NEOM empowering individuals and communities in Saudi Arabia

 

NEOM playing an active role in social responsibility across Saudi Arabia

In 2023, Saudi Arabia’s $500 billion mega-city, NEOM, committed millions of dollars to social responsibility initiatives throughout the Kingdom. These efforts ranged from distributing thousands of child safety car seats and school kits to supporting emerging entrepreneurs and addressing graffiti at heritage sites.

According to NEOM’s 2023 social responsibility report, the focus was on empowering individuals and communities by upskilling Saudi talent and fostering a culture of volunteerism across NEOM and the broader Kingdom.

The NEOM Social Responsibility (NEOM SR) department spearheaded these initiatives, benefiting over 50,000 individuals and investing more than $10 million back into local communities. NEOM CEO Nadhmi al-Nasr highlighted that the company’s dedication to social responsibility, sustainability, and innovation is a cornerstone of its strategy, as envisioned by His Royal Highness Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Chairman of the NEOM Board of Directors.

 

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NEOM SR’s strategy revolves around four main pillars: leveraging partnerships, empowering communities and individuals, accelerating economic diversification, and creating long-term value.

“Instilling the values of participation and cooperation is a common theme across these pillars, and NEOM takes pride in successfully driving this agenda,” said al-Nasr.

Supporting Entrepreneurs

Under the “Accelerating Progress” track, NEOM SR has launched initiatives to support entrepreneurship and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in NEOM and the Tabuk region. The NEOM Seven Senses Accelerator, for example, provides training, mentorship, and funding to emerging entrepreneurs. The report features the story of Njoud Al Balawi, founder of RC Abaya, who used the program to overcome challenges and expand her fashion brand.

“My journey began with a loan from the Riyadah Program, and despite setbacks due to the COVID-19 pandemic, NEOM Seven Senses helped me refine my strategy and take my business to new heights,” said Al Balawi. “Thanks to the program, I now envision opening a larger factory in Tabuk.”

 

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Enhancing Quality of Life

The “Enhancing Quality of Life” track includes the NEOM Family Support Scheme, which distributes essential items such as car seats, school kits, winter clothing, and shopping vouchers during Ramadan. NEOM SR has also launched the NEOM Scholarship Program to support local students pursuing higher education.

Fostering Volunteerism

NEOM SR has also emphasized the importance of volunteerism. The NEOM Volunteer Program engaged about 1,000 volunteers in various community projects. Sultan al-Harbi, a participant, shared his transformative experience through volunteering, which he described as eye-opening and rewarding.

Additionally, NEOM Heritage has partnered with the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) to combat graffiti and vandalism at heritage sites and to protect natural resources and wildlife within NEOM through the NEOM Rangers project.

 

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The NEOM Social Responsibility Award has been introduced to honor individuals and organizations contributing significantly to social development in NEOM and Tabuk.

In summary, NEOM’s commitment to social responsibility is integral to its mission, reflecting its promise to create a sustainable, innovative, and community-focused future. “Our vision extends beyond current projects, driven by a diverse team dedicated to building a model for exceptional livability in harmony with nature,” al-Nasr concluded. 

Source: Alarabiya