Saudi Arabia’s $500 billion Neom project, envisioned as a futuristic, sustainable urban hub, has been hit by serious allegations of misconduct, following the deaths of three workers during its construction.
An investigation by The Wall Street Journal revealed that Wayne Borg, a senior executive overseeing Neom’s media division, made offensive remarks about the workers and racist comments, sparking further controversy around the ambitious development.
During an emergency meeting after the deaths—reportedly caused by accidents involving a falling pipe, a collapsed wall, and mishandled explosives—Borg was recorded saying, “A whole bunch of people die so we’ve got to have a meeting on a Sunday night.”
He also referred to blue-collar workers from the region as “f—ing morons,” adding that “white people are at the top of the pecking order.”
The project, led by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, has been touted as a landmark development comparable to the pyramids, aimed at attracting a population larger than New York City’s by its 2039 completion.
However, the WSJ report highlights a culture of misconduct among some top executives, with Borg facing accusations of misogynistic, racist, and sexually explicit comments.
Despite complaints, Borg reportedly received six months of personal coaching and has continued making offensive remarks behind closed doors.
Neom has also allegedly been staffed by executives under investigation for corruption, including a manager convicted of embezzlement and a chief executive, Nadhmi al-Nasr, who reportedly belittles employees.
In a recorded meeting, Nasr is quoted as saying, “I drive everybody like a slave.”
Neom representatives stated that any allegations of wrongdoing are thoroughly investigated, though no further details were provided.
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