Saudi Arabia's endless pot of cash is set to be delved into once again after its leaders demanded a man-made mountain be created.
The country is already spending around £175billion on mega projects as it heads towards its target of being to go-to destination for, well, everything by 2030. And its latest project is to build a man-made mountain inside the giant tech-based city of Neom.
Called Siranna, it has been described as a “stunning private space where the sea, mountain and wadi (ravine) meet”. Essentially, the project looks like the world's biggest hotel and health spa, built into the side of a mountain that doesn't yet exist.
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The project will be built in the Gulf of Aqaba, which stretches from the north of the Straits of Tiran to where Israel meets Egypt and Jordan.
A Saudi spokesman said: “The destination offers uninterrupted views of the Red Sea, with its tiered design offering diverse views and perspectives. Emerging from the rugged coastal terrain, the hexagonal pillars are distinctive, yet complementary to the surrounding mountains and flora. Arriving via waterborne transportation to the secluded bay, guests will journey through the natural rock formations before reaching the enchanting entrance of the property.”
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And despite the fact that the mountain doesn't exist, and the entire landscape will need reshaping for the project, the spokesman claimed that it will “ensure minimal intervention” in nature. He added: “The guiding principle underpinning the development is to ensure minimal intervention in nature, where thoughtful and deliberate techniques will be used to preserve the surrounding landscape.”
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However, the project is already causing controversy, with human rights campaigners claiming that it is being “built on blood”. Speaking to DW, Lina al-Hathloul, director of communication of the London-based Saudi human rights watchdog ALQST. "Our main concern is that Neom is built on Saudi blood.
“The trials against the tribe people were conducted behind closed doors. In order to advance the project, the judiciary is even prepared to execute people.”
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