Investigation: 21,000 deaths reveal dark side of Saudi Arabia’s NEOM project

LONDON, May 20 (YPA) – Investigations published by the British newspaper The Sun revealed the deaths of more than 21,000 workers during the construction of various sections of the NEOM project, amid difficult working conditions and life-threatening risks.

According to the report, many workers died as a result of tragic accidents, ranging from falling from great heights during construction, electrocution, and even horrific incidents including beheading.

These incidents reveal significant shortcomings in occupational safety procedures at the project’s construction sites, despite the enormous budgets allocated to it.

The report stated that some of these incidents were not officially reported, while others were treated as ordinary work-related accidents, without sufficient attention being paid to the suffering endured by the workers, raising questions about human rights at the region’s massive construction sites.

While the original announced cost of the NEOM project was approximately $500 billion, The New Civil Engineer magazine reported that the project’s projected cost has increased to $8.8 trillion, more than 17 times the initial estimate. The report warned that the thousands of workers behind the construction of this urban edifice are the most affected group, working under extremely harsh conditions, often far from their families, amid grave dangers.

The sources explained that many workers were forced to work long hours without adequate rest periods, while work sites lacked adequate safety measures, leading to frequent fatal accidents.

These conditions sparked outrage from human rights organizations, which demanded a comprehensive review of working conditions and the guarantee of workers’ rights, along with better protection and a safer life for them.

In contrast, international organizations called for an independent investigation into working conditions at the NEOM project, holding those responsible for negligence accountable, and ensuring workers’ rights and safety.

YPA