Neom. That is the word that is present with the most visual force in everything that has to do with Spain Supercup held in Riyadh: posters, official vehicles, accreditations… It is the main commercial partner of the event. This is the name given to a futuristic ‘megacity’ that is being built in the northwest of Saudi Arabia, with access to the Red Sea, and which plans to cover an area of 26,000 square kilometers, practically the same as Galicia. There will be everything: a ski resort to develop the Asian Winter Games, a theme park that includes flying cars or dinosaursand a luxury tourist resort that poses an even more dystopian dimension: the possibility of selling cocktails.
Neom is an acronym for the Greek word ‘neo’ (new) and the first word for ‘future’ in Arabic. According to a report published by the Wall Street Journal, the beach complex designed for the Isla Sindalahone of the parts of Neom, will have a “‘premium’ wine bar, a separate cocktail bar and a champagne and dessert establishment”. It would be the first official opening in a country where there is no trace of alcohol, the consumption of which is punishable by law. This is emphasized a lot when entering the country and, in fact. It is one of the guidelines that the clubs have sent to the few members who travel to Riyadh these days to experience the Super Cup live.
“We have done very well so far without introducing alcohol”
This relaxation of a strict rule would be carried out with secrecy and would be within the reach of some millionaires who dock their superyachts in Sindalah. In fact, despite the description of the establishments, In the documents to which WSJ had access, the word “alcohol” is not mentioned at any time.. It was the American newspaper itself that advanced the nature of the drinks after consulting several sources. A wine store would also be included in the project.
To counteract a misleading ‘call effect’, Princess Haifa bint Muhammad Al Saud, Minister of Tourism of Saudi Arabia, said in a speech at the World Economic Forum that “we have done very well so far. We have outperformed globally in what we can offer in tourism. There is a lot to do without introducing alcohol.” Therefore, the answer for all visitors remains the same: no alcohol is served.
Even in forums like ‘Reddit’ where people ask about the ‘gray areas’ from which consumption was normalized in surrounding countries such as Qatar o United Arab Emirates. “You can only get it if you are part of foreign diplomatic missions or international organizations that have the option of requesting a permit,” users respond. In hotels, yes, there are non-alcoholic liquors of all the fruits you can imagine. But Neom will be much more than a breach in the system, it is , above all, the greatest achievement of Saudi Arabia as a tourist destination.
Neom to host 2029 Winter Asian Games
But what is Neom? According to its corporate information, it will be a city to do business: “It will seek to encourage unrestricted thinking and innovative solutions to today’s most pressing challenges. We are open to the public.” The second premise has to do with its strategic position, “six hours away by plane from 40% of the world.” Although one of the most striking issues is the one that has to do with sustainability: “Neom is building a circular economy without carbon emissions, 100% powered by low-cost renewable energy.”
The ambition for energy neutrality contrasts with the Trojena ski resort, which will be part of the investment contemplated for this megacity, initially estimated at 461 billion. It is a project that fits perfectly into the Saudi Vision 2030 plan to diversify the economy. It directly aims at two pillars, in addition to tourism, winter sports. In fact, will host the 2029 Asian Winter Games. We must not forget that 95% of the surface of the thirteenth largest country in the world is desert. However, inside the head of Mohamed bin Salmán, prince and prime minister of the State, there are no limits.
The consultancy proposals that were made public in 2019 included ideas that seem like science fiction. Neom’s ‘teasers’ look like something out of ‘Blade Runner’. This futuristic idea includes flying taxis, robot assistants and dinosaurs, as part of Jurassic Park-style theme parks. Because leisure and technology merge in an idea that even includes a false moon made in collaboration with NASA.
Neom SC, the football club that will play in the futuristic megacity
Beyond the ‘gadgets’ there is a social purpose behind Neom. According to the consultants involved in its ideation, the futuristic city aspires to be “the most livable in the world” and a city with “zero illnesses related to work and stress”. Something that contrasts with aspects such as the chaotic traffic of Riyadh, home of the Super Cup, where it is impossible to travel by public transport – several metro stations are being built – and traffic is extremely dense.
Although some drivers don’t seem to care about that, because they make impossible overtakes worthy of the best driver of the Dakar (several stages of this rally have been held in Neom) which is also being held these days in Arab lands. Of course, as with the rest of Saudi Arabia, security will be key. That there is capital to carry out Neom is undoubtedly, especially in a country where the state administration channels everything. However, for its subsequent profitability It is essential to relax some of the strict rules that prevail in a kingdom that is gradually opening up to the world with tournaments like the Spanish Super Cup,
It is not the only association Neom, also a sponsor of Titan Deser, has with football. Just a few days ago, at the end of 2023, the Al-Suqoor Club of the Saudi second division was renamed Neom SC after its purchase in the summer by the promoters of this megacity. It is a significant movement, because it inaugurates a phase of privatization in the sports clubs of Saudi Arabia, which to date had opted for state control, especially of the big four. (Al Ittihad, Al Hilal, Al Ahli and Al Nassr)through the Public Investment Fund.
This move, which will see the club play at the new location, seeks to develop and promote the sports industry and encourage companies to invest in it. Just as Neom has done with a Super Cup that, who knows if one day it will be able to be played in a futuristic megacity without strict deadlines, but where the land is already beginning to be moved.
2024-01-10 11:48:31
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