Megacity on the Red Sea: construction work for Neom has started

Neom: This is the name of the new mega project of the Saudi ruling family.
On an area of ​​26,500 square meters – an area larger than Mecklenburg Vorpommern – a huge city is to be built in the coming years.
The $ 500 billion project will span three countries: Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Egypt.
The first work on the heart of Neom has now begun, as “Travelbook” reports: “The Line” is to be a 170-kilometer car-free string of small communities. All important shops should be within 5 minutes’ walking distance for residents. Alternative underground means of transport should connect the city. The goal is to establish a nature-loving, novel concept of a big city.
Neom is said to be self-sufficient with solar technology and wind turbines. In addition, the city should benefit from an independent economic zone with its own laws from 2025.
50 artificial islands in the Red Sea, 50 luxury resorts on the sandy beach coast, as well as liberal legislation with regard to concealment and alcohol consumption is intended to attract millions of tourists to the region.
Despite the commendable goals, the Prestige project is controversial. The reason is the incorporation of the Egyptian islands of Tiran and Sanafir into the Saudi mega-project. The environmental impact of the 50 artificial islands is also controversial.
Around 20,000 members of the Howeitat indigenous tribe will be driven from their homeland for the construction.