Saudi Arabia is currently rethinking some of its more visionary large-scale developments as part of its Vision 2030 plans. These include the highly anticipated Neom megacity and an expansive entertainment complex near Riyadh.
Recent narratives suggest that the nation is facing financial pressures that are affecting its grand ambitions.
An advisor connected to the government, preferring to remain anonymous, conveyed to the BBC that an appraisal of these developments is underway, and consequent delays or downsizing may occur.
“The decision will be based on multiple factors,” the advisor said. “But there is no doubt that there will be a recalibration. Some projects will proceed as planned, but some might get delayed or scaled down.”
These statements align with the remarks of Saudi officials who have publicly, and allegedly in private, conceded that adjustments to the Vision 2030 initiatives are imminent.
During a session at the World Economic Forum in Riyadh, Mohammed Al-Jadaan, the kingdom’s finance minister, acknowledged the existence of ‘challenges’ and affirmed the necessity to adapt, either by accelerating or curtailing certain projects.
“We will downscale some of the projects; we will accelerate other projects,” Al-Jadaan stated, addressing the topic of global economic growth.
Amine Mati of the IMF, who is also the mission chief for Saudi Arabia, mentioned that Saudi authorities were ‘recalibrating’ to contemplate potential delays in spending.
Reports also suggest that even Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is considering engaging in ‘tough conversations’ about the feasible progression of these projects.
Despite these reports, official communications from the Saudi government have largely maintained that megastructures like Neom are progressing as planned.
The Saudi minister of economy and planning assured CNBC that the Neom project’s scope remains unchanged, countering speculations about possible scale-backs.
However, experts have indicated that Saudi Arabia’s quest to attract necessary foreign investment for these grandiose projects has been challenging. Fluctuations in oil prices have also strained the country’s financial resources, compelling a search for alternative funding solutions.