**Saudi Arabia's £390 Billion City: A Human Toll**

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Post on Nov 12, 2024

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Saudi Arabia's £390 Billion City: A Human Toll

Neom, Saudi Arabia's futuristic megacity, promises to be a utopia of technological marvels and economic prosperity. But beneath the shimmering facade of this £390 billion project lies a chilling reality: a human cost that's often overlooked.

The city, envisioned as a hub for innovation and a beacon of progress, is being built on a colossal scale. The construction of Neom, with its ambitious plans for flying taxis, robot butlers, and self-driving cars, requires a massive workforce. This is where the human toll starts to take shape.

The Reality Behind the Vision

While Neom boasts about its "human-centric" approach, reports suggest a stark contrast between the glitzy promotional material and the actual conditions on the ground. Workers, mostly from South Asia and Southeast Asia, are reportedly facing exploitative labor practices.

Long working hours, inadequate living conditions, and restricted movement are just some of the allegations. There's also the issue of wage theft and lack of proper safety precautions.

A Human Cost Ignored?

The Saudi government, in its bid to achieve its ambitious economic diversification goals, seems to be turning a blind eye to the human cost of Neom. While they tout the city as a symbol of progress, the reality is that it's built on the backs of workers who are denied basic rights and dignity.

The future of Neom is undoubtedly exciting, but it should not come at the expense of human rights. The city's success hinges on its ability to create a truly inclusive and sustainable ecosystem, one that prioritizes the well-being of all its inhabitants.

It's time to ask: Can Neom be a true utopia if its foundation is built on exploitation?

Let's not forget the human face behind the gleaming facade. The dream of a utopian city should not be achieved by sacrificing the dreams of those who are building it. We need to hold the Saudi government accountable and demand that the rights of workers are protected.

The future of Neom should be one where innovation and progress are built on a foundation of ethical labor practices and respect for human dignity.