In an ambitious stride towards the future, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in 2021 announced the launch of “The Line,” an avant-garde urban development within the planned city of NEOM. Representing a radical qualitative transformation in city planning and development, this visionary project reimagines urban life by placing people — not cars — at the heart of its design. Conceived as a sustainable, smart city free from the dominance of vehicles and pollution, The Line will extend for 170 kilometres along NEOM’s Red Sea coastline in north-western Saudi Arabia, reaching deep into the surrounding mountains and desert to the east. It promises a new urban model designed to meet human needs without harming the environment.
A New Vision for Smart Cities
As a part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, The Line aims to establish the Kingdom as a global leader in innovation, sustainability and liveable design. Entirely powered by renewable energy, it offers a blueprint for environmental stewardship at its finest. Carbon emissions, pollution and noise will be eliminated, enabling residents to enjoy a healthy, safe and serene setting — with every essential service accessible within a five-minute walk.
Hallmarks of The Line
Cognitive Cities Powered by Artificial Intelligence
The Line is far more than a conventional smart city — it is a collection of smaller cognitive cities interconnected and enhanced by artificial intelligence. Designed to welcome over one million residents from around the world, it will serve as an international hub for innovation and thriving business. Its digital infrastructure — incorporating AI and robotics — will anticipate and respond to residents’ needs, often before they arise.
Sustainable Mobility
One of the main features of “The Line” project is the complete elimination of the need for cars. The walkable urban design ensures that residents can efficiently reach daily needs on foot, while high-speed transportation systems offer the possibility of connecting the city end-to-end in just 20 minutes. This forward-thinking approach will significantly reduce traffic congestion and noise, enriching overall quality of life.
Green Infrastructure
Entirely powered by renewable energy, The Line sets a global benchmark in sustainable living. By actively reducing carbon emissions and integrating nature into its urban design, the city will ensure that greenery and the built environment co-exist harmoniously — bringing the outdoors seamlessly into daily life and combatting climate change.
Economic and Social Impact
The Line is poised to become a powerful economic catalyst for Saudi Arabia. By 2030, it is expected to contribute SAR 180 billion to the Kingdom’s GDP and create approximately 380,000 jobs across diverse sectors — from technology and innovation to construction and services. This will further diversify the economy and reduce the country’s dependence on oil.
A Magnet for Global Talent
Central to this project’s vision is the creation of a knowledge-based economy attracting top-tier talent and scientific minds from around the world. The Line will foster an environment where innovators and entrepreneurs can bring ideas to life, and scientists and creatives are able to develop their ideas and transform them into successful projects. This support will strengthen Saudi Arabia’s status as a global destination for technology and creativity.
Architecture and Infrastructure
An Unconventional Urban Blueprint
Breaking away from traditional layouts, The Line’s design reimagines city planning. It elevates residential communities above a “spinal” infrastructure, ensuring seamless access to surrounding neighbourhoods and nature. Its “zero gravity” concept vertically layers city elements, optimising land use and creating a balanced, efficient environment.
Reflective Facades and Natural Harmony
The mirrored exteriors of The Line’s structures will reflect the surrounding landscapes and natural light, blending architecture with nature while reducing the need for artificial lighting. Greenery will be carefully positioned according to its sunlight or shade requirements, fostering an ecological balance between plant life and the built environment and reinforcing its commitment to sustainable solutions.
Responding to Global Challenges
Innovative Solutions for a Changing World
The Line addresses urgent global issues — climate change, urban congestion, pollution and environmental degradation — with forward-thinking solutions rooted in AI, renewable energy and cutting-edge urban design. It stands as a model for how cities of the future can prioritise both human wellbeing and our planet’s health.
Technology at Its Core
From resource management to delivery of public services, AI will underpin every facet of The Line, supported by robotics to enhance efficiency and reduce operational costs — all while improving residents’ quality of life.
Strategic Location
Situated in north-western Saudi Arabia at the tip of the Gulf of Aqaba on the Red Sea, The Line lies at a pivotal crossroads of global trade. Approximately 13% of world commerce passes through the Red Sea, and nearly 40% of the global population can reach NEOM within four hours — positioning the city as a key hub for business and innovation.
In Harmony with its Environment
The location of “The Line” has been carefully chosen to achieve a balance between urban development and conservation. By preserving natural resources and limiting environmental impact, The Line embodies a sustainable coexistence of urban living and the natural world.
Progress and Development
Since NEOM’s establishment in January 2019, the company has achieved significant milestones — from the inauguration of NEOM Bay Airport to signing strategic contracts with global and local investors to build infrastructure and facilities. A landmark partnership with Air Products and ACWA Power is already set to deliver the world’s largest green hydrogen plant.
Attracting Global Expertise
In line with its vision, The Line is actively recruiting leading talent and minds from within Saudi Arabia and beyond, building a diverse team committed to delivering excellence and innovation at every stage.
The Road to 2030
By the end of the decade, The Line is expected to be home to one million people, requiring quick yet meticulous development of housing and infrastructure. Advanced construction technologies driven by AI, will be key to achieving this ambitious timeline without compromising quality.
A Blueprint for the Cities of Tomorrow
The Line represents a revolutionary rethinking of how cities are planned and built — acting as an inspiration for future urban developments worldwide. Its influence will extend beyond architecture and design to impact sectors such as energy, transport and healthcare, uplifting quality of living for residents and shaping resilient, prosperous communities.
In essence, The Line is a pioneering architectural and engineering feat — a city conceived around both humanity and nature. With its strategic prime location on the Red Sea and adoption of an innovative “zero gravity” concept, it stands as a symbol of sustainable urban development, harmonising technological progress with environmental preservation. Above all, it embodies Saudi Arabia’s bold vision to create a model city for the 21st century — one that meets global challenges head-on while elevating the Kingdom’s position on the world stage.
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