A massive £6.8 trillion futuristic city project in Saudi Arabia, known as Neom, is facing significant challenges in its development. The ambitious plan, which includes The Line, a series of half-kilometer-high skyscrapers stretching 125 miles across the desert, has already consumed billions of dollars but is struggling with construction delays.
The Saudi government has launched a review that could potentially scale back the grand vision of Neom. Initially planned with a budget of around £365 billion and a target completion year of 2030, the project seemed unstoppable.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who spearheaded the initiative to reduce Saudi Arabia’s reliance on oil, is reportedly frustrated with the project’s setbacks. Several other projects have been put on hold or abandoned, with Neom now under scrutiny. There are talks of shifting the focus of Neom towards artificial intelligence data centers instead of the originally planned sprawling city.
An insider familiar with the review disclosed that the fate of The Line hangs in the balance, possibly facing a complete cancellation or significant downsizing. Despite this uncertainty, the prince sees the potential of Neom in alleviating the congestion in cities like Riyadh, which are struggling to accommodate the country’s 35 million residents. The initial Neom vision included a vast nature reserve spanning 6,500 square kilometers and Trojena, a mountain retreat with outdoor ski slopes.
Trojena was slated to host the 2029 Asian Winter Games, but officials acknowledge it won’t be ready on time. The Line was designed to house nine million people within mirror-clad structures, offering a unique urban living experience with all amenities within a five-minute walk and a rapid transit system crossing the entire length in just 20 minutes.
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 aims to prioritize human-centric urban development with a focus on preserving nature. The crown prince set ambitious goals for these projects, but declining oil revenues have forced a reassessment of spending by the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund.
As of now, the only operational part of Neom is the yachting destination Sindalah, which has faced criticism for its lack of success. Neom is undergoing a reevaluation as Saudi Arabia and the UAE shift towards artificial intelligence to establish themselves as global tech leaders. The PIF has launched HUMAIN, a venture dedicated to developing AI and data infrastructure.
Beyond economic changes, Saudi Arabia has experienced significant social transformations, including reforms such as disbanding the religious police and granting women the right to drive. While Crown Prince Mohammed has garnered support among younger Saudis, he has also faced criticism, leading to severe penalties for dissent on social media.
Express.co.uk has reached out to NEOM for comments.