Nadhmi Al-Nasr has been removed from his position as CEO of Saudi Arabia’s Neom project, marking a pivotal moment for the ambitious, multi-trillion-dollar initiative.
His departure comes amid serious allegations, including accusations of bullying and claims of thousands of worker fatalities.
While Neom has not officially commented on the reasons for his sacking, sources suggest he was let go, adding to the controversy surrounding the project.
Allegations of Abuse and Misconduct
Al-Nasr, who had been leading the Neom project since 2018, was chosen by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to oversee the development of futuristic cities and mega-projects as part of the Vision 2030 plan.
However, his leadership has been marred by multiple reports of abusive behavior towards staff.
In a shocking Wall Street Journal report, he was accused of making violent threats against a worker, including the chilling claim that he would bury him in the desert.
Further reports have revealed disturbing comments attributed to Al-Nasr, including one where he allegedly said, “I drive everybody like a slave… When they drop down dead, I celebrate. That’s how I do my projects.”
His aggressive management style has led to growing concerns over the toxic environment at Neom.
Neom’s Vision and Struggles
Neom, the centerpiece of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, aims to create futuristic cities, including the car-free metropolis known as The Line, which will span 106 miles through the desert.
With promises of AI-driven environments and zero-gravity living, the project is meant to represent a radical shift in how cities are designed.
However, these grand ambitions have been overshadowed by reports of poor working conditions and safety violations.
An investigation into Neom’s labor practices revealed that thousands of migrant workers, primarily from India, Bangladesh, and Nepal, have died since the project’s inception.
With many of these workers subjected to dangerous conditions and human rights abuses, the project’s reputation has been severely damaged.
Leadership Transition and What’s Next
In the wake of Al-Nasr’s removal, Aimen Al-Mudaifer has been appointed to take over leadership.
Al-Mudaifer, formerly the head of real estate at the Public Investment Fund (PIF), which owns Neom, is expected to continue pushing forward with the project.
His appointment signals that the Crown Prince remains committed to Neom despite the ongoing difficulties, including delays and soaring costs, which have now ballooned to over $2 trillion.
Ongoing Challenges for Neom
Despite the leadership change, Neom’s future remains uncertain.
The project continues to grapple with criticisms of its labor practices, escalating costs, and delayed timelines.
Saudi Arabia is reportedly reviewing its approach to Vision 2030, and some projects within Neom may be scaled down or postponed.
How the new leadership handles these ongoing challenges will play a significant role in determining the project’s success moving forward.
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