Should You Work in NEOM? 4 Questions to Ask Yourself First

NEOM isn’t just a workplace—it’s one of the most ambitious human projects ever attempted. As Saudi Arabia builds a $500 billion city of the future from scratch, thousands of professionals from around the world are asking the same question: Should I be part of this?

The answer depends on what you’re looking for, what you’re willing to adapt to, and how well your ambitions align with NEOM’s pace, promise, and philosophy.

Who Should Think About Working in NEOM?

NEOM is for the pioneers—the architects, engineers, coders, creatives, builders, scientists, strategists, and sustainability experts who want to do things differently. If you’re energized by innovation, unbothered by ambiguity, and ready to challenge convention, NEOM might be your place.

It’s also a destination for people who:

• Thrive in multicultural, high-speed environments
• Want to contribute to groundbreaking sustainability and tech initiatives
• Are open to living in emerging, rapidly developing regions
• Want to work on a project that will leave a generational impact

But NEOM isn’t for everyone—and that’s okay.

Before you apply, here are four powerful questions to ask yourself:

1. Can I Handle Rapid Change and Uncertainty?

NEOM is still under construction—literally and figuratively. Roles evolve. Departments restructure. Priorities shift. If you’re someone who needs long-term clarity and strict structure, this environment may be too dynamic. If, however, you thrive in change, you’ll be right at home.

2. Am I Motivated by Purpose or Perks?

NEOM offers competitive compensation and the prestige of being part of a historic project. But more than that, it offers purpose. You’ll be building something that has never been built before. Are you more driven by the mission—or the paycheck? Either is valid, but only one will keep you resilient when challenges arise.

3. Can I Respect—and Learn From—a Diverse Culture?

NEOM brings together people from more than 70 nationalities. This is exciting, but it also means working across different cultures, languages, and worldviews. Cultural fluency and emotional intelligence aren’t optional—they’re essential.

4. Do I See My Work as a Legacy?

This isn’t just a job. It’s a contribution to a vision that could redefine how humans live. If you’re looking to clock in and clock out, NEOM may not be a fit. But if you’re excited by the idea of building a new model for civilization—of leaving a mark—you’re the kind of person NEOM was made for.

Final Thought

Working at NEOM is not about fitting into a role. It’s about stepping into a movement. If your answers to the four questions above point to curiosity, resilience, and vision—you might be ready to help build the city of the future.

This article is published in The Vision Gazette, where Saudi Arabia’s future comes into focus.