S
audi Arabia's ambitious $500 billion city of the future, Neom, is facing criticism over the conduct of its top executives. A series of workplace issues are plaguing the city, which was spearheaded by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. High-ranking officials at Neom have been recorded making racist and misogynistic comments, including derogatory remarks about worker deaths. CEO Nadhmi al-Nasr has been accused of berating employees, and Antoni Vives, a key figure in developing Neom's centerpiece project, has a corruption conviction in Spain and faces ongoing investigations.

    The project's leadership is under fire due to allegations of financial impropriety. Two senior executives were dismissed for awarding contracts to a consulting firm connected to one executive's relative and the other's son. All of this is happening on top of a financial pullback for the project due to lower oil prices and projected foreign investments creating unforeseen headwinds for the country.

    The issues are casting a shadow over Crown Prince Mohammed's vision for Neom as a symbol of Saudi Arabia's modernization. The Massachusetts-sized project aims to create a futuristic city with its own set of laws and a liberal environment, but is struggling to attract and retain talent due to its remote location, cultural challenges, and the political controversy often dogging the country. The success of Neom is seen as crucial not only for Saudi Arabia's economic future but also for Crown Prince Mohammed's efforts to prove himself as a reformer to the rest of the world.