"The Line" is an ambitious urban project in northwest Saudi Arabia, part of the larger Neom vision aimed at diversifying the kingdom’s economy. Planned as a 170-kilometer-long linear city, "The Line" will be a pair of mirrored skyscraper walls 500 meters tall and 200 meters wide, designed to house up to 9 million people.
Unlike conventional cities, "The Line" eliminates cars and streets, relying on walkable neighborhoods and ultra-high-speed underground transit that can move people end-to-end in just 20 minutes. Powered entirely by renewable energy, AI will manage daily life, with essential services reachable within a 5-minute walk.
Construction is already underway on the first segment—about 2 km long—with extensive earthworks, foundations, and early transit tunnel boring in progress. Originally, the full city was aimed for completion by 2030, but delays and financial concerns have pushed realistic estimates into the 2030s and beyond.
Funding comes primarily from Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, the Public Investment Fund, which covers half of the estimated $320 billion for the first phase. Living costs are expected to be premium, targeting skilled professionals and innovators.
Will this project ever come to fruition or just another black-hole money laundering scheme for ultra wealthy Saudi's? What’s your take?
