Planned cities are a conscious break from naturally occurring urban expansion because of its careful planning and purposeful structure. Governments all around the globe have started large-scale initiatives to build planned cities, such as Neom in Saudi Arabia. These initiatives reflect the changing demands of modern society by attempting to solve a range of economic, social, and environmental concerns.
Definition of Key Terms:
Planned City: A planned city is a community that has been purposefully created and built with a predefined infrastructure, layout, and use of the land. Planned cities, in contrast to conventional cities, are deliberately created to accomplish particular goals, frequently in line with improvements in society, technology, or the economy (Alfasi & Portugali, 2007).
Urban Design: The arrangement and organisation of components within an urban environment, including factors like architecture, transportation, green areas, and public services, is referred to as urban design. Urban design plays a crucial role in planned cities, impacting both their overall aesthetic appeal and usefulness (Rowley, 1994).
Statement of Aims:
The establishment of planned cities is motivated by several goals, such as stimulating economic development, endorsing technological innovation, mitigating population density in pre-existing metropolitan areas, and tackling environmental sustainability. These initiatives seek to address current issues and establish the new cities as centres of commerce, information sharing, and improved living standards.
The effects of planned urban constructions are complex. Benefits might include increased infrastructure, higher living standards, and economic diversification. However, issues including economic feasibility, environmental problems, and social dislocation must be carefully considered. The capacity to properly negotiate and minimise these hurdles will determine the success of these projects. The study will examine planned cities' effects on the economy, society, and environment in the study that follows, as well as how they may affect sustainable development.
There is a chance that Saudi Arabia's NEOM initiative will have a big economic impact, both locally and internationally. The diversification of the Saudi economy is a major economic consequence. Saudi Arabia, which has historically relied on oil exports, wants to use programmes like NEOM as part of the Saudi Vision 2030 strategy to lessen its need on fossil fuels. Economic diversification promotes long-term economic stability by reducing the risks brought on by changes in oil prices. By encouraging the development of new businesses and drawing in foreign direct investment (FDI), the establishment of NEOM is anticipated to boost economic growth. The Saudi government's $500 billion investment shows that it is committed to creating a technologically sophisticated and sustainable metropolis (Yusuf & Abdulmohsen, 2022). The introduction of capital into NEOM has the potential to encourage the expansion of industries including manufacturing, tourism, technology, and renewable energy, consequently generating employment possibilities and promoting economic activity. Furthermore, the goal of the NEOM project is to serve as a global centre for technological innovation. NEOM has the potential to evolve into a hub for cutting-edge research and development by drawing in foreign companies and research institutes. This might result in the development of a knowledge-based economy, encouraging innovation and raising the nation's standing internationally (Owusu, 2014).
The multiplier effect and economic diversification can be used to examine the financial effects of NEOM. According to economic diversification theory, a nation can lessen its susceptibility to shocks from the outside world by growing a variety of industries. This hypothesis is supported by NEOM's emphasis on non-oil industries, which aims to develop a more robust and varied economy. An additional pertinent economic notion is the multiplication effect. The first expenditure that occurs when NEOM draws investments sets off a domino effect of increased economic activity. Investments in technological development, infrastructure, and renewable energy initiatives, for instance, can boost demand for products and services in connected businesses, generate cash, and create employment. The NEOM project's overall economic impact is increased by this multiplier effect (Bibri et al., 2020).
