 The hosting of sporting events in Saudi Arabia under the strategy have been described as attempts to sportswash the country's human rights record.A May 16, 2020 article by The New York Times quoted Middle East analyst at the Royal United Services Institute in London, Michael Stephens critically commenting on Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.He stated, “I think Vision 2030 is more or less over, I think it’s finished,” following the financial crisis faced by the country amid the coronavirus spread and falling oil prices, which has also led the kingdom to delay mega projects such as the Neom city, according to Saudi finance minister, Mohammed al-Jadaan.