Why Scaling Back NEOM Could Cost $16 Billion

NEOM was designed around some of the most ambitious construction projects ever attempted. But what happens when changing the plan can itself cost billions? This documentary follows the contracts, reported termination costs, infrastructure investments and capital-allocation decisions behind NEOM — from The Line and Trojena to ports, green hydrogen and data centers. At the center of the story is a reported estimate of roughly $16 billion in anticipated payments related to terminating long-term agreements across NEOM between 2026 and 2030. But the real question is bigger: When can an expensive exit still be cheaper than continuing to build? Megaproject Economics follows the money behind the world’s biggest projects. — This video includes original analysis, motion graphics, data visualization, licensed/original media and AI-assisted visual elements. Some realistic synthetic or altered visuals are used for illustration and do not represent documentary footage of actual events. Sources include reporting and disclosures from Semafor, NEOM, Public Investment Fund, Webuild, Air Products and other primary or high-quality sources cited during production. #NEOM #TheLine #Megaprojects