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Saudi’s Mega-City NEOM Replaces CEO: What Happens Next?

Saudi Mega-City NEOM

Saudi Arabia has replaced the CEO of its NEOM mega-city project. Nadhmi al-Nasr, who led the project since 2018, is stepping down, and Aiman al-Mudaifer, a top official at the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), is stepping in as interim CEO.

Why the Leadership Change at NEOM?

This leadership change comes at a time when the NEOM project faces growing challenges. The timing raises many questions: What’s behind the change? And what does it mean for the future of this huge development?

NEOM is a massive project, designed to span 170 kilometers and include new ideas like twin skyscrapers, a ski resort, and the bold horizontal city, The Line. However, since its launch, many have questioned whether the project will meet its goals. There’s concern that delays could prevent the city from taking shape as planned.

What Does This Change Mean for NEOM?

According to a statement from NEOM, the leadership shift is part of the company’s effort to enter a “new phase of delivery.” Al-Mudaifer, who has worked at PIF since 2018, has experience in real estate development and knows the ins and outs of the NEOM project. He’s now tasked with making sure things stay on track. But can he handle the pressure and fix the delays? Only time will tell.

Challenges Facing NEOM

NEOM has already faced a few problems. One of the biggest issues is The Line. Originally, this centerpiece of the project was supposed to stretch 170 kilometers by 2030. However, reports now say that only 2.4 kilometers will be done by the end of the decade. This raises doubts about whether the project can meet its size and population targets. Earlier plans had expected a population of over one million in The Line by 2030. But now, new reports, including from Bloomberg, suggest that only 300,000 people might live there by then.

Sindalah Island: A First Step Forward

Despite these challenges, NEOM has already opened its first major development: Sindalah Island. This luxury island features a marina, hotels, and retail spaces, aiming to attract tourists. Sindalah Island will serve as an important test for NEOM’s future. If it succeeds, it could help set the tone for future developments and show that NEOM can make its ideas a reality.

Moving Forward with NEOM

Even with the setbacks, Saudi Arabia continues to push forward with NEOM’s plan. The city still includes other major developments, like Oxagon, Trojena, and Magna, which all aim to create a modern, balanced future. However, the question remains: Can NEOM meet its goals and become the city it’s promised to be?

Al-Mudaifer’s appointment marks a fresh start for NEOM. While challenges remain, this leadership change could be exactly what’s needed to keep things moving forward. The world will be watching to see how the project progresses in the coming years.

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Marriott International Celebrates Second Wave of Graduates in Maldives Apprenticeship Program

Marriott International Celebrates Second Wave of Graduates in Maldives Apprenticeship Program

On April 19, 2025, Marriott International celebrated the success of 31 apprentices who graduated from the second batch of its Maldives Apprenticeship Program. The special ceremony took place at the Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa and featured key dignitaries, including Hon. Ibrahim Waheed, the Minister of Youth Empowerment, Information, and Arts, along with other officials from the Ministry of Youth Empowerment and the Maldives Institute of Technology (MIT). Additionally, Mark Fletcher, Marriott’s Area Director of Human Resources for Singapore and the Maldives, also attended to acknowledge the graduates’ achievements.

Hon. Ibrahim Waheed highlighted the program’s role in empowering the youth of the Maldives, commenting, “Today, we celebrate 31 apprenticeship graduates. These are 31 futures redefined—each a testament to what happens when opportunity meets action. To our apprentices, you step forward as ambassadors of possibility. And to Marriott International, thank you for not just supporting this program, but for championing it—your commitment to mentorship and local capacity building is truly admirable.”

A Collaborative Effort in Hospitality Training

The Marriott Apprenticeship Program is a collaborative effort between Marriott International, the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Community Empowerment, and MIT. This 10-month program provides participants with a well-rounded education that includes theoretical lessons at MIT and hands-on experience at various Marriott resorts across the Maldives. Specifically, the apprentices received training in several key hospitality sectors, including front office operations, culinary arts, food and beverage service, and housekeeping.

By partnering with the Maldivian government, Marriott became the first international hospitality brand to support such an apprenticeship initiative in the country, reinforcing its dedication to developing local talent. In this way, the program supports Marriott’s broader mission to cultivate the next generation of leaders in the fast-growing Maldivian tourism industry.

Practical Experience Across Marriott’s Maldives Resorts

The apprentices completed their theoretical training at MIT before gaining practical experience at Marriott’s luxurious properties in the Maldives, such as The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands; The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort; JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa; W Maldives; Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa; Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa; and The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort.

True to the company’s guiding principle of “We Put People First,” Marriott focuses on helping young professionals grow and succeed. As a result of their hard work, all the graduates received Level-3 certification, officially recognized by the Maldives Qualification Authority (MQA). This certification acknowledges their successful completion of both the academic and practical components of the program, preparing them for careers in the hospitality industry.

Looking Ahead to a Bright Future

Mark Fletcher reflected on the program’s origins, noting, “When we launched this program in 2023, it was envisioned as a pilot, a leap of faith, grounded in belief. A belief in crafting talents of Maldivian youth, belief in the strength and collaboration, and belief in Marriott’s commitment to “take care” – not just our people but the communities where we serve. What began as an initiative is now a movement, and Marriott International is proud to be the first international hospitality brand to officially launch such apprenticeship program in the Maldives”

Ultimately, this graduation marks a key milestone in Marriott’s efforts to contribute to the long-term sustainability of the Maldives’ tourism industry by fostering a talented and skilled local workforce. Marriott looks forward to watching its graduates embark on successful careers and continue playing an essential role in the growth of the country’s hospitality sector.

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