Saudi Arabia has launched a strategic review of The Line, a $500 billion futuristic linear city that forms a cornerstone of the NEOM development. Commissioned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), the review seeks to evaluate the project’s feasibility and commercial viability in light of financial constraints and revised targets.
NEOM’s Official Stance
NEOM has reaffirmed its commitment to The Line, emphasizing its status as a strategic priority. “Strategic reviews are common practice for large-scale, multi-year projects.” “We are focused on maintaining operational continuity, improving efficiencies, and accelerating progress to match the project’s vision.”
Project Overview
The Line is envisioned as a 170km-long, car-free city along Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast. Designed to house 1.5 million residents by 2030, the project features 500-meter-tall skyscrapers and underground infrastructure, including a high-speed rail enabling 20-minute end-to-end travel. However, recent reports indicate a scaled-back target of 300,000 residents in a 2.4km stretch by 2030, reflecting financial and logistical challenges.
| Project Details | Information |
| Project Name | The Line, part of NEOM |
| Cost | $500 billion |
| Length | 170km |
| Initial Resident Target (2030) | 1.5 million |
| Revised Resident Target (2030) | 300,000 in a 2.4km stretch |
| Height | 500 meters (skyscrapers) |
| Infrastructure | Underground layers, high-speed rail |
| Design Firms | Morphosis, Delugan Meissl Associated Architects, Gensler |
Reasons for the Review
The feasibility review comes as Saudi Arabia grapples with tighter financial conditions. Declining oil revenues, which account for 61% of the kingdom’s income, and Brent crude prices falling below $70 per barrel have raised concerns about potential budget deficits, according to Goldman Sachs. The review, initiated by the PIF, aims to ensure financial sustainability and operational efficiency for The Line. Acting NEOM CEO Aiman al-Mudaifer noted in April that such reviews are standard for large-scale projects.
Construction Progress
Despite the review, construction on The Line continues. Significant concrete works are underway, with aerial photos from April showcasing progress. The project’s design, led by prominent firms like Morphosis, Delugan Meissl Associated Architects, and Gensler, remains a bold vision of urban innovation.
Vision 2030 Context
The Line is a flagship project of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, a plan to diversify the economy away from oil dependency. However, the project’s ambitious scope and high costs have prompted a broader reassessment of Vision 2030 initiatives. The feasibility review will explore commercialization strategies and potential downsizing to align with current economic realities.
Challenges and Criticisms
The Line has drawn both praise for its futuristic design and criticism for its environmental and human rights implications. Climate advisor Donald Wuebbles has warned of potential weather pattern changes due to the project’s scale. Human rights concerns have also surfaced, though these issues are separate from the current feasibility assessment.
Potential Outcomes
The review’s outcome remains uncertain. It could result in no changes, downsizing, or a reconfiguration of The Line to better suit financial constraints. NEOM’s commitment to operational continuity suggests that construction will proceed, but adjustments to the project’s scope or timeline are possible.
Looking Ahead
As Saudi Arabia navigates its economic transformation, The Line represents both a bold vision and a significant challenge. The kingdom’s dedication to Vision 2030 remains strong, but the feasibility review underscores the need to balance ambition with practicality. The construction industry and global observers await the review’s findings, which will shape the future of this groundbreaking project.