Health Impact
Although the NEOM initiative in Saudi Arabia holds great promise for scientific and economic progress, it also carries some health risks that should be carefully considered. The possible enhancement of public health as a whole that comes from sustainable urban design and the application of cutting-edge technology is one important component of health. Sustainability is given top priority in the design of NEOM, with an emphasis on green areas, pedestrian-friendly neighbourhoods, and a decreased need on conventional forms of transportation. These factors have a direct influence on the health and well-being of locals by encouraging greater physical activity and better air quality (Moreno et al., 2021). Public health concepts that encourage active lifestyles and lessen the detrimental effects of air pollution on respiratory and cardiovascular health are in line with the availability of recreational places and the decrease of traffic pollution. In addition, the incorporation of smart city technologies inside NEOM, such the suggested digital infrastructure and urban air transportation systems, has the potential to improve healthcare accessibility and delivery. Strong digital connectivity makes telemedicine possible, which helps close the distance between patients and medical treatment, especially in rural locations (Mueller et al., 2020). Health crises can be lessened by prompt emergency medical responses made possible by effective transportation infrastructures. Potential health issues, nevertheless, also need to be taken care of. Rapid urbanisation brought on by initiatives like NEOM may cause lifestyle modifications, such as altered eating patterns and elevated stress levels, which might exacerbate non-communicable illnesses. To guarantee fair access to services, the influx of a varied population with varying health requirements necessitates the development of an all-encompassing healthcare policy. The effect on mental health is an important factor to take into account since the changes to social structures and landscapes can cause stress and confusion. These issues can be lessened by urban planning that puts an emphasis on green areas, community involvement, and mental health services, which will help to create a welcoming atmosphere for locals (Nieuwenhuijsen, 2020).
Social Impact
There are significant societal ramifications to the NEOM initiative in Saudi Arabia, along with both obstacles and bright prospects. The project's dedication to diversity and tolerance is one of its main advantages for society. NEOM seeks to create a melting pot of cultures and backgrounds by imagining a cosmopolitan metropolis that draws a population from all over the world. This purposeful approach promotes tolerance, social integration, and intellectual interaction, which helps to build a society that is more inclusive and open. Exposure to a variety of viewpoints and lifestyles inside NEOM can act as a catalyst for fostering mutual understanding and tearing down cultural boundaries. The project's size and breadth also offer significant economic potential, which have a good social impact. The generation of a large number of jobs in a variety of industries has the potential to drastically lower unemployment rates and improve the socioeconomic standing of the community (Olsson et al., 2020). As NEOM becomes a centre for sectors like technology, tourism, and renewable energy, the development of jobs can lead to economic empowerment, which in turn can improve social dynamics in the community. Residents' quality of life may be improved by the possibility of upward mobility and easier access to resources. Notwithstanding the favourable attributes, obstacles to preserving the communal structure of established societies may emerge. With NEOM-related rapid urbanisation, traditional lifestyles may be disrupted, changing social structures and community dynamics. It becomes imperative that tactics that safeguard the involvement of current communities and maintain local traditions be incorporated into the development and execution of NEOM. Additionally, measures to promote social cohesiveness, emphasise common values, and cultivate a feeling of community among locals may be necessary in light of the inflow of a varied population. By navigating these social repercussions, NEOM can remove obstacles and maximise the benefits of this enormous project, setting an example for sustainable and socially conscientious urban development (Sodiq et al., 2019).
The NEOM project in Saudi Arabia represents both possible obstacles and aspirational sustainability objectives, with substantial environmental ramifications. Positively, NEOM's dedication to integrating renewable energy is noteworthy as a trailblazing endeavour. The project intends to be mostly powered by renewable energy sources, such solar and wind energy. NEOM is in line with international goals to mitigate climate change and cut carbon emissions by adopting these renewable technologies. In order to address the severe freshwater scarcity in the area, the incorporation of solar-powered desalination facilities further demonstrates a commitment to sustainable water management. These programmes show a praiseworthy attempt to use state-of-the-art technology to reduce the environmental effect of energy generation and resource use. But as NEOM develops, there are environmental issues that need to be carefully considered (Xiang et al., 2021). The project's large scope prompts worry about possible ecological impact. The local ecosystems and biodiversity may be impacted by the building and development operations, necessitating careful environmental impact evaluations and conservation measures. Prioritising the preservation of the area's distinctive flora and fauna will help to guarantee that the project's expansion does not deplete vital natural resources. Furthermore, waste management becomes a crucial issue as NEOM develops into a bustling metropolitan centre. The project's potential to preserve environmental sustainability depends on the use of cutting-edge waste management techniques to lessen pollution and the ecological damage brought on by increased urbanisation. In addition, NEOM's position in a climate-vulnerable area makes climate-resilient infrastructure and architecture necessary (Fan et al., 2019). Water shortages and rising temperatures are two environmental issues that call for creative solutions. To increase NEOM's resistance to the effects of climate change, green infrastructure, water conservation measures, and sustainable urban design must be fundamental elements of the organization's development.
