Saudi Arabia’s ambitious $500 billion Neom project, envisioned as a cutting-edge, sustainable urban center, is facing serious allegations of misconduct following the deaths of three workers on site.
An investigation by The Wall Street Journal uncovered troubling details, including offensive and racist remarks made by Wayne Borg, a senior executive in Neom’s media division. The remarks were reportedly made during an emergency meeting after the workers’ deaths—caused by accidents involving a falling pipe, a collapsed wall, and mishandled explosives. Borg was recorded dismissing the fatalities with the comment, “A whole bunch of people die so we’ve got to have a meeting on a Sunday night,” and making derogatory comments about blue-collar workers, saying, “f—ing morons” and that “white people are at the top of the pecking order.”
The Neom project, spearheaded by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, aims to be a groundbreaking development rivaling the pyramids and to house a population larger than New York City by its projected 2039 completion.
The WSJ report also highlights a culture of misconduct among some senior executives, including accusations of misogynistic, racist, and sexually explicit behavior. Despite complaints, Borg reportedly continued to make offensive remarks and received only six months of personal coaching. Other executives, including Nadhmi al-Nasr, have faced accusations of corruption and poor treatment of employees, with Nasr reportedly saying, “I drive everybody like a slave.”
Neom representatives have stated that all allegations of wrongdoing are thoroughly investigated, although no additional details were provided.
