Artificial cities and why they are necessary (Neom, Dubai)

• The friction between natural city evolution and the need for artificially constructed cities. What is the cost of rapid, artificial urban growth, and is it truly sustainable?

• Neom, a planned cross-border city in the Tabuk Province of northwestern Saudi Arabia, is intended to cover 26,500 square kilometers. It comes as part of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, with an estimated investment of $500 billion, aiming to be a hub for new technologies, sustainable practices, and international business.

• Dubai's ambitious urbanization and attraction as a global hub is evident from its rapid population growth. In 1975, the city's population was around 183,000, but by 2020, it skyrocketed to over 3.3 million. Part of this growth is attributed to its focus on tourism and business, with the city targeting to attract 20 million tourists annually by 2020 before the pandemic.

• Sprouting from desert sands, Dubai's skyline, punctuated by the Burj Khalifa, epitomizes audacious ambition. An oasis of human creation, Dubai challenges nature's dominion, crafting artificial islands and snow-filled malls. Yet, sustainability questions linger. Saltwater Desalination Plants powered by Solar Farms offer a glimpse into Dubai's potential future — where luxury coexists with eco-consciousness, and where ambition marries responsibility.