The reason for the controversy is the statement of the NEOM chief
The NEOM chief, who was attending an Arabian travel market in Dubai, gave an interview to the UAE media. In an interview, Andrew McAvoy said that Niom City was outside the jurisdiction of Saudi Arabia and that its residents were known as Niomis, not Saudis. This led to great debate and controversy within and outside the Saudis. He said the plan is to attract not only tourists from all over the world but also those who want to stay and work here permanently.
McEvoy says NEOM will be an independent country

His statement was that NEOM would become an independent country. He further added that the rules and regulations of Saudi Arabia do not apply here and will have their own rules and regulations. As the statement went viral on social media, it caused a great deal of protest and criticism among the people. It is in this context that the Saudi government has come to the fore.
Neom rejected the mayor’s statement

The Saudi Press Agency has rejected a statement issued to the UAE media in Dubai. The news agency quoted official sources as saying. The statement added that Niom City would remain completely under Saudi sovereignty. The agency said in a statement that the misconceptions raised in this regard were unfounded. The NEOM City project is one of the most important projects under the Saudi Public Investment Fund.
Neom City is a special economic zone only

Neom City will operate as a special economic zone in Saudi Arabia. At the same time, it will be completely under Saudi sovereignty. The same economic laws of Saudi Arabia apply to this special economic zone. The Saudi news agency said in a statement that the Saudi government would have “sovereignty over security, defense and the rule of law.” At the same time, as a special economic zone, special economic concessions and applicable laws will be introduced here. The authorities said that legislation and governance will be implemented here to make Niom one of the global attractions.
Neom City is located in three countries

Construction began in 2017 on the 26,500-square-kilometer Neom City, which spans three countries. In addition to Saudi Arabia, it shares borders with Egypt and Jordan. Residents are expected to arrive in Nioma, a future city built by Saudi Arabia on the Red Sea coast at a cost of half a trillion dollars, from 2024. Over the next decade, at least 20 million people will be living in Niome. By 2026, Sky Slope, mountain biking and water sports facilities will be available. Niyom also has a mountain center that attracts tourists. Neom envisions a smart city that uses only clean energy.
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