Saudi Arabia has recently scaled down plans for “The Line,” one of the world’s most anticipated mega projects. Originally, the project was expected to accommodate over 1.5 million residents, but according to Bloomberg’s news, it will now host around 300,000 residents.
Additionally, according to the same source, officials expect to complete just 2.4 kilometers of the project by 2030 instead of the previously planned 170 kilometers. This decision to scale down on The Line comes as the kingdom’s sovereign wealth fund has not yet approved NEOM’s budget for 2024.
In January 2021, Prince and Chairman of the NEOM Board of Directors Mohammed bin Salman announced the first “The Line” project plan, which aims to provide residents with access to all facilities within a 5-minute walk or a 20-minute high-speed rail transit. The project was originally designed to include two parallel wall-like constructions enclosing a space between them and will feature a mirror facade on the outside to give it a unique appearance. However, recent news suggests that the project may be scaled down, and it is unclear how this will affect the interior and exterior design of the project.
Mohammed bin Salman, crown prince of Saudi Arabia and Chairman of the NEOM Board of Directors, said in 2022, “The designs revealed today for the city’s vertically layered communities will challenge the traditional flat, horizontal cities and create a model for nature preservation and enhanced human livability. The Line will tackle humanity’s challenges in urban life today and will shine a light on alternative ways to live.”
In 2024, NEOM revealed other projects, such as Xaynor and Elanan for wellbeing, Gidori for advanced manufacturing, and Treyam for creative industries.
