Saudi Arabia is hell bent on building futuristic cities... Will it succeed?
May 16, 2024
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Exploring Saudi Arabia's ambitious Neom project to build The Line, a city with sustainable living and advanced technology. Discussing challenges like financial struggles, environmental concerns, and human rights issues hindering the futuristic city plans.
Saudi Arabia plans to build a 3D linear city called the Line, part of the Niam project, focusing on futuristic living experiences.
Saudi Arabia's heavy reliance on oil poses economic risks, financial concerns, human rights controversies, and environmental impacts complicate the success of Niam.
Deep dives
Saudi Arabia's Vision for the Line and Niam
Saudi Arabia plans to build an innovative city called the Line as part of the futuristic hub Niam. The Line will consist of a 3D linear city spanning 170 km, where 9 million residents will have everything within a 5-minute walk. This sustainable city will have no roads, cars, or fossil fuel-powered electricity, with advanced features like high-speed subways, robotic services, and a 500-meter mirror glass. Niam aims to be a tech-driven region promoting zero carbon emissions and futuristic living experiences, attracting tourists with unique offerings like glow-in-the-dark beaches and robotic dinosaurs.
Challenges and Concerns Surrounding Saudi's Economic Diversification Efforts
Despite Saudi Arabia's ambitions to diversify its economy through projects like Niam, challenges loom large. The country's heavy reliance on oil poses economic risks due to price fluctuations and geopolitical factors. Past attempts at economic diversification, like developing economic cities, faced setbacks, raising doubts about the success of Niam. Financial concerns, human rights controversies, and environmental impacts, such as potential harm to migratory birds, further complicate Saudi's journey towards economic transformation and sustainable development.
In today’s episode for 16th May 2024, we talk about Neom, Saudi Arabia’s dream infrastructure project and see why it’s being labelled as an idea that’s doomed to fail.
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