DUBAI: Saudi Arabia’s crown prince on Sunday announced plans to build a zero carbon city at NEOM, a $500 billion flagship business zone aimed at diversifying the kingdom’s oil-based economy.

Prince Mohammed bin Salman said in televised remarks that the city, which will be capable of housing one million residents, would comprise “carbon-positive urban developments powered by 100% clean energy”. A Saudi statement said construction would start in Q1 2021 on the project, which is expected to contribute $48 billion to the kingdom’s GDP.

Published in Dawn, January 11th, 2021