BARRIERS AND OPPORTUNITIES IN IMPLEMENTING ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENTS FOR MEGA PROJECTS: THE CASE OF NEOM

Abstract

Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) is useful in ensuring that mega projects like NEOM, a pioneering urban development initiative in Saudi Arabia, are sustainable and environmentally responsible. Given the unprecedented scale, complexity, and ambition of NEOM, conventional EIA methodologies are often insufficient to address the unique environmental challenges posed by such a large-scale project. This paper explores innovative strategies to enhance the EIA process in NEOM, focusing on the adoption of a phased EIA approach, the establishment of robust regulatory and policy frameworks, and the implementation of a digital environmental monitoring system.