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Sustainability Times
10-06-2025
- Business
- Sustainability Times
'Saudi Mega-Skyscraper Turns Deadly': This 105-Mile Structure Threatens to Annihilate Migratory Birds on a Catastrophic Scale
IN A NUTSHELL 🏗️ The Line project aims to transform 105 miles of Saudi Arabia's desert into a futuristic cityscape. aims to transform 105 miles of Saudi Arabia's desert into a futuristic cityscape. 🦅 Concerns have arisen over the project's impact on migratory birds due to its location on a major avian route. due to its location on a major avian route. ⚠️ Significant construction delays and environmental challenges threaten the project's success and sustainability goals. and environmental challenges threaten the project's success and sustainability goals. 🌿 The initiative highlights the tension between urban innovation and the preservation of delicate ecosystems. The Line project in Saudi Arabia's desert is a visionary attempt to redefine urban living with a futuristic cityscape. As part of the larger NEOM initiative, it seeks to blend sustainability with innovation, stretching an incredible 105 miles. However, amid the excitement surrounding this audacious endeavor, significant concerns have arisen about its environmental impact. Particularly troubling is the threat to local wildlife, including migratory birds that traverse this region. As the project unfolds, it prompts critical questions about how technological progress can coexist with ecological preservation, challenging us to ponder the delicate balance between urban development and nature. The Scale and Ambition of The Line The Line is an integral component of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, a transformative initiative aiming to convert a vast desert into an urban marvel. This linear city is designed to stretch 105 miles and soar 1,640 feet into the sky, with plans to accommodate nine million residents. The striking mirrored facade of The Line represents a blend of cutting-edge technology and sustainability aspirations, promising to redefine urban living. However, the project's grand scale has drawn scrutiny from environmentalists concerned about biodiversity threats, particularly to the avian population. Internal assessments reveal significant worries about the project's impact on migratory birds. The towering structure with its reflective surfaces poses a serious risk to avian life. Environmentalists argue that the challenge lies in harmonizing such grand urban visions with the delicate ecosystems they inhabit. The project's progress and ultimate success depend on addressing these environmental concerns while maintaining its ambitious urban innovation goals. 'Wild Spinach Saves the Day': Scientists Discover This Ordinary Plant Could Stop Catastrophic Fungus From Destroying US Farmlands Environmental Implications and Avian Threats Located on a major migratory route, The Line poses a substantial threat to billions of birds. The mirrored skyscraper could become a lethal obstacle for these winged travelers. The developers acknowledge the potential loss of avian life, which has ignited intense debates about balancing urban expansion with wildlife conservation. The table below highlights some of the critical challenges faced by The Line project: 'China Risks $117 Billion Collapse': This Scientist's Rare-Earth-Free Super Magnet Could Wreck an Entire National Industry 🦅 Avian Impact A Threat to Migratory Birds 🏙️ NEOM Project Desert Transformation into a Futuristic City 🌿 Sustainability An Ecological Ambition Under Scrutiny 📉 Delays Cumulative Construction Challenges The plight of these birds underscores broader questions about development in environmentally sensitive areas. How can we ensure our pursuit of innovation does not come at the expense of biodiversity and ecological balance? This dilemma highlights the importance of integrating environmental considerations into urban planning to safeguard the natural world. Construction Hurdles and Project Delays Beyond environmental concerns, The Line project faces significant construction challenges and delays. Initially projected to house nine million residents, current estimates suggest only 300,000 inhabitants by 2030, indicating a stark contrast to the original vision. Construction is primarily focused on excavation, with numerous foundational challenges delaying progress. Longest-Range Drone Ship in History: UK's New 8,500-Mile Vessel Stuns Military Analysts With Unprecedented Unmanned Capabilities Key issues include: Construction setbacks Balancing nature and urbanization Impact on biodiversity Project delays These challenges underscore the complexities of pursuing sustainable construction in fragile environments. The project's ambitious goals necessitate overcoming these obstacles while ensuring ecological integrity. As The Line progresses, it serves as a poignant case study in the ongoing dialogue about sustainable development. Balancing Innovation and Ecological Preservation The Line project exemplifies the tension between urban innovation and ecological preservation. Its ambitions are as vast as the desert it seeks to transform, but the environmental cost cannot be overlooked. Balancing technological and architectural progress with nature's preservation is crucial to ensuring a sustainable future. As we move forward, we must ask ourselves: How can we strike a balance between creating advanced, innovative urban environments and preserving the natural world for future generations? What sacrifices are we willing to make in the pursuit of progress, and how can we ensure that our actions today do not come at the expense of tomorrow's ecosystem? Our author used artificial intelligence to enhance this article. Did you like it? 4.6/5 (24)
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First Post
09-06-2025
- Business
- First Post
