In the remote northwest corner of Saudi Arabia, the vast and eerie silence of the desert envelops a traveler who has chosen to explore an audacious venture: Neom. For years, rumors of a trillion-dollar futuristic city being built atop these endless dunes have circulated, sparking both intrigue and skepticism. Undeterred by doubts about feasibility, the traveler embarks on a journey to uncover the truth and the reality behind this monumental project.
Neom, backed by the immense wealth of Saudi Arabia’s oil reserves, promises to transform the barren landscape into a flourishing urban oasis. There is an ongoing construction effort that is palpable even from afar. With the surrounding tranquility disrupted by the chorus of machinery, the traveler witnesses a staggering scale of activity, including fleets of dump trucks moving earth and resources that are reshaping the desert. However, the question remains: why would one attempt to build a futuristic city in such an inhospitable landscape?
Accompanied by Solom, whose deep familiarity with the desert is unparalleled, the traveler ventures away from the highways and into the heart of the sand. They discover not only the ambitious ventures of Neom but also the resilience of nomadic Bedouins, the original inhabitants of the region. Through Solom's eyes, the traveler learns about the traditional ways of living sustained by this desert's rich heritage, juxtaposing a stark modernity encroaching upon an ancient culture.
As the traveler immerses in the desert environment, evenings are spent under a canopy of stars, bonding over local cuisine like camel meat and learning about the age-old traditions practiced by the Bedouins. Solom shares stories of his upbringing and the conflicts between embracing modernity and maintaining a connection to his nomadic roots. These moments highlight the fragility of a lifestyle threatened by rapid development and cultural shifts.
The awe-inspiring scale of Neom becomes evident as the traveler explores its construction sites, particularly The Line—an enigmatic urban creation stretching 170 kilometers, powered by renewable energy and designed for a population of ten million. Observing the relentless excavation and engineering efforts reveals the ambition, if not the improbability, of the project.
Trojena, earmarked for luxury tourism and even skiing—an outrageous concept for a desert country—further emphasizes the ambition driving Neom. There, hopes swirl amidst smoke from the dynamite used to carve out lakes and ski slopes.
Amidst this modernization, the traveler meets with a group of Bedouins. They gather to share meals, stories, and reflections on both their past and the future being constructed around them. The discussions reveal a tension between nostalgia for a nomadic life and uncertainty about the changes that Neom heralds.
While some speak of seeing potential in the burgeoning tourism industry linked to Neom, others voice concerns about the displacement of their communities as villages are razed in the name of progress. Yet, respect for the Bedouin culture—and its role as a living link to history—remains a poignant theme, juxtaposing the relentless march of modernity.
Saudi Arabia's transition from an oil-based economy to more diversified industries drives the creation of Neom. Despite the historical success brought by oil, future demands dictate a need for drastic changes. With predictions placing peak oil demand within the decade, Neom aims to reinvent the kingdom's economic identity. By welcoming global investments and talent, the Saudi government hopes to establish itself not just as an oil powerhouse but as a leader in sustainability and technology.
While Neom represents hope for a burgeoning future, it also signifies significant risk and upheaval. The traveler learns of stories tied to resistance against displacement, violence, and local unrest—reminders of the troubling aspects of national development. The challenge lies in balancing ambition with respect for those whose lives are entwined with the land that is rapidly transforming around them.
Looking Forward
The juxtaposition of traditional Bedouin life and the ambitious projects of Neom paints a complex picture of a nation at a crossroads. As the traveler reflects under the vast desert skies, there is a realization that this monumental endeavor will undeniably alter the fabric of Saudi Arabia, creating both opportunities and challenges for its people.
The winds of change are swirling across this landscape, and beneath the stars, a kingdom is grappling with its future while honoring its rich past—a narrative still unfolding and resonant with the echoes of both history and hope.
