Saudi Arabia’s flagship NEOM project revises its near-term ambitions, with a shorter initial stretch and fewer residents planned by 2030.
The Line revises its 2030 development targets
Saudi Arabia’s futuristic linear city The Line, part of the NEOM megaproject in Tabuk province, is reportedly scaling back its short-term objectives as construction timelines and funding challenges intensify.
According to reports cited by Bloomberg, internal revisions reflect practical constraints related to engineering complexity and investor appetite. While the original plan envisioned completing the full 170-kilometer structure by 2030 and relocating around 1.5 million residents, updated projections suggest that only about 2.4 kilometers may be completed within that timeframe, accommodating roughly 300,000 inhabitants.
The revision also implies a recalibration of projected costs. The initial estimate of $500 billion, championed by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, is now expected to be adjusted in line with the phased development strategy.
Investor uncertainty and construction challenges
Concerns are reportedly growing among investors, while contractors involved in the project cite technological limitations and workforce shortages as significant hurdles.
Building a zero-emission, high-density vertical city in a desert environment presents unprecedented engineering demands. The integration of advanced infrastructure, mobility systems and energy solutions requires both specialized technology and a large skilled labor force, both of which appear to be under strain.
The broader NEOM vision remains in motion
Despite the adjustments to The Line, the broader Saudi Vision 2030 megaproject continues to move forward.
The NEOM masterplan includes large-scale renewable energy infrastructure, research and development centers, industrial zones and high-end tourism destinations. Among the flagship developments is Trojena, a mountain resort selected to host the 2029 Asian Winter Games, making it one of the projects with stricter delivery timelines.
From inverted luxury skyscrapers to artificial eco-tourism islands and year-round ski slopes in the desert, the ambitions surrounding NEOM remain bold. Whether all components, including The Line’s zero-emission pledge, can meet their stated timelines will depend on financing, execution and regulatory alignment in the years ahead.
Also read: “Flying cars return to the spotlight at Gitex Global 2024 in Dubai“
