The price tag for Saudi Arabia’s ambitious plans runs into the trillions of dollars if fully built, far more than the country’s $1 trillion wealth fund h. as at its disposal.

The futuristic city is central to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's plan to create new engines of economic growth beyond oil. But some of the schemes have had to be scaled back due to rising costs.

The authoritarian country is spending billions on international athletics, from Formula 1 to combat sports, to boost its bottom line and image.