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Saudi Crown Prince Scales Back Troubled Neom Megacity Project

1/31/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia leads Neom and faces significant setbacks, with The Line envisioned as a 170 km megacity featuring two 500-meter skyscrapers.
Experts say the project is economically unfeasible and architecturally flawed.
Following delays and rising costs, officials plan to scale back Neom significantly.
Dr. Neil Quilliam of Chatham House says the crown prince's initial enthusiasm clouded judgment, causing embarrassment over the project's failure.

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Story summary

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia leads Neom and faces significant setbacks, with The Line envisioned as a 170 km megacity featuring two 500-meter skyscrapers.
Experts say the project is economically unfeasible and architecturally flawed.
Following delays and rising costs, officials plan to scale back Neom significantly.
Dr. Neil Quilliam of Chatham House says the crown prince's initial enthusiasm clouded judgment, causing embarrassment over the project's failure.