'The Line' mega-city, part of Saudi Arabia's Neom project, is undergoing revisions, scaling back its population target to fewer than 3,00,000 residents by 2030 from the original 1.5 million. Delays in budget approvals have led to adjustments, with only a fraction of the city's length expected to be completed by 2030. Despite ongoing construction, concerns over sustainability and human rights persist, shaping the project's future amidst both anticipation and scrutiny.
The flagship development for Saudi Arabia's massive Neom project, known as 'The Line', is reportedly undergoing significant downsizing according to new projections. It is now expected to house fewer than 300,000 residents by 2030, a sharp decline from the original 1.5 million population target. When first unveiled, estimates placed the 2030 population at 1-1.5 million.
Stretching 170km, The Line consists of two parallel 500 metre tall skyscraper structures. However, reports indicate only 2.4km will be complete by 2030 - a small fraction of what was planned. Documents also suggest at least one contractor has started reducing its workforce for The Line's construction.
Despite these adjustments, officials maintain their commitment to The Line's overall vision. The downsizing is blamed on delays in approving Neom's 2024 budget from Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund.
Announced in 2021, The Line aims to connect the Red Sea coast to northwest Saudi Arabia as a key part of the larger Neom project spanning 26,500 square km. Construction efforts have begun, with recent footage showcasing extensive foundation work underway at the site.
Neom contains ten regions, including innovative concepts such as the floating Oxagon port city, Trojena ski resort, and inaugural Sindalah luxury island resort set to open this year.
However, 'The Line' has faced scrutiny on grounds of sustainability and human rights. In 2022, the human rights organisation ALQST reported that three individuals were sentenced to death after being forcibly displaced from the Neom site. These actions prompted concerns from the UN Human Rights Council, which expressed alarm over the impending executions. In response, Saudi Arabia denied allegations of abuses, asserting its commitment to human rights.
As The Line undergoes revisions and Neom progresses, the project continues to evoke both anticipation and apprehension. While advancements in infrastructure and development are underway, concerns persist regarding the project's social and environmental implications. As stakeholders navigate these complexities, the future trajectory of The Line and Neom remains subject to ongoing scrutiny and evaluation.
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