Futuristic Saudi City ‘The Line’ Sees Reduced Scope
Saudi Arabia’s highly ambitious project, ‘The Line,’ is reportedly facing significant reductions. This futuristic city, central to the NEOM development, was initially planned to span 105 miles (170km).
However, recent reports suggest a much smaller initial phase. By 2030, the city’s length may reach only 1.5 miles (2.4km). This is a substantial decrease from the original vision.
Reduced Ambitions for 2030
The original plan for ‘The Line’ envisioned housing nine million residents. This was a key part of its grand scale. Nevertheless, current projections for 2030 indicate the city will accommodate fewer than 300,000 people. This reflects the significant downscaling.
Early work on ‘The Line’ began in October 2022. Groundwork commenced with large-scale excavations. Reports indicate that at least 2,000 construction workers are already on site.
NEOM’s Grand Vision and Financial Hurdles
‘The Line’ is a cornerstone of NEOM, a massive regional development. NEOM aims to be a hub for innovation and future living. This entire project is part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s ‘Vision 2030.’ The vision seeks to diversify Saudi Arabia’s economy. It aims to reduce reliance on oil revenue.
The total cost for NEOM is projected to be $1.5 trillion. Funding comes primarily from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF). However, the PIF has not yet approved NEOM’s budget for 2024. This budget delay signals potential financial constraints.
Meanwhile, other NEOM projects are also facing delays. For example, the luxury island resort Sindalah was slated to open in early 2024. This opening has now been pushed back to an unspecified date. This shows a broader trend of adjustments within the mega-project.
Feasibility and Future Outlook
From its inception, critics questioned the feasibility of ‘The Line.’ Concerns included its massive scale and environmental impact. Many observers wondered if such an unprecedented urban design was truly achievable.
Despite these reported scale-backs, officials maintain their long-term commitment. They stress that the ultimate vision for ‘The Line’ remains intact. The project is still viewed as a transformative endeavor for the Kingdom.
However, these adjustments highlight the challenges of executing mega-projects. They often face financial realities and logistical complexities. The future development of ‘The Line’ will be closely watched. It remains a key indicator of Saudi Arabia’s economic transformation efforts.
