The rich can now cruise to Neom – while the poor pay the price
Those wanting to take a tourist cruise around Red Sea locations, including Sindalah Island in Neom, are set to be offered the luxurious offering — if they can afford it.
In a further indication that the proposed $500bn Neom mega-project is solely for the world’s wealthy elite, Red Sea Spirit — which is affiliated with the Saudi Public Investment Fund — is promoting trips on the Silver Spirit for eye-watering amounts.
Prices for a three-night return trip from KAEC to Ras Al-Abyad in Yanbu begin at SR7,475 ($1,993), with a four-night excursion from KAEC to Ras Al-Abyad and Sindalah Island in Neom costing a minimum of SR10,465 ($2,790).
For these sums, tourists on board the ship will have the choice of eight luxury restaurants, a huge swimming pool and a theatre.
The cruises have been coordinated with Saudi Arabia’s “Break Free” tourism campaign, organised by the Ministry of Culture, Saudi Ports Authority, General Entertainment Authority and Public Investment Fund.
Arab News reported that some took to social media to raise the issue of the price-tag. Fahad Hajji wrote on Twitter: “The cheapest ticket is SR6,000. That means I need to spend SR24,000 to take my family on this cruise for three days. Don’t you think that’s too expensive for a normal citizen?”
The cruises will no doubt not be the last attempt to attract wealthy visitors to Neom and other Saudi resorts. The visits will come at the expense of the very poorest in Saudi Arabia — including those in marginalised communities such as the Huwaitat, who are being forcibly displaced to make way for Neom, and the exploited migrant workers being made to build the project and serve its visitors.
However, alongside concerns over Covid-19, many visitors look likely to be put off from holidaying in the kingdom, amid concerns over its appalling human rights record. Would international guests flock to a country in which they might be imprisoned, tortured or even executed for violating its strict and often arbitrary laws?
Read more: UK foreign secretary told to boycott G20 over Neom displacements
