Main Points About the Saudi Mega-Project Crisis
1. Brutal working conditions and long working hours.
2. Over 21,000 disappearances and deaths.
3. Forced displacement of 20,000 Indigenous people.
4. Widespread torture and human rights violations.
NEOM Project condition
NEOM is an ambitious urban development project being built under the leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, with an estimated cost exceeding $1.5 trillion. It has faced significant criticism for environmental and human rights violations, with reports of poor working conditions and protests from the local Howeitat tribe over the forced expulsion of Indigenous people.
Allegations of Slavery
The documentary reveals the tragic plight of thousands of construction workers, many of whom feel like they are trapped slaves. Some workers reported wage theft, illegal working hours, and restrictions on basic freedoms. In some cases, even their passports were confiscated by employers.
Alleged Deaths and Disappearances
One of the most disturbing revelations in the documentary is the claim that over 21,000 workers have gone missing or died under mysterious circumstances at these projects. While Saudi authorities deny these allegations, the documentary includes testimonies from workers who describe deaths caused by exhaustion, dangerous working conditions, and lack of medical care. The families of the victims have raised questions about the lack of transparency and communication from the Saudi authorities.
Displacement of Indigenous Communities
Another critical issue highlighted is the forced displacement of around 20,000 Indigenous people, many of whom received little to no compensation. Interviews reveal the heartbreaking stories of families torn from their ancestral lands and the loss of their cultural heritage.
Do not cheat anyone for your benefit
Kabir Saheb ji once said:
Maya Mari na Mann mara, mar mar gaye sharir|
Asa trisna na Mari, keh gaye Saheb Kabir||
(“Neither wealth dies, nor do the desires of the mind perish; only the body withers away repeatedly. Greed and cravings do not end, says Kabir ji until one understands the true essence of life.”)
Even if one accumulates wealth by exploiting others, they remain trapped in an endless cycle of greed and suffering. Such a life, devoid of purpose and understanding, is meaningless. The real purpose of life is salvation, and without realizing this truth, life remains unfulfilled. To learn more about the true purpose of life, read the book Way of Living by Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj.
FAQs related to NEOM Project:
1. What is the response of Saudi authorities about the fatalities?
Saudi authorities have claimed that their country has one of the lowest work-related fatality rates globally, at 1.12 per 100,000 workers.
2. Why is the death toll so high according to critics?
Critics attribute the high death toll to inhumane working conditions, including 16-hour shifts in extreme heat, inadequate accommodations, and lack of proper medical care.
3. What are the claims about worker deaths in Saudi Arabia’s construction industry?
A recent ITV documentary states that the death toll at the mega-project site is around 21,000 workers.
4. What is the NEOM project?
The NEOM project is part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. It is planned to be a high-tech, sustainable city spanning 10,000 square miles in northwestern Saudi Arabia, bordering the Red Sea.
5. Who is the current King of Saudi Arabia?
The current king is Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, who has been on the throne since 2015.
