The ambitious vision for The Line, the 170-kilometer-long city within the NEOM development, is advancing, marked by tangible construction progress and strategic recalibrations to its timeline and initial scope. As a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, The Line continues to pioneer a new model for urban living, powered by 100% renewable energy and designed without cars, roads, or carbon emissions.
Construction Milestones and Revised Projections
Development on the ground is progressing. To support the immense foundational requirements, a SAR 700 million (approximately $186 million) concrete factory has been established by Asas Al-Mohileb. As of early 2025, construction crews have placed nearly 1,000 of the more than 30,000 foundation piles required for the city’s structure, signaling that a critical phase of development is well underway.
In a strategic revision of its initial rollout, NEOM now anticipates completing a 2.4-kilometer segment of The Line by 2030, which is projected to house approximately 300,000 residents. This adjustment from the original target of 1.5 million residents reflects a pragmatic approach, ensuring the careful and sustainable delivery of this unprecedented project.
Navigating Financial and Operational Landscapes
In response to a shifting global economic environment, including fluctuating oil prices, the project’s financial framework is being carefully managed. This has resulted in an extended timeline for the full completion of The Line, which is now envisioned to be realized over a period of up to 50 years. This long-term perspective underscores the commitment to the project’s success and fiscal responsibility.
Recent leadership changes, including the transition of CEO Nadhmi Al-Nasr, are part of the project’s evolution. The Line is currently undergoing a comprehensive review to optimize its execution, with potential delays of 6 to 12 months being considered to ensure all phases meet the project’s exacting standards.
Commitment to Environmental and Social Responsibility
As The Line aims to set a new global standard for sustainability, it is also addressing the environmental and social impacts of its development. NEOM is actively studying the potential effects of the large-scale structure on local weather dynamics, such as wind and rainfall, to mitigate any adverse impacts. The project is also focused on minimizing its construction footprint, addressing emissions from materials like cement and the use of machinery.
NEOM is also addressing the social dimensions of the development, which is taking place in a region with deep historical roots. The project has faced international scrutiny regarding the displacement of the local Howeitat tribe. NEOM is committed to navigating these complex social issues ethically and is working to address the concerns of all stakeholders.
