- Location: Saudi Arabia
- Cost: $500 billion
NEOM, a massive, futuristic city in Saudi Arabia, is a $500 billion project spearheaded by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. It's designed to be a "smart city" with multiple cities, resorts, and other developments.
The Saudi Public Investment Fund is providing the majority of the funding as part of the Vision 2030 plan to diversify the Saudi economy and reduce reliance on oil.
- Location: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE)
- Cost: $250 billion
The GCC Rail is gaining momentum with significant advancements in recent months. As the region's economies expand, rail projects are becoming increasingly attractive investments. Improved oil revenue and market conditions have supported infrastructure development.
The GCC Rail network, spanning over 2,000 kilometers, is expected to grow at varying rates across member states. Key milestones include the Riyadh Metro's first segment launching in March 2024 and the UAE's National Railway Network being introduced earlier this year.
- Location: Saudi Arabia
- Cost: US$100 billion
King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC) is a massive development project in Saudi Arabia, aiming to become a global economic powerhouse. With a modern architectural style and a projected population of nearly 2 million, KAEC is a $100 billion investment.
Construction began in 2006 and is expected to be completed by 2025. The city will feature a seaport, industrial zone, central business district, resorts, residential areas, and research institutions.
- Location: Saudi Arabia
- Cost: $80 billion
Jubail Industrial City is expanding significantly. The $80 billion Jubail II project, the world's largest infrastructure undertaking, will double the city's size. This expansion aims to boost the petrochemical sector and improve the quality of life.
A new six-lane highway will connect Jubail to Dammam, enhancing connectivity within the region. Extensive road and trail networks are also being built to support the city's growth.
- Location: Space
- Cost: $150 billion
The International Space Station (ISS) is a massive structure, roughly the size of a football field, orbiting Earth at an altitude of 400 kilometers. Due to its size and weight, it couldn't be built on Earth and launched as a single unit. Instead, it was assembled in orbit over several years through numerous missions by various space agencies.
The ISS is a testament to international cooperation, involving European nations (ESA), the United States (NASA), Japan (JAXA), Canada (CSA), and Russia (Roscosmos). It serves as a platform for scientific research and technological advancement.
- Location: Paris
- Cost: $ 47.7 billion
The Grand Paris Express is a major transportation project in Paris, aimed at expanding the city's metro network and improving accessibility. This ambitious project involves building four new metro lines and extending an existing one.
The Grand Paris Express is expected to revolutionize travel within the city, reducing congestion and improving air quality.
- Location: China
- Cost: $46.2 billion
Beijing Daxing International Airport is a massive, modern airport designed to alleviate congestion in Beijing and serve the growing demand for international travel.
Built in just five years, this ambitious project showcases China's ability to execute complex infrastructure projects on a grand scale. The airport's completion signifies a significant milestone in China's aviation development.
- Location: Dubai
- Cost: $33 billion
Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai is set to become the world's largest airport upon completion. As part of the Dubai South development, it offers a multi-modal transportation hub and a business-friendly environment. With a $33 billion investment, the airport has been expanding since its opening in 2010.
Aiming to surpass all other airports in passenger volume by 2050, it plans to reach a capacity of 255 million passengers per year. The initial phase will increase capacity to 130 million by 2030. The airport's development covers a vast area of 56 square kilometers and is expected to significantly boost Dubai's economy.
- Location: London
- Cost: $23.6 billion
The Elizabeth Line is the largest construction project in Europe, a 100+ kilometer rail route connecting Heathrow and Reading to Abbey Wood and Shenfield. It features 42 kilometers of new tunnels under central London. The central section between Paddington and Abbey Wood opened in May 2022.
Bechtel has played a crucial role in the project, managing the construction of the central tunnels and stations. They've also overseen upgrades to the existing rail network to ensure compatibility with the Elizabeth Line. These massive engineering projects are vital for London's transportation infrastructure
- Location: Hong Kong, Zhuhai, Macau
- Cost: $18.8 billion
The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) is a monumental engineering feat, connecting three major cities in the region. As the world's longest bridge-tunnel system sea crossing, it spans the Lingdingyang channel in the Pearl River Estuary.
The 29.6km Main Bridge, with its sea viaduct and sub-sea tunnel, connects Hong Kong to Zhuhai and Macao. The bridge is part of a larger transportation network, including the 13.4km Zhuhai Link Road, extending its total length to 55 km.
- Location: Japan
- Cost: $13.7 billion
The Chuo Shinkansen is a groundbreaking high-speed rail project in Japan, utilizing maglev technology to achieve speeds of up to 314 mph. This new line will significantly reduce travel time between Tokyo and Osaka, revolutionizing transportation in the region.
Its construction is a testament to Japan's commitment to technological advancement and infrastructure development.
- Location: Heraklion, Crete, Greece
- Cost: €1.5 billion
Greece is rolling out the red carpet with the construction of Kastelli International Airport on the picturesque island of Crete. Set to replace the current Heraklion Airport, this mega-project is designed to handle up to 15 million passengers annually. It promises to bring cutting-edge facilities and transform Crete into an even bigger Mediterranean hotspot.
Scheduled for completion in 2027, the airport's eco-friendly design will blend modernity with sustainability, incorporating renewable energy systems and smart technologies. Travelers can look forward to smoother journeys while the local economy gears up for a tourism boost. Looks like Greece is upping its game — Athens better watch out!
- Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Cost: $48 billion
Saudi Arabia is rewriting the rulebook on urban planning with the Mukaab, a colossal cube-shaped structure at the heart of the New Murabba project in Riyadh. Standing 400 meters tall, wide, and deep, the Mukaab will be big enough to house 20 Empire State Buildings — talk about thinking outside the box!
This futuristic marvel will serve as a mixed-use space, hosting residences, hotels, retail, and entertainment hubs, all under one geometric masterpiece. The New Murabba project aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, showcasing cutting-edge sustainability and technology. If this sounds like a sci-fi movie set, it’s because Saudi Arabia is turning fantasy into reality. Who knew urban innovation could be so... cubic?
- Location: Bodø, Norway
- Cost: NOK 7.2 billion (approximately $660 million)
Norway is flying high with its New Bodø Airport project, set to replace the current airport just south of the city center. Scheduled for completion by 2029, this cutting-edge facility is designed to support Bodø’s growing role as a transportation and business hub in the Arctic.
The project emphasizes sustainability, incorporating energy-efficient systems and green technologies to handle the harsh Arctic environment. With an expected passenger capacity of two million annually, it promises smoother travel and a major boost to tourism. As the gateway to the Lofoten Islands and beyond, this airport is set to make Bodø the crown jewel of Arctic connectivity — snow boots not included!
- Location: Clark, Pampanga, Philippines
- Cost: $14 billion
The Philippines is building a modern metropolis from scratch with the ambitious New Clark City project. Located in Clark, Pampanga, this 9,450-hectare development aims to decongest Metro Manila while serving as a hub for business, tourism, and innovation. Designed to feature smart infrastructure, eco-friendly design, and efficient transportation networks, it promises a seamless urban experience.
The city will include government offices, housing, commercial areas, and transport hubs, with the vision of improving quality of life and economic opportunities. With its futuristic design and focus on sustainability, New Clark City isn’t just a pipe dream — it’s a strategic leap toward urban development. A true Filipino metropolis reimagined!
- Location: Ras El Hekma, Western Desert, Egypt
- Cost: $10 billion
Egypt is setting its sights on luxury living and economic growth with the Ras El Hekma Development Project. Located along the Mediterranean coast, this massive 22,000-hectare mixed-use development will include residential communities, resorts, commercial spaces, and high-end tourism infrastructure.
With its pristine coastline, Ras El Hekma is envisioned as a prime destination for investors and travelers, combining luxury with sustainability. The project is expected to attract millions of visitors annually while creating thousands of jobs. From five-star resorts to vibrant urban spaces, Ras El Hekma is Egypt’s bold move to blend modern living with stunning natural beauty. Time to pack your bags!
- Location: Singapore
- Cost: $1.7 billion
Singapore's iconic Changi Airport isn’t just a hub; it’s a symbol of innovation in global air travel. Terminal 5 is set to redefine the airport experience with its futuristic design and advanced technology. Scheduled to open in the mid-2030s, this terminal will accommodate up to 50 million passengers annually, enhancing Singapore’s role as a key international gateway.
Terminal 5 promises seamless connectivity, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and environmentally sustainable features. Designed with passenger convenience and innovation in mind, it will include green spaces, cutting-edge amenities, and efficient transport systems. When it comes to setting the bar for airport experiences, Singapore’s Changi always hits the runway with style!
- Location: Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Cost: $18.8 billion
Australia is set to transform Sydney’s transport system with the Sydney Metro West, an ambitious underground rail project designed to connect key areas of the city with speed and efficiency. Stretching 24 kilometers, this new line will link the Central Business District (CBD) to the Western suburbs, cutting travel times dramatically and reducing road congestion.
Expected to include new stations and modern train systems, the project will boost connectivity for millions of daily commuters and ease pressure on the existing transport network. Sydney’s growth demands innovation, and the Metro West project is a bold response. It’s not just a railway — it’s Sydney’s ticket to a smoother, more connected future.
- Location: California, USA
- Cost: $80 billion
The California High-Speed Rail project is one of the most ambitious infrastructure endeavors in the United States. Stretching a planned 800 miles from San Francisco to Los Angeles, this high-speed rail promises to connect two of California's largest cities with speeds reaching 220 mph.
Despite being plagued by delays and budget challenges, the project is a major step toward reducing traffic congestion and promoting sustainable travel in the Golden State. Once completed, the train will make intercity commutes a breeze, cutting travel time from hours to just 2.5 hours. It's California’s vision for the future — green, fast, and efficient...if they can cross all the hurdles first!
- Location: Bangkok, Thailand
- Cost: $2.2 billion
Bangkok’s bustling streets are getting a major upgrade with the Purple Line, a modern metro line designed to ease the city’s notorious traffic woes. Stretching 23 kilometers, this elevated rail system connects Bang Yai in the west to Khae Rai in the north, linking key residential areas with the central business district.
The line boasts 16 stations and modern trains, offering a faster, safer, and more efficient travel option for daily commuters. Designed to improve connectivity and reduce road congestion, the Purple Line is a key part of Thailand’s commitment to smart urban development. Who needs a tuk-tuk when you can hop on this sleek metro ride?
