The stuff of sci-fi, Neom is the jaw-dropping urban development currently taking shape in the Saudi Arabian desert.

Announced in 2017 and expected to cost $1.5 trillion (£1.2tn), the mind-boggling megaproject is almost the size of Belgium and consists of 10 futuristic regions. Among them is The Line (pictured), a mirrored linear megacity with a projected population of nine million.

However, recent reports suggest the audacious project may be in trouble, with plans for The Line in particular in danger of coming off the rails. Read on to find out why Neom remains so controversial – and discover the chances of the project ever being completed. 

All dollar amounts in US dollars.