Elsewhere in the world, sceptics sensing a scam might reserve their judgement until the 2029 Asian Winter Games. Earthmovers are already in motion, though to create Neom—Saudi crown prince Mohammed Bin Salman’s snow-on-the-sands fantasy. There will be a gorgeous Nordic-grey lake ensconced in the mountains, a fold-up village for the visiting athletes, villas, hotels and facilities for yachting and diving. Later, there will be two 500-metre high, 100-mile-long skyscrapers, called the Line, where drones will automatically deliver groceries and flying elevators will take residents directly to their apartments. Like a vision sent by God, the dramatic graphic renders of the...