As Saudi Arabia channels billions into new entertainment projects, the kingdom’s aging infrastructure continues to struggle against seasonal floods, leaving citizens questioning the priorities of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) and his Vision 2030. Recent reports reveal that half a billion dollars have been allocated to enhance Boulevard City, an upscale entertainment district in Riyadh, while fundamental infrastructure in key cities like Jeddah, Mecca, and the capital itself remain vulnerable to heavy rainfall and flooding.
Boulevard City: A $500 Million Entertainment District
Boulevard City in Riyadh, a high-end entertainment district designed to attract international tourists and elite locals, has recently received a significant investment boost. MBS directed $500 million toward improving the district’s amenities, including advanced air conditioning, surveillance systems, and a new open-air theater. Located in Riyadh’s Boulevard Riyadh City, the district hosts high-profile concerts, festivals, and other entertainment events, but many ordinary Saudis find it financially out of reach.
Critics argue that this extravagant spending is poorly timed, especially as many Saudi citizens face economic hardship, rising living costs, and infrastructural neglect. While Boulevard City and similar entertainment investments appeal to affluent Saudis and international visitors, they offer little benefit to the broader population, which continues to feel the strain of deteriorating city infrastructure and poor urban planning.
Flooding: A Persistent Problem for Major Saudi Cities
In stark contrast to the investment in luxury projects, several major Saudi cities are increasingly vulnerable to severe seasonal flooding. Jeddah, Mecca, and Riyadh have suffered significant damage due to poor drainage systems, insufficient flood defenses, and outdated infrastructure. When heavy rains hit, these cities experience widespread flooding that damages homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure. In recent weeks, Riyadh experienced severe flooding that brought the city to a standstill, while areas in Mecca and Medina saw rainwater surge through streets, with tragic consequences in some cases.
Year after year, citizens watch as heavy rains flood streets, trap vehicles, and disrupt daily life. In Jeddah, for example, flooding has become an annual crisis, with entire neighborhoods left underwater due to inadequate drainage. This lack of preparedness raises questions about the kingdom’s urban planning priorities, as basic infrastructure investments could alleviate much of the seasonal flooding and mitigate the impact on the population.
The Impact of Neglecting Public Infrastructure
Saudi Arabia’s oil wealth has long been a source of international attention, yet the kingdom’s current urban infrastructure struggles to keep up with the demands of a growing population and recurring natural challenges. Amidst the push to modernize and diversify the economy, it seems that critical public services and infrastructure, especially flood prevention, have been neglected in favor of high-visibility projects aimed at enhancing the nation’s image.
The diversion of funds from infrastructure to entertainment projects is particularly contentious, as many Saudi citizens face high living costs, increasing taxes, and rising housing prices. Boulevard City, with its high-tech facilities and premium entertainment options, may be appealing to elites, but critics argue it highlights a disconnect between MBS’s grand vision and the everyday needs of ordinary Saudis.
Public Sentiment and Vision 2030
MBS’s Vision 2030, launched with the goal of diversifying the Saudi economy, has focused heavily on tourism, entertainment, and high-profile construction projects, such as NEOM and the Red Sea Project. These initiatives are designed to bring international acclaim and investment, but they have also led to concerns that Vision 2030 overlooks immediate domestic challenges. As new luxury projects are unveiled, many Saudis feel their voices are left out of the decision-making process, especially as vital infrastructure needs remain unmet.
The ambitious vision promoted by MBS is intended to elevate Saudi Arabia’s global standing, but public opinion suggests that citizens are feeling the impact of prioritizing luxury over practical infrastructure. With flooding a predictable and annual occurrence, critics argue that focusing on desert-based developments and entertainment districts leaves existing cities unprepared for the challenges of climate and urbanization.
Rebalancing Priorities for Saudi Arabia’s Future
As MBS pours resources into upscale projects like Boulevard City, the reality of infrastructure neglect becomes more visible with each flood season. While Boulevard City serves as a symbol of the crown prince’s cultural and economic ambitions, its high price tag has drawn attention to the unmet needs of Saudi citizens. For many, the $500 million allocated to this entertainment district could be better spent on strengthening public infrastructure to protect against natural disasters and improve urban resilience.
Moving forward, Saudi Arabia faces the challenge of balancing the appeal of high-profile projects with the practical needs of its people. For Vision 2030 to succeed in the long term, addressing core issues like infrastructure, disaster preparedness, and public services must take precedence. Until then, the disconnect between entertainment investments and citizens’ daily realities will continue to highlight the kingdom’s struggle to achieve both international recognition and domestic satisfaction.
