Saudi Arabia’s $500 billion Neom project, envisioned as a futuristic and sustainable urban hub, has been the subject of serious allegations of misconduct following the deaths of three workers during its construction .
An investigation by The Wall Street Journal found that Wayne Borg, a senior executive overseeing Neom’s media division, made offensive remarks about workers and racist comments, sparking new controversy around the ambitious project.
At an emergency meeting after the deaths, apparently caused by accidents involving a falling pipe, collapsing wall and improper handling of explosives, Borg was recorded saying: “Quite a lots of people are dying, so we have to get together on a Sunday night. “.
He also called the region’s blue-collar workers “fucking idiots,” adding that “white people are at the top of the hierarchy.”
The project, led by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, has been billed as a historic development comparable to the pyramids, aiming to attract a population larger than that of New York City by its completion in 2039.
However, the WSJ report highlights a culture of misconduct among some senior leaders, with Borg accused of misogynistic, racist and sexually explicit comments.
Despite the complaints, Borg allegedly received six months of personal coaching and continued to make offensive remarks behind closed doors.
Neom also reportedly consisted of executives under investigation for corruption, including a director convicted of embezzlement and a chief executive, Nadhmi al-Nasr, who allegedly belittled employees.
In a recorded meeting, Nasr reportedly said: “I lead everyone like a slave. »
Neom representatives said any allegations of wrongdoing were being fully investigated, although no further details were provided.
