The Billion-Dollar Mega City
Recently,
Saudi Arabia has announced a slew of initiatives which is trying to enhance its
new image of being a reformist, modern Islamic country. Whether it is giving
citizenship to a female robot, allowing women to drive or Vision 2030 plan or
trying to open up the economy, the new Crown Prince is attempting to give a
makeover to Saudi Arabia's image. Just recently, the country had announced a
$500 billion city to be built on the Kingdom's Red Coast.
"The 26,500 square
kilometers zone, known as Neom, will focus on industries including energy and
water, biotechnology, food, advanced manufacturing and entertainment"
(Arab News). It is interesting to see the new direction the Kingdom is heading
in: more private investment and less government intervention. Expecting to turn
in more than 30,000 jobs, the government is also trying to diversify its economy,
by not only focusing on non-oil economic sectors but also tourism as the
country had announced a project to turn 50 of its islands into luxury resorts
back in August. With this media-driven aggressive image, would Saudi Arabia be
able to deliver on its promises? Let’s wait and find out!
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