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NEOM: The Futuristic City of Saudi Arabia

Issued on: 07/04/2023

Text by: Global Networker Staff5 min

Al-Lawz Jabel Mountain, picture by Callie Chee

NEOM, the brainchild of His Royal Highness Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Chairman of the NEOM Company Board of Directors, is a futuristic city that promises to be cooler than the rest of GCC.

With a coastline length of 468 km, 41 islands to discover, and a land footprint almost the size of Belgium, NEOM is envisioned as a living laboratory for entrepreneurship, a home for an international community of dreamers and doers – set in breathtaking natural landscapes and driven by advanced disruptive technology. It is located in the temperate northwest of Saudi Arabia, offering sun-soaked beaches and snow-capped mountains, providing residents with enhanced livability while protecting 95% of the surrounding natural landscape.

NEOM’s unique location and design will reduce urban sprawl and enhance livability, supporting the Saudi Vision 2030. It is a special economic zone, with innovative work across multiple sectors that will diversify the Kingdom’s economy and offer solutions that other parts of the world can benefit from. NEOM’s distinct regions and sectors will be fueled by USD 500 billion from the Public Investment Fund of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and local and international investors.

Presentation of NEOM Project

One of the unique features of NEOM is its commitment to sustainability. The city is 100% powered by renewable energy, reducing its carbon footprint and promoting a circular economy. With its revolutionary design and futuristic outlook, NEOM is a testament to the vision of its founders.

NEOM’s CEO, Nadhmi Al-Nasr, has emphasized the importance of sustainability in the city’s development. He stated,

“While we seek to establish a turning point in our relationship with technology and the world around us, we need to remember that future generations will measure our success not only by what we achieve but also by how we achieve it. As NEOM grows, and the number of that sharing in our dream increases, this way of working needs to be defined and set out clearly so that everyone can understand it.”

The name NEOM is derived from two words, “neo”, meaning “new” in Ancient Greek and “Mustaqbal”, meaning “future” in Arabic. The name represents the cultural and civilizational dimension of the project, expressing the identity and symbolism of this dream project.

NEOM promises to be a game-changer in the world of sustainability and technology. Its commitment to renewable energy and innovation offers a glimpse into the future of urban living. As Nadhmi Al-Nasr said,

“If we are to solve the challenges of tomorrow, we must face them today, no matter how difficult they may seem. At NEOM, we are addressing some of the most pressing challenges facing humanity by bringing together a community of the brightest minds committed to reimagining what a sustainable future will look like in 20 to 30 years and building it today. We are redefining the future now. NEOM is open for business.”