is saudi arabia still building THE LINE, its futuristic desert megacity?

THE LINE: Saudi Arabia's Futuristic Desert Megacity

THE LINE is a 170-kilometer-long mirrored city cutting through the desert, forming the core of Saudi Arabia’s evolving architectural vision. Originally touted as an ambitious experiment in 21st-century urbanism, THE LINE is designed as the centerpiece of NEOM, a $500-billion development project in the country's northwest.

Project Vision and Design

Envisioned as a car-free, carbon-neutral city, THE LINE consists of two parallel walls rising 500 meters high, incorporating sustainability and modern urban planning principles. It promised a revolutionary urban lifestyle without the need for cars, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s broader architectural ambitions.

Current Developments and Challenges

Recent reports indicate a shift in Saudi Arabia’s approach to its Vision 2030 initiatives, which include various megaprojects valued at over $1 trillion. Officials have admitted that the construction pace and overall costs have become unsustainable, partly due to declining oil prices and increasing budget deficits.

“THE LINE, once envisioned to stretch 170 kilometers across the Tabuk desert, has now reportedly been scaled back to a few miles of initial construction as the government redirects resources and timelines across its development landscape.”

Reassessment of Vision 2030 Projects

The government is reassessing its investment in the vast Vision 2030 portfolio, adjusting resources and delaying timelines amid financial pressures.

Summary

While THE LINE maintains its futuristic promise, its construction has been significantly scaled back, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s need to balance grand ambitions with financial realities.

“Saudi Arabia is entering a period of reassessment for its vast Vision 2030 portfolio, a suite of architectural megaprojects valued at more than $1 trillion.”

Author’s summary: THE LINE megacity’s initial grand vision faces scaling back as Saudi Arabia reassesses its ambitious projects amidst budget constraints and shifting priorities.

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Designboom Designboom — 2025-11-05

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