6 things to know about the giant port at world's biggest construction site in Saudi Arabia's floating complex
Saudi Arabia's futuristic floating port at Oxagon is taking shape fast. Strategically located on the Red Sea, the port will be fully automated, renewable-powered and central to global trade. Here are six things to know about the project. read more Saudi Arabia's ambitious Neom project continues to make headlines, this time with visible progress at Oxagon, its futuristic floating industrial complex. Newly released satellite imagery has revealed significant developments at the Port of Neom, located in Oxagon, one of the most striking components of the world's largest construction site. Here are six key things to know about the giant port being developed at the heart of this next-generation megacity: A port at a strategic global trade artery The Port of Neom is rising on the Red Sea, along one of the busiest maritime trade corridors in the world. Its proximity to the Suez Canal—through which nearly 12% of global trade passes—gives it a pivotal advantage. This location positions Oxagon as a crucial new player in connecting Asia, Africa and Europe. Update🚨: Recent images posted by Giles Pendleton (Chief Operating Officer THE LINE at NEOM | Chief Development Officer) of Oxagon, showing immense progress in infrastructure works + Oxagon village is about to have more construction work coming as the site being prepared. — Saud (@Saudfromabove) April 13, 2025 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A symbol of Saudi Arabia's economic transition Oxagon is part of the Saudi Vision 2030 initiative aimed at reducing the kingdom's dependence on oil. Along with other components like The Line and Trojena, it reflects Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's ambitions to reposition Saudi Arabia as a global hub of innovation and sustainability. World-class automation arrives In a major milestone, the Port of Neom recently received Saudi Arabia's first fully automated, remote-controlled cranes. This step marks the beginning of a tech-first operational approach, designed to enhance Red Sea logistics and attract global business through efficiency and digital transformation. A hub for green energy and smart industries Oxagon is also the site for Neom's Green Hydrogen Company (NGHC), which is developing what will be the world's largest green hydrogen plant. The $8.4 billion project underscores Oxagon's role as not just a logistics centre but a future global capital for sustainable industry. Designed for people and planet Unlike conventional industrial zones, Oxagon has been envisioned as a mixed-use, compact city that will run entirely on renewable energy. Its planners aim to host around 90,000 residents by 2030. 'Industrial development cannot continue at the expense of people or the environment,' said Oxagon CEO Vishal Wanchoo in May. Strong global interest and leadership focus Neom recently appointed a new CEO tasked with tackling budget overruns and delays across its many sub-projects. Despite these challenges, optimism remains high. Melissa Blake, Port Director at Neom, wrote on LinkedIn: 'Port of Neom is excited to receive the first batch of cranes and other cargo handling equipment as we come another step closer to delivering our vision.' The Saudi government describes Oxagon as 'a place where people, nature and technology come together in harmony,' signalling a break from traditional development models. What's next? The Port of Neom is expected to become the primary gateway for trade in northwestern Saudi Arabia. With a smart logistics hub connecting three continents, the port could redefine how goods flow through the region, offering a glimpse of what global trade might look like in the decades to come.
Hindustan Times
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Saudi Arabia to lift 73-year-old ban on alcohol for FIFA World Cup 2034? Country clarifies
Saudi Arabia on Monday denied media reports that the kingdom would lift its 73-year-old ban on alcohol, prohibited for Muslims under Islam, as part of reform plans in the lead up to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup. The purported plan, reported by a wine blog last week, said Saudi authorities were mulling to allow alcohol sales in tourist settings as the kingdom prepares to host the mega sporting event. The report did not mention the source for this information. The report ignited an online debate among people in the kingdom, which calls itself as the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques - Islam's most revered places in Mecca and Medina. Saudi Arabia and Kuwait are the only Gulf countries that prohibit the sale of alcohol. Signs of easing alcohol restrictions emerged last year with the opening of first alcohol store in the capital, Riyadh, last year serving exclusively non-Muslim diplomats. Before this move, alcohol was available only through diplomatic mail or on the black market. Saudi Arabia's de facto leader, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, known as MBS, has implemented a series of reforms since assuming control in the kingdom's affairs. These were part of his efforts to diversify the kingdom's economy away from oil under his Vision 2030. MBS allowed women to drive in 2017 and also implemented other reforms which were once seen as impossible in the oil-rich kingdom. Some rules on sex segregation in public spaces were eased and the power of the religious police was curtailed. Women over 21 were allowed to obtain passports and travel abroad without male guardian approval. They were also allowed register births, marriages, and divorces. Other measures implemented to attract foreign tourists include allowing dancing at desert raves to watching models at fashion shows or going to the cinema. MBS's $14 trillion megacity 'NEOM' featuring futuristic developments like 'The Line' and 'Trojena,' a vertical ski village have sparked global attention.
