scorecard
  1. Home
  2. Science
  3. Saudi Arabia's $500 billion megacity is in jeopardy after a Saudi journalist's death - here are the other multi-billion-dollar infrastructure projects set to go up

Saudi Arabia's $500 billion megacity is in jeopardy after a Saudi journalist's death - here are the other multi-billion-dollar infrastructure projects set to go up

Aria Bendix   

Saudi Arabia's $500 billion megacity is in jeopardy after a Saudi journalist's death - here are the other multi-billion-dollar infrastructure projects set to go up
Science1 min read

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is undergoing a massive construction boom. A November report found that the nation had about 4,700 active construction projects, worth a total of $852 billion.

But the future of some of these projects is less certain following the brutal murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, which prompted many investors to rethink their contributions.

In late October, prominent figures like Y Combinator's Sam Altman and former US energy secretary Ernest Moniz temporarily pulled out of the plan for a $500 billion megacity.

While the development is still moving forward, others could also be in peril. Billionaire Richard Branson recently severed ties with two tourism projects in the area due to similar concerns. In a statement, Branson said the Khashoggi murder could "change the ability of any of us in the West to do business with the Saudi government."

A lack of international support could hinder Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's Vision 2030 plan, which aims to diversify Saudi Arabia's oil-driven economy. 

Here are some of the most expensive projects slated to go up in Saudi Arabia.

READ MORE ARTICLES ON


Advertisement

Advertisement