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7. The truth behind Saudi’s eco-city

Saudi Arabia, one of the world's biggest oil producers, says it’s pivoting to green energy. But will the reality live up to the rhetoric?

Saudi Arabia, one of the world's biggest oil producers, says it’s pivoting to green energy. It has a host of big projects and initiatives. But will reality live up to the country’s rhetoric? And why do some activists say they’ve become victims of the government’s grand plans?

We’ve been looking at online chatter and PR campaigns pushing the country’s green credentials. At the same time, experts say Saudi officials are trying to secure the future of the country’s huge fossil fuel energy industry.

And we hear from an activist who’s fighting on behalf of people displaced by NEOM, a brand new futuristic eco-city in the middle of the desert.

Trending and Â鶹ԼÅÄ Arabic have been investigating the truth behind Saudi Arabia’s green plans, and we ask whether the government is really serious about reducing its reliance on fossil fuels.

Presenter: Merlyn Thomas
Producer: Reha Kansara
Series producer: Vibeke Venema

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23 minutes

Broadcasts

  • Sat 4 Dec 2021 05:32GMT
  • Sat 4 Dec 2021 18:32GMT
  • Sat 4 Dec 2021 22:32GMT
  • Sun 5 Dec 2021 00:32GMT
  • Sun 5 Dec 2021 01:32GMT
  • Sun 5 Dec 2021 19:32GMT
  • Mon 6 Dec 2021 10:32GMT

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