Axios
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Axios
Where to find hotel pool passes in Austin
Beyond Austin's beautiful public pools and swimming holes, a growing number of hotels are opening their doors to let locals enjoy their chic pool decks. We've rounded up some options to keep you cool during the hottest time of year. W Austin The newly renovated hotel 's wet deck has become a popular spot to spend a day under rentable cabanas and verandas while enjoying DJs every Sunday. Pool passes start at $35. Austin Motel The iconic Austin Motel on South Congress has brought back its daily pool pass and reopened Rocky's Bar. Day passes are available daily 11am–10pm. $25 passes Monday through Thursday, and $50 passes Friday through Sunday. Pro tip: Join the Austin Motel's Swim Club for daily pool access, monthly member happy hours and a welcome tote. Hotel Magdalena Take a dip in the hotel pool noon–5pm, enjoy complimentary WiFi and towel service and grab drinks from the outdoor Magdalena Bar. A classic pool pass starts at $25, or you can find packages for two people ($45–$65) or family passes ($95–$125). Azul Rooftop Head to the 20th floor of The Westin for city views from a pool in the heart of Austin. Pool passes are $40 Sunday–Thursday and $60 for Friday and Saturday. Cabana and day passes for couples are also available. South Congress Hotel A day pass to this rooftop pool on South Congress Avenue includes drink and food service, a poolside bar and cabana rentals. Pool passes start at $75 for adults and $15 for children from 11am–7pm. Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa Take it up a notch with a luxurious day at Omni Barton Creek's Mokara Spa. A $99 pool pass gives you access to a rooftop pool, sauna, steam room and hot tub. Body and facial treatments are available for purchase. The Line Enjoy views of Lady Bird Lake and South Congress while swimming at The Line's heated saltwater infinity pool. $40 weekday and weekend day passes are available online. Omni Downtown Omni Downtown's Summer Saturdays are back — a weekly rooftop pool party launching Memorial Day weekend and continuing every Saturday, noon–5pm, through September.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Service! restaurant facing setback after thousands of dollars of copper, equipment stolen
A Columbus nonprofit whose mission is to support struggling workers in the service industry is facing a setback after one of their future restaurants had thousands of dollars of copper and restaurant items stolen during a recent break-in. Service! was founded during the early days of COVID-19 shutdowns to provide financial relief and meals to central Ohioans who lost their jobs in restaurants, bars, bakeries and other food-service businesses, The Dispatch previously reported. The nonprofit also operates a restaurant with a similar mission at the Franklin County Government Center. The nonprofit had been planning to open their second restaurant, called The Line, sometime in spring 2026, said Sangeeta Lakhani, executive director of Service!. The future restaurant will be a training hub for those in the service industry and provide long-term career growth. Lakhani said that sometime between May 18-20, multiple thieves broke the combination lock housing keys to the building and made off with at least $1,800 worth of copper and around $5,000 worth of restaurant equipment. Lakhani said that the thieves also ripped the electrical panels and wiring out of the wall and that there is no electricity in the building. The estimated cost of the break-in losses doesn't include the cost of having to rewire the building. "We literally just got the keys to the space," Lakhani said in a phone call with The Dispatch on May 22. She said she realized the morning of May 20 that the restaurant had been ransacked and the copper wiring had been stripped. The thieves, she said, left behind clothing, shoes, and even a bicycle. Lakhani said they are still waiting on several building permits to proceed with construction, which was estimated to take about six to eight months to complete. She said the break-in more than likely pushes the planned opening back, though it's too soon to tell how long the opening will be delayed. Lakhani said that while she wasn't exactly mad at the thieves, she is frustrated because the nonprofit's mission is to help struggling people — people she thinks who are probably similar to the ones who broke into the restaurant. "I guess we didn't get to (help) them fast enough," said Lakhani. "I'm frustrated that we live in a world where people have to steal to get their basic needs met." Lakhani said that while they did have insurance, they had just gotten that along with the keys less than two weeks ago and she believes they would likely be penalized or dropped by the insurance company if they filed a claim so soon. As a result, Lakhani said the nonprofit would be forced to resort to fundraising to make up for the financial loss. Copper theft is fairly common due to its high market value. It affects a wide range of sectors, and thieves will usually sell stolen copper to scrapyards, according to Copper wiring can range in price from $2.50 to $4.50 per pound. In 2007, Columbus became the first Ohio community to require scrap yards to submit daily online info to police about each sale, including the names and information about the sellers as well as to take a photo of them and the materials they turned in for sale. The state of Ohio adopted similar legislation in 2012 but installation of the system took a few years. Despite the efforts, Ohio was ranked among the five top states with the highest number of copper thefts in 2019 with 410 thefts, according to the National Crime Insurance Bureau. Reporter Shahid Meighan can be reached at smeighan@ at ShahidMeighan on X, and at on Bluesky. This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Service! faces setback after restaurant break in, copper theft
