Top 10 Most Expensive Construction Projects of the 21st CenturyCuriosity drives human progress. Without it, we might still be fighting with sticks and stones or pushing carts with square wheels. Today, we’re about to satisfy that curiosity by delving into some of the most astonishing and costly giga-projects currently underway in the world.

What are these colossal feats of engineering, where are they located, and how much do they cost? We’ll start with the “least” expensive—at a staggering $50 billion—and conclude with a mind-blowing project exceeding $1 trillion.

10. Kashagan Oil Field – $50 Billion

Located off the coast of Kazakhstan in the Caspian Sea, the Kashagan Oil Field represents a $50 billion investment solely to establish the infrastructure needed to extract its vast oil reserves. Owned by a consortium of energy giants like Shell, TotalEnergies, and ExxonMobil, the field stretches across 3,000 square miles, housing five massive oil columns that extend up to a mile below the seafloor.

This project’s sheer scale and complexity have made it a source of inspiration for authors and a symbol of the extraordinary lengths humanity will go to for resources.

9. King Abdullah Economic City – $60 Billion

Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah Economic City, launched in 2005, is a $60 billion undertaking designed to become one of the world’s top investment destinations. Located along the Red Sea, 65 miles north of Jeddah, this futuristic city spans 70 square miles and is expected to be fully operational by 2026, hosting up to 2 million residents.

This city is not just a residential hub; it’s a cornerstone of the Maritime Silk Road, linking China with Europe via the Suez Canal, and aiming to create a million jobs in the process.

8. Dubailand – $65 Billion

Dubailand, situated 14 miles from Dubai City, is an ambitious $65 billion project announced in 2003. Set to cover 107 square miles, it will host 45 mega projects and 200 sub-projects, making it twice the size of Walt Disney World Resort.

Divided into six themed zones, Dubailand is poised to become the largest collection of theme parks globally, with large portions already operational and inhabited.

7. Chūō Shinkansen Maglev Train – $67 Billion

Japan’s Chūō Shinkansen is a $67 billion magnetic levitation (Maglev) train line currently under construction between Tokyo and Nagoya. Upon completion in 2027, this revolutionary train will connect the two cities in just 40 minutes, covering 215 miles at an incredible speed of 314 miles per hour.

Maglev trains float above tracks using magnetic forces, eliminating friction and enabling unprecedented travel speeds.

6. Qiddiya Entertainment City – $75 Billion

Back to Saudi Arabia, the Qiddiya Entertainment City is a $75 billion mega project located 40 miles from Riyadh. Designed as a futuristic hub of entertainment, it will feature theme parks, including the world’s most thrilling roller coaster, water parks, and other attractions.

The Falcon’s Flight Roller Coaster, set to open in 2024, will be the crown jewel, with speeds of 150 miles per hour and dives from 540 feet high, making it the world’s fastest and most exhilarating ride.

5. South-North Water Transfer Project – $80 Billion

China’s $80 billion South-North Water Transfer Project is a colossal undertaking aimed at addressing the country’s water scarcity issues. The project spans 790 miles, diverting 1.6 trillion cubic feet of water annually from the Yangtze River in the south to the arid, densely populated regions in the north.

This ambitious project is vital for sustaining China’s growing population and industrial demand, making it one of the largest water transfer initiatives in the world.

4. California High-Speed Rail – $113 Billion

The California High-Speed Rail is a $113 billion rail system under construction, designed to connect San Francisco and Los Angeles via the Central Valley. This all-electric bullet train will reach speeds of 220 miles per hour, cutting travel time between these cities to just 2 hours and 40 minutes.

Despite its promising benefits, the project has faced significant financial challenges, with many Californians questioning its viability as costs continue to soar.

3. International Space Station – $150 Billion

Venturing into outer space, the International Space Station (ISS) is one of humanity’s most expensive projects, with a price tag of $150 billion. Orbiting Earth at an altitude of 254 miles and traveling at 17,500 miles per hour, the ISS is the largest man-made object in space.

As upgrades and equipment continue to be added, the total cost could reach $250 billion by the time it is decommissioned in 2031, when it will be deliberately crashed into the Pacific Ocean.

2. Trans-European Transport Network (T-TEN) – $600 Billion

The European Union’s T-TEN project is a $600 billion initiative aimed at transforming Europe into the world’s most interconnected and accessible region. This massive transportation, energy, and telecommunications network, which has been ongoing since 1994, is being continuously upgraded to meet the demands of a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape.

The project will streamline travel and freight across Europe, reducing CO2 emissions and significantly cutting travel times.

1. NEOM – $1 Trillion

Topping the list is Saudi Arabia’s NEOM, part of the country’s $7 trillion investment plan through the Public Investment Fund (PIF). NEOM alone is set to receive $500 billion from PIF and an additional $500 billion from private investors.

NEOM will be a fully autonomous city-state within Saudi Arabia, spanning 17,000 square miles. The centerpiece, known as “The Line,” will consist of two parallel skyscrapers stretching 107 miles across the desert. The city will also include Oxagon, a floating industrial hub, Trojena, a year-round snow resort, and Sindalah, a luxurious yachting destination.

Conclusion

These are the top most expensive ongoing or partially completed projects of the 21st century. From futuristic cities to revolutionary transportation systems and beyond, these giga-projects represent humanity’s relentless pursuit of progress. Some of these engineering marvels are discussed in detail in our previous videos, so be sure to check them out. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell icon for more updates on these and other incredible projects.