RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — Megaprojects around the world are reaching unprecedented scales, with many of them focused on the Arab Gulf region, a construction software company has highlighted.
The latest 1Build report, quoted by STATISTA, estimates that the first construction megaproject with a cost exceeding $1 trillion will emerge before the end of the decade.
This signifies a significant increase considering that just a few years ago, $10 billion construction proposals were considered megaprojects.
1Build, in collaboration with International Construction Magazine and Construction Review, has identified nine ongoing megaprojects worldwide, each costing $100 billion or more, reported STATISTA.
Interestingly, four of these projects are being built in Arab Gulf States, it added.
One of the notable projects is Neom City, an ambitious undertaking that encompasses futuristic towns and cities in Northwestern Saudi Arabia. By 2026, Neom City aims to accommodate a population of 450,000 people. The Line, a part of Neom City, has gained attention for its plan to create a fully enclosed city stretching 170 km in length, 200 meters in width, and 500 meters in height.
Surpassing Neom City in terms of cost is the EU’s Trans-European Transport Network, which is estimated to require a massive $600 billion investment. This comprehensive infrastructure upgrade aims to enhance long-distance transport through the construction of railway lines, roads, shipping routes, and related structures across European Union member countries.
However, not all projects in the Gulf region have experienced smooth progress. The project to connect GCC member countries through a $250 billion, 2,000 km rail network faced setbacks and was halted. Nevertheless, there are indications that the project could resume in the near future.
Other prominent megaprojects in the region include the entertainment and tourism complex Dubailand, King Abdullah Economic City north of Jeddah in Saudi Arabia, and Silk City in Northern Kuwait, which will be home to the world’s tallest building upon completion, highlighted STATISTA report.
These megaprojects showcase the scale and ambition of construction endeavors taking place in the Arab Gulf Region, indicating a trend of significant investment and development in the area, it added.