The 100-Mile Skyscraper in Saudi Arabia Is Getting Worse

The megalomaniacal aspirations of the Saudi crown family to construct a massive futuristic city in the middle of the desert are meeting a harsh reality check.

 Major financial issues are plaguing Saudi Arabia's plans for Neom, a futuristic fever dream that involves a big all-inclusive resort on the coast, a second ski resort in the mountains, and a pair of 1,600-foot buildings nicknamed The Line that stretch up to 106 miles.

 Capital spending estimates to create Neom to what authorities refer to as its "end-state" by 2080 have risen to $8.8 trillion, more than 25 times the kingdom's yearly budget, according to the Wall Street Journal.