Crown prince Mohammed Bin Salman’s vision includes subterranean digitalized community ‘aquellum’

Saudi Arabia has raised the bar in its ambitious NEOM construction project with the introduction of an innovative ‘upside-down skyscraper.’ The brainchild of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, NEOM aims to redefine the nation’s image and diversify its economy beyond oil. The latest addition to this megaproject, named ‘Aquellum,’ ventures underground, promising a subterranean digitalized community that seamlessly blends with nature and offers a glimpse into the future of living.

NEOM, a portmanteau of Neo for ‘new’ and M for ‘madina’ (Arabic for ‘city’), showcases Saudi Arabia’s commitment to transforming its image and aligning with the goals of the Paris Agreement. Previous elements of the project featured a 75-mile-long pair of skyscrapers cutting through the desert. Now, ‘Aquellum’ takes a different approach, moving underground to create a hidden world that embraces architectural innovation and connectivity with nature.

According to NEOM’s announcement, Aquellum will be a subterranean digitalized community designed for the future. It will remain invisible from the outside, challenging traditional architectural principles. The hidden world aims to integrate hotel accommodation, apartments, retail spaces, leisure and entertainment zones, and innovative hubs seamlessly. Visitors can expect a vertical experience within a 100-meter-high courtyard space, creating vibrancy and interconnectivity.

Once inside Aquellum, visitors will encounter a dynamic boulevard winding through the courtyard, connecting diverse social spaces, world-class hospitality, immersive arts, events, shopping, and dining. A signature space named ‘The Generator’ will house unique research labs, providing a platform for disruptors, innovators, and creative thinkers to reimagine the future.

NEOM is not the only project driving Saudi Arabia’s transformation. The oil demand sustainability programme (ODSP) is another noteworthy initiative. ODSP aims to position hydrocarbons as a competitive and sustainable source of energy on a global scale. By removing barriers to energy access in developing markets, accelerating technological advancements, and prioritizing sustainability, Saudi Arabia seeks to play a pivotal role in the global energy landscape.

Despite these ambitious visions, critics have raised concerns about the NEOM project, claiming it could potentially lead poorer nations to become overly dependent on oil. The undercover investigation has fueled discussions about the broader implications of such initiatives as the world navigates towards greener energy alternatives.

As Saudi Arabia ventures into the future with groundbreaking projects, the ‘upside-down skyscraper’ in NEOM exemplifies the nation’s commitment to pushing boundaries and embracing innovation for a sustainable and interconnected world.