Can futuristic cities change the weather? Climate concerns over Saudi Arabia’s NEOM project

As Saudi Arabia moves forward with its $500 billion NEOM project—a 170-kilometer linear city cutting through the desert—climate experts are raising red flags. Could the mega-development alter regional wind patterns, disrupt rainfall cycles, and intensify sandstorms?

What is NEOM?

NEOM is an ambitious “smart city” initiative backed by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. It promises AI-powered infrastructure, renewable energy, car-free zones, and revolutionary urban design. But scientists warn that large-scale urban planning in sensitive desert ecosystems could have unintended consequences.

Environmental Impact: Not Just Local

According to senior climate advisors working with the NEOM team, the design and size of a city can redirect natural air flow, alter rainfall patterns, and increase dust storm activity. These changes could extend far beyond NEOM itself, affecting neighboring regions and ecosystems across the Arabian Peninsula.

“When you build a 170km wall in the desert, it’s not just architecture. It’s a climate experiment,” says a leading climate scientist involved in the project.

Megaprojects vs. Nature’s Balance

Megaprojects like NEOM symbolize the future of urban life, but they also test the limits of sustainability. As countries strive to be resilient to climate change, balancing innovation with ecological integrity becomes critical.

Why it matters

Urban climate impact: Similar to the urban heat island effect, megastructures can change local weather.

Desert ecosystems: Desert flora and fauna are highly sensitive to changes in wind, temperature and humidity.

Regional stability: Environmental disruptions can affect agriculture, water resources and human health across borders.

Global debate: progress or destruction?

While NEOM may rethink how cities are built, it also fuels a growing debate: can we rethink nature without harming it?

Governments, planners and climate scientists must work together to ensure that sustainable development is not just a marketing slogan, but the basis for a truly future of living.