Satellite Images Reveal Lavish Palace in Saudi Arabia’s Neom Project
Satellite images reveal a luxurious palace within Saudi Arabia’s $2 trillion Neom project, likely for Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The palace features private beaches, gardens, a golf course, and helipads. Neom aims to transition the economy towards technology and tourism, although it faces investment challenges and human rights controversies.
Recent satellite imagery revealed the construction of a grand palace as part of Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Neom megacity project, valued at $2 trillion. These images, captured by Maxar Technologies and highlighted in a Business Insider documentary, depict a lavish residence situated along the Red Sea coast in northeastern Saudi Arabia. This palace is characterized by private beaches, expansive gardens, a golf course, and ten helipads.
The identification of the palace as likely belonging to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is based on public data and historical reports, notably a 2018 Reuters article. Reports suggest that plans for a complex of five royal palaces, located approximately 105 miles west of Tabuk, were among the initial contracts awarded for the Neom project. The architectural style is said to reflect Moroccan influences, aligning with elements visible in the satellite images.
Neom represents a crucial component of Crown Prince Mohammed’s vision to transition the Saudi economy from dependence on fossil fuels to a focus on technology, innovation, and tourism. The documentary reveals other significant developments within Neom, including the construction of an ambitious 110-mile-long ‘vertical city’ known as the Line, while also addressing various controversies regarding the project’s environmental impact and human rights records.
The initial timeline projected the entire Line to be operational by 2030; however, current estimates suggest only a 1.5-mile segment called the “Hidden Marina” may be completed by then. The Crown Prince herself possesses a variety of luxurious properties, including a $300 million chateau in France and a $400 million superyacht, reflecting his opulent lifestyle. While Saudi Arabia has invested considerable oil revenues into the Neom initiative, there are concerns regarding the pace of attracting sufficient foreign investments to meet the ambitious construction timelines. Business Insider has reached out for comments from Neom but received no response.
In summary, satellite imagery has unveiled a luxurious palace being constructed within Saudi Arabia’s Neom megacity initiative, associated with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. As part of a broader strategy to reform the economy, this megacity aims to prioritize technology and tourism while facing challenges in foreign investment and human rights issues. The ambitious project continues to attract scrutiny and fascination as its development unfolds.
Original Source: www.businessinsider.com
