The Ambitious Vision of The Line: Saudi Arabia’s Futuristic Megacity
When years ago, Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman unveiled plans for The Line, a gigantic glazed city meant to rise out of the desert landscape of Saudi Arabia, the proposal was almost unimaginable. The concept—a megalopolis stretching 170 kilometers long, 200 meters wide, and featuring towering skyscrapers—aimed to accommodate millions without the clutter of roads or cars. As construction began, skepticism turned into intrigue, with the project advancing slowly amid significant challenges and concrete foundations being laid.
Recent developments indicate that the project’s promoters are taking a step back to reassess their plans. Multiple consultancy firms have been tasked with determining the viability of the original vision and suggesting potential adjustments.
Reviewing The Plans: What Has Prompted This Move?
Saudi Arabia seems intent on scrutinizing its most ambitious and surreal project to date. The Line, a “corridor city” designed to be 500 meters high and 200 meters wide, is at a crossroads. While the project’s advocates frequently report progress, Bloomberg recently revealed that the Saudi authorities have engaged consulting firms for a strategic review .
Consultants are evaluating whether the current plans are feasible or require modification. While specifics regarding the consultants involved remain undisclosed, the decision’s significance cannot be overstated.
What Are The Current Challenges?
Upon receiving the input from consultants, project leaders will need to make critical decisions: Do they require changes? Or can they continue with the original plans without adjustments? Bloomberg notes that while maintaining the current framework is an option, any significant changes will need the approval of the Public Investment Fund (PIF) and higher authorities in the Saudi government.
The Bigger Picture: The Line as Part of Neom
The Line is just one component of an even larger initiative known as Neom. The overarching goal is to diversify Saudi Arabia’s economy and include various other projects such as Magna, Oxagon, Sindalah, and Trojena. Though The Line appears to be the most daring venture of all, its promoters have downplayed concerns about seeking external consultancy, asserting that strategic reviews are standard in large-scale projects.
“As is customary in large multiyear projects, strategic reviews are conducted several times over the lifecycle of a development project or infrastructure program,” stated Neom’s representatives. They emphasized that The Line continues to be a strategic priority , focusing on operational continuity and progress towards the project’s ambitious goals.
The Economic Landscape: Why Context Matters
The context in which this review takes place is crucial. As noted by Bloomberg, Saudi Arabia has been grappling with dropping oil prices, diminished foreign investment, and budget deficits. Currently, the country requires the price of Brent crude to reach $96 per barrel to balance its budget, a figure that rises to $113 when factoring in the internal expenditures associated with the PIF. Both figures significantly exceed the current price of $71 for Brent crude oil.
Adjustments in Expectations?
This latest review comes on the heels of reduced expectations regarding The Line’s development timeline. Initially, plans projected that by 2030, the megacity would host 1.5 million residents , but this estimate has since been dialed down to 300,000 . Further, the completed expanse of The Line by 2030 is now expected to be just 2.4 kilometers , a far cry from the targeted 170 kilometers . Estimates suggest that the total cost of Neom, encompassing The Line and related projects, may soar to around $1.5 trillion .
Is The Line Still a Feasible Project?
While the project’s momentum may have shifted, it appears unlikely that The Line will fade into mere fantasy or remain just a vibrant digital model. The groundwork has been initiated, and various efforts are underway, as evidenced by images of construction activities shared by the Saudi government. Operations director Giles Pendleton recently posted aerial photographs showcasing the progress on various Neom projects, reinforcing that “Neom is real.”
Just months ago, the Saudi Arabian embassy in Spain released further images documenting work on the tunnels intended for transportation between The Line and Oxagon, reiterating that tangible progress is occurring on the ground.
As the world watches closely, the question persists: Can Saudi Arabia deliver on its ambitious promises? Only time will reveal the fate of this groundbreaking initiative.
Images | Neom
In Xataka | Saudi Arabia has insisted that The Line will set several world records, including that of the longest pool.