Construction progress unveiled through drone footage of a $1 trillion megacity developing in Saudi Arabia
In the heart of Saudi Arabia's Tabuk Province, a monumental construction project is underway. The Line, a central megacity within the NEOM development, is planned to be a linear city stretching over 170 kilometers, 200 meters wide, and potentially reaching heights of 500 meters [1][4]. Initially announced in 2021, the project aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 economic transformation program, with an original target for completion in 2030 [4].
However, recent assessments, satellite imagery, and expert opinions suggest significant challenges and delays. Numerous excavators are currently digging a wide linear trench for The Line's construction, but the sheer complexity, logistical difficulties, and budget overruns have slowed progress [2][3]. Many industry insiders now believe that the original 2030 deadline is increasingly unlikely, with some projections suggesting full completion could take until 2045 or even longer [2][3]. In some extreme estimates, given the project’s unprecedented scale and ongoing environmental and technical issues, it has been suggested that the project could take up to 100 years to fully realize [3].
The Line is part of the Neom development, which also includes other projects such as a ski resort and government accommodation. The megacity will have a mirrored facade and is designed to house nine million people. It is expected to be around the same size as the state of Massachusetts [4]. One of the key features of The Line is the new transport system, designed to minimize disruption to nature and citizens, allowing residents to travel from one side of the city to another in just 20 minutes.
The Line is also planned to be carbon-neutral and powered entirely by renewable energy sources. Construction of The Line is being filmed by Saudi Arabian aerial photography company Ot Sky. However, the project has not been without controversy. Earlier this month, three men were sentenced, believed to be against the displacement of locals to make way for the Neom project. Human rights organisation ALQST reported that these men were forcibly evicted from the Neom site and sentenced to death [5].
Despite the challenges and controversies, Saudi Arabia remains committed to the project. Builders are closely monitoring the progress of construction on The Line, and engineers have warned that it could take up to 50 years for the construction of the megacity to be fully completed [3]. As the construction progresses, the world watches with anticipation, eager to see if The Line will become a reality.
- Ongoing debates and discussions in the realm of politics and general-news revolve around the future of The Line, a megacity in the heart of Saudi Arabia's Tabuk Province.
- The Line, part of the NEOM development, faces significant challenges, including logistical difficulties, budget overruns, and time delays, as reported by various news sources and industry experts.
- The technology sector, in particular, is closely watching The Line's construction, as its planned new transport system, designed to minimize disruption to nature and citizens, represents a significant step forward in urban development and technology.
- Amidst the progress on The Line, crime and justice issues have surfaced, with reports of locals being forcibly evicted and sentenced to death, raising concerns from human rights organizations.
- In the face of these challenges, finance and energy sectors remain invested in The Line, hoping that it will become an innovative model for carbon-neutral, renewable energy cities, potentially revolutionizing the industry worldwide.
