Remember The Line? If not, it’s basically a part of Saudi Arabia’s ambitious NEOM project, a 170-km-long linear megacity under construction in the Tabuk desert, envisioned as a futuristic, zero-carbon urban hub. Things are well underway and construction is progressing nicely, or so we think.
Construction is moving along, with over 140,000 workers on the job. The first part, called Hidden Marina, is a 2.5-km (1.5-mile) section set to finish by 2030, planned to house 200,000 people and include a stadium for the 2034 World Cup. Over 1,000 of the 30,000 needed foundation piles are in place, with 120 added each week. The project is using a lot of materials, taking up 20% of the world’s available steel.
LEGO Architecture New York City Model Kit - Bedroom or Office Decor for Kids & Adults, Ages 12+ -...
- Architectural Essence - Capture the architectural essence of New York City with this magnificent LEGO set that brings together iconic buildings in an...
- Diverse Architecture - This wonderful model focuses on the amazing architectural diversity of one of the world's most dynamic cities, perfect for...
- Detailed Skyline Model - Build a detailed New York City Skyline model, featuring the miniature Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, and a 4x32...
Early plans hoped for 1.5 million residents by 2030, but now it’s expected to be under 300,000, with only 2.4 km of the city done by then. The full 170-km vision, once aimed for 2030, is now likely to stretch to 2045 or later, with some guesses saying it could take until 2080 and cost $8.8 trillion—over 25 times Saudi Arabia’s yearly budget.
The Line’s original 1,640-foot height was tough to build, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman turned down ideas to lower it to 1,000 feet. The project keeps its mirrored, 500-meter-tall, 200-meter-wide look, aiming for a city without cars, powered by renewable energy, and connected by a high-speed train. But issues like needing massive amounts of glass and steel keep coming up.
Influencer vlogs about early Neom communities have drawn interest but faced criticism for not matching the project’s polished promo images. There are worries about the project’s eco-friendliness, since the desert’s super-hot temperatures and the huge mirrored structure could harm the environment. Some people also doubt if it’s a nice place to live, with a few calling it dystopian.
In a nutshell, The Line is a bold but challenging effort, blending big city dreams with huge financial, logistical, and ethical obstacles.
[Sources 1 | 2]
