Neom: Can Saudi Arabia afford to build the futuristic mega-city?

The Global Story

Neom, Saudi Arabia's ambitions city of the future, promises a car-free, carbon-free space open to all. At the heart of the plans are two skyscrapers as tall as the Empire State building, carved into the desert in a straight line for more than 100 miles. But can this dream ever become a reality?

BBC Verify's Merlyn Thomas has been investigating allegations that Saudi security forces were permitted to use lethal force while clearing inhabitants from the vast building site. Our Middle East Business Correspondent, Sameer Hashmi, tells us that Saudi Arabia is banking on Neom to help future proof its economy, but that they might struggle to cover the rising costs of the project.

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This episode was made by Richard Moran. The technical producers were Gareth Jones and Hannah Montgomery. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Sam Bonham.