NEOM, the largest project in Saudi Arabia’s history, is redrawing the roadmap for “The Line” — the futuristic city that was to be built along 170 kilometers. In a recent update to its official website, NEOM has scaled down its marketing ceiling and focused on realistic implementation. In this article, we explain the major changes and what they mean for the project.
What has changed in “The Line”?
When “The Line” was launched in 2022, the promise was to accommodate 9 million people within a 170-kilometer-long building, just 200 meters wide, without cars, and with 100% renewable energy. However, the latest update to the NEOM website has removed these ambitious promises from the forefront, replacing them with a more realistic vision.
Instead of fantastical images of reflective glass facades, the website now displays natural landscapes of mountains, coastlines, and deserts. “The Line” is now described as a “key component” of NEOM’s long-term vision, rather than the sole project. Official figures indicate that the first phase will span only 2.4 kilometers and accommodate around 300,000 people.
Why has the plan changed?
The changes are not sudden, but rather the result of realistic factors:
- Engineering complexity: Building a city 170 kilometers long in the desert is much more difficult than expected
- Rising costs: Mega-projects require massive investments, and the Public Investment Fund has reduced some budgets
- Economic conditions: The decline in oil prices and regional challenges have affected the pace of spending
- Phased approach: A global trend towards implementing large projects in stages based on actual demand
This approach is in line with what major countries do with their mega-projects — starting with a small phase and then expanding according to need and economic feasibility.
What about the rest of NEOM’s projects?
The update was not limited to “The Line” only. The new website reorganizes the projects as follows:
- Oxagon: The floating industrial city
- Trojena: The skiing and mountain sports destination
- Magna: The luxurious coastal resorts
- NEOM Islands: 41 natural islands for marine conservation
- Nature: Reserves and green spaces
The “Sindalah” project — the luxury resort — is no longer shown as a separate destination, and the Red Sea Company will manage it after the challenges it faced in its launch.
The technology behind NEOM: What’s really happening?
NEOM is not just
NEOM buildings — it is a huge technical laboratory. The project is based on:
- Artificial Intelligence: managing the entire city through smart systems
- Renewable Energy: 100% solar and wind energy in the final stages
- Smart Transportation: an ultra-fast underground train connecting parts of the project
- Digital Cities: a digital twin that simulates the entire city
- 5G and next-generation networks: full coverage with ultra-fast connectivity
These technologies are not just for NEOM — they will serve as a model to be implemented in new Saudi cities.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Who needs the NEOM project?
The project targets Saudis, residents, and international investors looking for a future destination that combines technology, nature, and luxury. Targeted sectors include tourism, technology, industry, and scientific research.
Where is the NEOM project located?
NEOM is located in the northwest of Saudi Arabia on the Red Sea coast, extending to include areas within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Egypt. The location is near the strategic Strait of Tiran.
What is the cost of NEOM?
The total budget for the project is estimated at $500 billion US dollars (approximately 1.9 trillion Saudi riyals). These funds come from the Saudi Public Investment Fund and international investors. However, the project is implemented in phases to distribute costs.
How long will NEOM take to complete?
The project timeline spans decades. The first phase of “The Line” (2.4 km) is expected within the coming years. The final completion may extend until 2050 or beyond. The new approach relies on phased construction based on demand and funding.
How can I benefit from NEOM as a Saudi citizen?
Opportunities for benefit include: technical jobs in fields such as artificial intelligence and renewable energy, investment opportunities in real estate and tourism, contracts with local companies for supplying materials and services, and training at innovation centers affiliated with the project.
Conclusion
Modifying the NEOM strategy is not a retreat — it is a maturation in planning. Saudi Arabia is learning from the experiences of major projects around the world and applying a more realistic approach. “The Line” has not been canceled, but it has become more feasible. And this is good news for the project, for investors, and for Saudis who are waiting to see this city become a reality.
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