NEOM: A Vision That Transcends Time

Deputy CEO: NEOM Redefines Global Investment and Infrastructure Models

📍 Riyadh – BETH Media

Rayan Fayez, Deputy CEO of NEOM, stated that the project is designed to span generations, emphasizing that its completion was never targeted for 2030, but rather envisioned as an evolving, long-term ecosystem with budgets and project feasibility continuously reviewed to ensure sustainability and strategic alignment.

Speaking at a panel discussion during the Saudi–U.S. Investment Forum, Fayez revealed that NEOM is witnessing a strategic $5 billion investment in next-generation artificial intelligence infrastructure, as part of its efforts to establish a highly advanced digital environment that will shape the global future economy.

He added that NEOM is not merely building a smart city, but redefining the global model of investment and infrastructure, supported by robust partnerships and growing private-sector confidence.

Fayez disclosed that NEOM has technology-related infrastructure projects worth $1 billion, highlighting significant progress in developing a comprehensive infrastructure across 26,500 square kilometers — roughly the size of the U.S. state of Massachusetts — requiring massive investments across multiple sectors.

He pointed out that NEOM has so far completed:

Over 5,000 kilometers of digital fiber-optic networks.

A state-of-the-art data center.

A sustainable energy ecosystem that includes solar and wind farms.

294 kilometers of water pipelines.

A fully integrated food system that goes beyond infrastructure to encompass production and distribution networks, along with a social infrastructure providing more than 5,000 beds for workers and residents.

Fayez added that NEOM is building the world’s largest green hydrogen facility, with an $8.4 billion investment in partnership with ACWA Power and Air Products, reinforcing NEOM’s position as a global hub for sustainable energy.

He also noted that the past year witnessed diversified investments, with NEOM injecting over $1 billion into advanced technologies, including future mobility solutions such as ZeroAvia and Boom Supersonic, as well as biotech innovations through investments in companies like Plant RemeX.