Saudi Arabia’s Neom project marketed as eco-friendly despite human rights and oil dependency concerns

Saudi Arabia’s Neom project, a purported eco-city, relies on Western PR firms to market sustainability claims that critics say mask human rights abuses and ongoing fossil fuel dependence.

Adam M. Lowenstein reports for DeSmog.

In short:

• Western PR and consulting firms are profiting from contracts with Neom, promoting it as a model of sustainability despite Saudi Arabia’s major economic reliance on oil.
• Neom’s construction displaces local tribes, with reports of forced evictions and severe legal repercussions for opposition, raising human rights concerns.
• The Saudi government uses the Neom project to shape its global image as a green leader while obstructing climate action and increasing fossil fuel exports.

Key quote:

“Everyone [is] accepting Saudi money in exchange for silence.”

— Lina Alhathloul, head of monitoring and advocacy for ALQST for Human Rights

Why this matters:

Saudi Arabia, the world’s largest oil exporter, is using Neom’s green branding to deflect attention from its environmental and human rights issues. With billions invested in Neom’s image, the campaign underscores the growing influence of fossil-fuel-dependent states on global narratives about sustainability.

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