Saudi Arabia is considering a major revision of its $500bn Neom project, with reports indicating that The Line, which is the planned 170km linear city, may be converted into a data centre hub to support the kingdom’s ambitions in artificial intelligence (AI).
The shift comes amid concerns about the project’s feasibility, slow progress, and increased expenses since its launch in 2017.
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The declining oil prices, ongoing high expenditure on other projects such as the 2030 Expo and the 2034 FIFA World Cup, and tightening liquidity have prompted officials to reconsider Neom’s scope, reported The Financial Times.
Originally intended to transform urban living, The Line was designed as a pair of skyscrapers taller than the Empire State Building.
However, construction difficulties linked to the structure’s proposed height of 1,640ft have led officials to consider reducing it to 1,000ft for cost savings, a move Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman declined, instead seeking other means of reducing costs.
Delays and budget overruns have caused earlier plans for The Line’s development to be scaled back.
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By GlobalDataWhile the initial goal targeted 16km by 2030, this was revised down to 2.4km. By 2034, only a half-mile portion with a stadium is expected to be completed. There are also environmental concerns associated with Neom.
Donald Wuebbles from the University of Illinois, who advises Neom on atmospheric matters, has raised questions regarding the project’s potential impact on regional climate and weather systems.
He noted that Neom’s sustainability advisory committee recently elevated environmental risks to a higher priority after discussions about their insufficient study.
In November 2024, Neom announced new partnerships for planning and engineering the first phase of The Line.
Delugan Meissl Associated Architects was appointed for urban design and master planning, working alongside Gensler for city planning and asset design. Mott MacDonald is responsible for infrastructure engineering during this stage.
These firms are coordinating efforts in microclimate considerations, mobility logistics, land use frameworks, and essential infrastructure planning as part of the initial implementation.
