THE LINE: Saudi Arabia's Futuristic Desert Megacity
THE LINE, a 170-kilometer-long mirrored city cutting through the desert, is central to Saudi Arabia’s evolving architectural vision. Originally hailed as one of the most revolutionary urban experiments of the 21st century, this megacity is designed as the core of NEOM, the country’s $500-billion development project in the northwest.
The city was planned to be car-free and carbon-neutral, nestled between two parallel walls rising 500 meters high. This ambitious project aimed to redefine urban living but is now facing a significant test of feasibility.
Challenges and Reassessment
Recent reports indicate Saudi Arabia is reassessing its enormous Vision 2030 initiative, which includes architectural megaprojects valued at over $1 trillion. Officials have admitted that construction costs and speeds are becoming unsustainable due to falling oil prices and rising budget deficits.
Originally meant to span 170 kilometers across the Tabuk desert, THE LINE has reportedly been downsized to just a few miles of initial construction. The government is reallocating resources and adjusting timelines across its development portfolio.
"Behind the futuristic renderings and bold rhetoric, officials have acknowledged that the pace and cost of construction have become unsustainable amid falling oil prices and growing budget deficits."
Future Outlook
The scaling back of THE LINE underscores the challenges Saudi Arabia faces balancing visionary projects with economic realities, prompting a cautious repositioning of its development strategy.
Author's summary: THE LINE, Saudi Arabia’s ambitious desert megacity, faces scaling back as financial constraints and shifting priorities challenge its original 170 km vision.