Satellite Imagery Reveals Luxurious Palace in Saudi Arabia’s Neom Megacity Project

Satellite images depict a lavish palace complex being built as part of Saudi Arabia’s $2 trillion Neom megacity project, likely owned by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The palace features luxury amenities such as private beaches and a golf course. The Neom initiative aims to diversify the economy away from fossil fuels, but struggles with attracting necessary foreign investments persist.

Recent satellite imagery, acquired by Business Insider, reveals the construction of an extravagant palace complex in Saudi Arabia’s Neom megacity project, which is estimated to cost $2 trillion. The images, captured by Maxar Technologies, showcase a substantial palace located along the Red Sea coast. This luxurious palace reportedly features private beaches, expansive gardens, a golf course, and ten helipads, indicating the high-profile nature of the development.

The identification of the palace as belonging to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is based on public data and prior reports, including a 2018 article by Reuters. It has been noted that plans for the construction of multiple royal palaces near Tabuk were some of the first contracts awarded under the Neom initiative. The proposed palaces are said to feature lavish Moroccan-style architecture, helipads, a marina, and a golf course, as observed in the satellite images.

Neom is central to Crown Prince Mohammed’s vision for diversifying Saudi Arabia’s economy away from reliance on fossil fuels, fostering innovation, technology, and tourism. The documentary accompanying the satellite images also highlights ambitious projects like the “Line,” a 110-mile-long vertical city, while pointing out ongoing controversies related to Neom’s design, environmental implications, and human rights issues. Initial plans aimed for full completion of the Line by 2030, but progress has been slow, with only a smaller segment termed the “Hidden Marina” expected to be completed by then.

The Crown Prince possesses various opulent properties, including a luxurious $300 million chateau in France and a $400 million superyacht. In executing the Neom project, Saudi Arabia has invested substantial oil revenues; however, reports indicate difficulties in attracting sufficient foreign investment to meet the ambitious construction timeline. Additionally, Neom’s representatives did not comment on inquiries from Business Insider, suggesting potential communication gaps regarding the project’s progress.

In summary, satellite images reveal an opulent palace complex under construction in Saudi Arabia’s Neom megacity, closely associated with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The Neom initiative aims to reshape the Saudi economy, yet it faces challenges in attracting foreign investment and managing public concerns about its ambitious plans and potential environmental impacts. The future of the project remains uncertain as completion timelines have been adjusted and inquiries remain unanswered.

Original Source: www.businessinsider.com