**Neom Boss Resigns After 'Slave' Remarks**

Tecfai Editorial Team

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Post on Nov 13, 2024

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Neom Boss Resigns After 'Slave' Remarks Spark Outrage

The CEO of Neom, Nadhmi Al-Nasr, has resigned following a backlash over his controversial comments about the project's workforce. Al-Nasr, who was appointed to the role in 2020, reportedly told a group of foreign workers at the futuristic city development that they should "work like slaves to build this dream."

The remarks, which were widely condemned as insensitive and offensive, have sparked outrage among human rights groups and labor advocates. The incident has also raised serious concerns about the ethical and labor practices at Neom, a project that has already faced criticism over its environmental impact and displacement of local communities.

A Global Backlash

Al-Nasr's comments, which were reportedly made during a visit to a construction site in the Tabuk region of Saudi Arabia, were first reported by the Financial Times. The newspaper quoted Al-Nasr as saying: "I'm not asking you to work like Egyptians. I want you to work like slaves to build this dream."

The remarks were immediately condemned by human rights groups and labor advocates, who called for Al-Nasr's resignation and an investigation into the conditions faced by workers at Neom.

The incident has also drawn international attention, with several media outlets reporting on the story and criticizing the Saudi government for its handling of the situation.

Neom: A Controversial Project

Neom is a $500 billion project being developed by the Saudi government. It aims to create a futuristic city on the Red Sea coast, featuring advanced technologies, sustainable infrastructure, and a focus on innovation.

However, the project has faced criticism from the outset, with concerns raised about its environmental impact, potential displacement of local communities, and human rights concerns. The "slave" remarks made by Al-Nasr have only added to these concerns.

What's Next for Neom?

Al-Nasr's resignation is a significant development for the Neom project. It remains to be seen whether this will lead to any changes in the project's labor practices or whether the Saudi government will address the concerns raised by human rights groups.

The incident has also highlighted the importance of ethical considerations in large-scale development projects. It serves as a reminder that economic growth and technological advancement must not come at the expense of human dignity and basic rights.

The future of Neom remains uncertain, but the recent controversy will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the project's reputation and its ability to attract investment and talent. It is essential that the Saudi government takes this opportunity to address the concerns that have been raised and ensure that the project is developed in a responsible and ethical manner.