Saudi Arabia’s NEOM Project as a Testing Ground for Economically Feasible Planned Cities: Case Study

Abstract

The objective of this case study was to examine how the planned city of NEOM in Saudi Arabia can contribute to the country’s economy and sustainability goals. The case study was intended to assess the challenges of planned city projects through the lens of the potential benefits to the host country’s economy. Using data from the project’s official website and relevant publications, it became possible to assess the risk management in urban megaprojects and to explore the issue of sustainable urbanization in the context of NEOM. In order to analyze the data, content analysis and thematic analysis techniques were used which allowed for the identification of patterns and trends in the data and to draw conclusions about the potential contributions of NEOM to Saudi Arabia’s economy and sustainability goals. The findings suggest that NEOM, which aims to be a net-zero carbon city, has attracted significant partners and investors interested in testing renewable energy technologies and infrastructure. The viability of NEOM as a testing ground for sustainable planned cities and their impact on the host country will depend on the ability to effectively balance the potential economic benefits with the risks and costs associated with the project. This study’s results indicate that NEOM represents an opportunity for Saudi Arabia to rebrand its image and participate in the creation of a green future, but its success will depend on fulfilling the investment requirements and managing the project-related challenges.