The innovative and daring Neom city project was aimed at revolutionizing the future of Saudi Arabia by reducing its reliance on oil. Originally proposed on a grand scale with a £365bn budget by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the ambitious £6.8tn mega-city was slated to be completed by 2030, featuring a standout attraction called The Line.
The Line was envisioned as a series of towering skyscrapers covered in mirrors, extending 125 miles through the desert, interconnected by lush pathways. These structures were designed to house around nine million people, catering to the needs of Saudi Arabia’s rapidly growing population of 35 million by offering a compact city layout with high efficiency.
Despite the significant investment made by Saudi Arabia, challenges such as escalating costs and delays have led to a major downsizing of the Neom project. As reported by The Times, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has faced setbacks in realizing his vision for economic diversification, prompting a reassessment of Neom’s direction.
The future of The Line and other aspects of the project remain uncertain as the Crown Prince considers shifting focus towards more achievable objectives like artificial intelligence data centers. Neom’s initial plans included a vast nature reserve and the Trojena mountain retreat, featuring ski slopes and a moderate climate, but delays have cast doubt on their completion.
While Neom’s launch event at the Sindalah yachting resort was lavish, with celebrities like Will Smith and Alicia Keys in attendance, the costly endeavor has faced criticism. The firing of Neom’s chief executive following the resort’s underwhelming performance indicates internal challenges within the project.
Neom has been approached for comment by the Mirror regarding the latest developments. For any news tips or stories, contact julia.banim@reachplc.com.