CEO of Saudi Arabia’s $1 trillion project, The Line, resigns suddenly following reports of 21,000 workers dying during construction efforts.
The CEO of Neom’s ambitious project, The Line, has unexpectedly stepped down, raising eyebrows amid alarming reports about worker safety.
This massive project, part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative, aims to transform the country and diversify its economy beyond oil.
$1 trillion project The Line
Launched in 2016 by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Vision 2030 is an ambitious plan that includes various social and economic goals.
They designed The Line as a 170-kilometer-long city that prioritizes sustainable living and integrates nature with urban life.
However, the project has been under scrutiny due to claims about the treatment of workers involved in its construction.
Reports of 21,000 workers died and 10,000 missings
Recent reports have suggested that the working conditions for laborers on The Line and other Neom projects are far from safe.
An ITV documentary claimed that 21,000 foreign workers have died and 10,000 are missing since the project began.
Such claims have sparked outrage and raised questions about the ethics of labor used in these mega-projects.
The Saudi National Council for Occupational Safety and Health issued a statement disputing the claims.
They emphasized that exaggerating the reported fatalities and lacking credible sources were the issues.
The council stated that Saudi Arabia has one of the lowest work-related fatality rates, at 1.12 per 100,000 workers.
In a statement, the council said: “About the misinformation circulating across various media platforms,
particularly claims suggesting an increase in worker fatalities linked to working conditions in Saudi Arabia,
accompanied by unfounded statistics lacking credible sources, the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health in Saudi Arabia unequivocally refutes these assertions.
“The council affirms the work-related fatalities in Saudi Arabia is 1.12 per 100,000 workers.
This figure positions Saudi Arabia among the lowest globally in terms of work-related fatalities.”
CEO of Saudi Arabia’s $1T project resigns amid reports of thousands of deaths and missing
The abrupt resignation of Nadmi Al-Nasr, who had been the CEO of Neom for 6 years, was announced on November 12.
He has been a controversial figure, having made remarks in the past that were deemed insensitive regarding worker treatment.
His successor, Aiman Al-Mudaifer, has been appointed as the Acting CEO.
An official statement from Neom mentioned that this leadership change is part of a new phase.
The goal is to enhance operational efficiency and ensure the project aligns with its ambitious objectives.
The company assured that work on The Line, Trojena resort, and Oxagon hub will continue as planned.
An official statement from Neom read: “As Neom enters a new phase of delivery, this new leadership will ensure operational continuity, agility, and efficiency to match the overall vision and objectives of the project.
“Progress continues on all operations as planned, as we deliver the next phase of our vast portfolio of projects,” it continued.
Reports suggest leadership changes and significant scaling back of The Line plans.
Initial plans for a 170-kilometer city may be reduced to 2.4 kilometers by 2030.
This reduction raises questions about the feasibility and future of the entire project.
Officials responded to The Line project
The Saudi government has been keen to counter negative perceptions surrounding the Vision 2030 projects.
The council reaffirmed its commitment to improving workplace conditions and ensuring worker safety.
They indicated that Saudi labor laws mandate health insurance and ban work in direct sunlight during hot months.
The council also urged the public to verify information before sharing it, stressing the importance of relying on credible sources.
They emphasized the progress Saudi Arabia has made in enhancing occupational safety and reducing workplace accidents.
“The International Labour Organization (ILO) acknowledges this progress, highlighting on its official website that Saudi Arabia has made significant advancements in improving occupational safety and health and reducing workplace accidents at the national level.”
“We emphasize the importance of verifying information and sourcing it from credible outlets,” they added.