Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has launched a new development company tasked with expanding the Saudi capital of Riyadh to twice its current size within the next decade.
The plan will involve investment of $800 billion as part of the country’s Vision 2030 plan to reduce its reliance on oil exports.
The planned expansion will include entertainment venues, museums and a university.
According to the Saudi government, the project ‘will be built around the concept of sustainability, featuring green areas and walking and cycling paths that will enhance the quality of life by promoting healthy, active lifestyles and community activities’.
Some experts have cast doubt on the project’s goal, claiming that without significant relaxation of cultural and political controls, Saudi will struggle to attract the people and the investment needed to make the project sustainable.
[Image: apriltan18 from Pixabay]