The Line in Saudi Arabia has been a developing mega project since its announcement back in 2017. However, the project (estimated to cost $1 trillion) was forgotten about by most of the world until Saudi Arabia unveiled designs with an aim for the city to be built by 2030.
THE PROJECT
The Line futuristic city is under construction in the desert near the Red Sea facing Egypt. It is set to be the world’s longest structure. It consists of two glass reflective infrastructures that will stretch over 170km and aims to house 9 million people. Interestingly, it will stand 500 metres above sea level making it taller than the Empire State Building and Eiffel Tower.
Additionally, The Line will run on 100% renewable energy with 95% of land preserved for nature. Consequently, there will be no roads, cars or emissions. Instead, high-speed trains will take a person end-to-end of the city in just 20 minutes. Plus, all facilities will be accessible within a five minute walking commute among a garden oasis.
Founded by Price Mohammad Bin Salman, this futuristic city is part of the Saudi Vision 2030 project. The hope is that it will reshape the Kingdom’s economy by creating half a million jobs and attracting tourism with its never-seen-before facilities and 40% of the world accessible via a six hour flight.
Of course, the urban living project aims to promote a healthy more sustainable future which redefines the concept of futuristic cities that combat elements currently destroying our planet and protect nature.
However, critics globally believe that The Line futuristic city is unrealistic and the vision is being compared to a dystopian movie such as Divergent and Maze Runner. Do you think this the future of humanity? Learn more about The Line on the NEOM website.