project 10 May

Neom : According to the report, the Saudi government has given the green light for extreme measures to ensure the clearance of the area for the ambitious project.

Neom : Saudi Arabia

According to a former intelligence officer, Colonel Rabih Alenezi, country has given the green light to the use of deadly force in order to make space for the city, a groundbreaking smart city initiative led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The report states that Colonel Alenezi was tasked with relocating villagers to pave the way for ‘The Line’, which is a key part of the Neom project.

A protest against eviction turned tragic when one person lost their life due to a fatal gunshot. Despite numerous inquiries, both the Saudi government and Neom management have chosen to remain silent and have refrained from providing any comments on the matter.

The Line, a visionary concept for a car-free city that spans 200 meters in width and stretches 170 kilometers in length, has set out to transform the way we live in urban areas. Despite its ambitious goals, progress has been sluggish, with only 2.4 kilometers expected to be finished by 2030, according to a report by the BBC. While official government data states that around 6,000 individuals have been relocated to make way for this project, human rights organization ALQST believes that the actual number is even higher.

The BBC recently released satellite images revealing the destruction of three villages – al-Khuraybah, Sharma, and Gayal – to clear space for the development of the city. These villages were home to the Huwaitat tribe, who were branded as “rebels” by the government, according to Col Alenezi. He mentioned that Mohamed Bin Salman’s vision for Neom was the main reason behind the harsh treatment of the Huwaitat, leading him to seek refuge in the UK for safety.

What Exactly is Neom?

During a speech at a gathering in Jeddah in 2022, the crown prince expressed his excitement about ‘The Line’ project and shared his vision for the city, a vibrant city that will accommodate over nine million residents.

This groundbreaking megacity, touted as the “first-ever vertical city in zero-gravity,” is set to revolutionize urban living. With its impressive size of 26,500 square kilometers, stretching across the Aqaba Gulf and Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coastline, this ambitious project aims to create a city that is completely car-free, pollution-free, and carbon emissions-free. In fact, it is estimated to be a staggering 33 times larger than the bustling metropolis of New York City. Get ready to witness a new era of sustainable living and innovation!

The name inspired by the Greek word “Neo” meaning new and the Arabic word for “future,” highlights its forward-thinking ambitions. The city’s vision includes a unique vertical design, with two colossal buildings that will soar to a staggering height of 1,600 feet, stretching parallel for an impressive distance of 75 miles or 120 km. This architectural wonder, known as Neom, will span in a straight line from the Neom mountains all the way to the enchanting Red Sea.

The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) revealed in 2022 that the crown prince had initiated the building of ten palaces in the city with each one exceeding the size of a football field. According to project blueprints examined by WSJ, it was indicated that these luxurious homes might be valued at a staggering $400 million each, showcasing the grandeur planned for the city.