The Saudi regime is attempting to push back against claims that the Neom project is under threat by hiring the services of prominent US lobbying firm, Ruder Finn.
In what appears to be an attempt at damage limitation, the firm is expected to work on promoting the image of the Neom project amid a series of setbacks.
The coronavirus pandemic has taken a toll on the Saudi economy. In May, Saudi finance minister Mohammed al-Jadaan announced that Vision 2030 projects, which include Neom, would be cut back by $8 billion.
The recent collapse of oil prices also caused financial problems for the kingdom, which is also facing increasing pressure over the killing of Abdul Rahim al-Huwaiti, a member of the Huwaitat tribe who was campaigning against forced displacement to make way for Neom, in April.
Ruder Finn has said: “Neom is a bold and audacious dream… It’s an attempt to do something that’s never been done before and it comes at a time when the world needs fresh thinking and new solutions.”
While many economists are questioning the rationale for the regime’s continued investment in the Neom project, which is set to cost an estimated $500 billion, Saudi Arabia’s rulers and supporters have continued to champion what many say is a vanity project for crown prince Mohammed Bin Salman (MBS).
It has continued to announce new developments, including courses at the Neom Academy for Saudis wishing to learn English and skills relating to hospitality and tourism.
As human rights campaigners Sarah Leah Wilson and Abdullah Alaoudh wrote on the Foreign Policy website back in April:
Whether the Neom project is even remotely viable, given the global financial collapse because of the coronavirus and rising Saudi debt amid historically low oil prices, is highly doubtful.
There’s no irony at all that to date, the only result we’ve seen from this vision for a futuristic city is the promised destruction of a historic community and the death of a Saudi protester, using archaic means with no room for modern notions of rights and justice.
One thing, however, is clear. Neom and the regime know that the world is becoming increasingly aware of human rights abuses conducted by the kingdom, which is why they are spending millions on hiring lobbyists to whitewash their image. While oil prices and the coronavirus pandemic are taking their toll on the Saudi economy and putting Neom’s future at risk –issues that are beyond the control of human rights campaigners – pressure can still be put on Neom, the Saudi regime and those seeking to profit from them by raising the issue of Huwaitat rights.