Part 1/9:
Sleeping in the Heart of the Desert
In the remote northwest corner of Saudi Arabia, the vast and eerie silence of the desert envelops a traveler who has chosen to explore an audacious venture: Neom. For years, rumors of a trillion-dollar futuristic city being built atop these endless dunes have circulated, sparking both intrigue and skepticism. Undeterred by doubts about feasibility, the traveler embarks on a journey to uncover the truth and the reality behind this monumental project.
The Vision of Neom
Part 2/9:
Neom, backed by the immense wealth of Saudi Arabia’s oil reserves, promises to transform the barren landscape into a flourishing urban oasis. There is an ongoing construction effort that is palpable even from afar. With the surrounding tranquility disrupted by the chorus of machinery, the traveler witnesses a staggering scale of activity, including fleets of dump trucks moving earth and resources that are reshaping the desert. However, the question remains: why would one attempt to build a futuristic city in such an inhospitable landscape?
A Journey Through the Sands
Part 3/9:
Accompanied by Solom, whose deep familiarity with the desert is unparalleled, the traveler ventures away from the highways and into the heart of the sand. They discover not only the ambitious ventures of Neom but also the resilience of nomadic Bedouins, the original inhabitants of the region. Through Solom's eyes, the traveler learns about the traditional ways of living sustained by this desert's rich heritage, juxtaposing a stark modernity encroaching upon an ancient culture.
Experiencing Bedouin Life
Part 4/9:
As the traveler immerses in the desert environment, evenings are spent under a canopy of stars, bonding over local cuisine like camel meat and learning about the age-old traditions practiced by the Bedouins. Solom shares stories of his upbringing and the conflicts between embracing modernity and maintaining a connection to his nomadic roots. These moments highlight the fragility of a lifestyle threatened by rapid development and cultural shifts.
Witnessing the Construction of Tomorrow
Part 5/9:
The awe-inspiring scale of Neom becomes evident as the traveler explores its construction sites, particularly The Line—an enigmatic urban creation stretching 170 kilometers, powered by renewable energy and designed for a population of ten million. Observing the relentless excavation and engineering efforts reveals the ambition, if not the improbability, of the project.
Trojena, earmarked for luxury tourism and even skiing—an outrageous concept for a desert country—further emphasizes the ambition driving Neom. There, hopes swirl amidst smoke from the dynamite used to carve out lakes and ski slopes.
A Cultural Collision
Part 6/9:
Amidst this modernization, the traveler meets with a group of Bedouins. They gather to share meals, stories, and reflections on both their past and the future being constructed around them. The discussions reveal a tension between nostalgia for a nomadic life and uncertainty about the changes that Neom heralds.
While some speak of seeing potential in the burgeoning tourism industry linked to Neom, others voice concerns about the displacement of their communities as villages are razed in the name of progress. Yet, respect for the Bedouin culture—and its role as a living link to history—remains a poignant theme, juxtaposing the relentless march of modernity.
The Economic Imperative Behind Neom
Part 7/9:
Saudi Arabia's transition from an oil-based economy to more diversified industries drives the creation of Neom. Despite the historical success brought by oil, future demands dictate a need for drastic changes. With predictions placing peak oil demand within the decade, Neom aims to reinvent the kingdom's economic identity. By welcoming global investments and talent, the Saudi government hopes to establish itself not just as an oil powerhouse but as a leader in sustainability and technology.
The Promise and Peril of Change
Part 8/9:
While Neom represents hope for a burgeoning future, it also signifies significant risk and upheaval. The traveler learns of stories tied to resistance against displacement, violence, and local unrest—reminders of the troubling aspects of national development. The challenge lies in balancing ambition with respect for those whose lives are entwined with the land that is rapidly transforming around them.
Looking Forward
The juxtaposition of traditional Bedouin life and the ambitious projects of Neom paints a complex picture of a nation at a crossroads. As the traveler reflects under the vast desert skies, there is a realization that this monumental endeavor will undeniably alter the fabric of Saudi Arabia, creating both opportunities and challenges for its people.
Part 9/9:
The winds of change are swirling across this landscape, and beneath the stars, a kingdom is grappling with its future while honoring its rich past—a narrative still unfolding and resonant with the echoes of both history and hope.