Conclusion
So it can be concluded from the study that the Saudi Arabian NEOM initiative is a revolutionary idea that seeks to achieve social advancement, environmental sustainability, and economic diversification. As a worldwide pioneer in sustainable urbanisation, NEOM places a strong focus on the integration of renewable energy. The dedication to state-of-the-art technology, such green hydrogen generation and solar-powered desalination, demonstrates a creative approach to solving environmental problems. The project is not without danger, though, since there is a chance for ecological disruption and waste management problems. These must be carefully controlled to guarantee a peaceful cohabitation with the surrounding environment. In terms of the economy, NEOM's desire to draw in international capital and develop into a centre for a number of sectors is consistent with Saudi Vision 2030's objective of lowering reliance on oil earnings. The possible development of employment possibilities and the incorporation of technologically advanced solutions for higher living standards demonstrate the socio-economic effect. Still, there is scepticism, especially when it comes to the viability and successful completion of such a big project. A well-rounded and all-encompassing strategy that integrates social inclusion, environmental preservation, and economic feasibility will be essential as NEOM advances. With its success, NEOM may serve as a model for environmentally conscious megaprojects across the world, highlighting the complex relationships that exist between social well-being, environmental preservation, and economic growth.
Recommendations
The 3 selected recommendations are described in detail below:
Comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment:
Every stage of the NEOM project's development must include a thorough Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in order to guarantee its long-term ecological viability. In addition to following established protocols, this study must to engage impartial environmental specialists and take into consideration the region's distinctive flora and fauna. Through a comprehensive comprehension of the possible environmental consequences, NEOM is able to put into practise focused conservation efforts, reduce ecological disturbance, and maintain the region's biodiversity. In order to reduce the environmental effect and promote a balance between urbanisation and conservation, it will be essential to engage in ongoing monitoring and adaptive management based on the results of these evaluations. Extensive and continuous environmental impact assessments greatly reduce negative environmental consequences, according to research on large-scale development projects (Mitchell, 2008). According to a 2019 study by Xue et al., in order to preserve ecosystem services and biodiversity, urban development plans must take ecological factors into account.
Social Inclusivity and Community Engagement:
Prioritising social inclusion and community engagement tactics will help NEOM make sure that the project's benefits are felt by all facets of society. Local communities should actively participate in the development process, taking into account their needs, goals, and cultural views. Residents will feel more a part of the community if open lines of communication, forums, and decision-making processes are established. Furthermore, focused initiatives for job training and skill development can improve the local workforce's ability to take advantage of the variety of economic possibilities that NEOM seeks to establish. The importance of community participation in promoting social cohesion and reducing the likelihood of conflicts resulting from large-scale initiatives is highlighted by research on sustainable urban development (Carmona, 2019). Reed's (2008) study highlights the favourable relationship between community participation and overall achievement.
Circular Economy Practices for Waste Management:
To solve the waste management issues, NEOM should use the concepts of the circular economy. Reuse, recycling, and trash reduction strategies that are sustainable and inventive can greatly reduce the project's environmental effect. A culture of responsible consumption and trash management may be established by combining public awareness efforts with the integration of smart technology for waste sorting and resource recovery. Moreover, collaborations with private businesses and research centres that focus on circular economy principles can help design and execute efficient waste management programmes. It has been demonstrated that circular economy strategies improve resource efficiency and lessen environmental damage caused by conventional linear production and consumption models (Ellen MacArthur Foundation, 2013). Ghisellini et al. (2016) conducted research that emphasises the potential of circular economy techniques to reduce trash creation and advance sustainable development.
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