NEOM City and the Line - Saudi Arabia's Futuristic City?

What does NEOM mean?

NEOM is made up of two words NEO, the Greek prefix meaning "New," and M from the Arabic word Mustaqbal which means "Future."

Where is NEOM located?

NEOM City is being built in the Tabuk province of Saudi Arabia. Neom is located in the northwestern region of the country and east of Egypt along the Gulf of Aqaba.

NEOM will cover an expanse of 26,500 sq km and will extend to 170 km. The mega project's cost estimate is 500 Billion dollars. The funding for the project is done through the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia.

Leadership of NEOM

The project is overseen by Mohammad bin Salman of the House of Saud, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia.

The extraordinary project is part of the Saudi Vision 2030 program that seeks to develop and redefine the country's economy and make it less dependent upon its oil reserves.

The project was launched in 2017, and Klaus Kleinfield was named the Inaugural Director of NEOM. He was succeeded by Nadhmi A. Al-Nasr as Kleinfield was named as the advisor to Prince Mohammed Bin Sultan.

Different Sectors of NEOM

The Futuristic Mega City is currently divided into three regions Oxagon, The Line, and the Trojena.

Oxagon

Oxagon is a spectacular floating city that will be part of NEOM. The building of the project is already underway and is expected to be completed around 2025. Oxagon was initially named as NEOM Industrial City or NIC. As the name suggests, Oxagon will be the foundation for Industry 4.0 and a "Blueprint for Advanced and Clean Industries ."It aims to blend state of the art technology and eco friendly processes to reduce the carbon footprint substantially and, at the same time peaking productivity to the next level.

It is designed in the shape of an octagon and will also house a fully automated port for aiding logistics in the regional trade, especially the gulf of Aqaba, and promoting more maritime trade routes as well as global markets to the city of NEOM. It will be completely run on renewable energy and, in addition, will house residential and commercial ventures as well.

In short, Oxagon will be the next generation hub of industries.

The Line

Within the NEOM City project, perhaps the most anticipated project is The Line. Unlike the contemporary cities around the world, as the name suggests, it will be a single line extending upto 170 km but with a width of only 200 meters.

NEOM City Line, according to Prince Mohammed, would be the futuristic outlook for the next generation of metropolitan cities devoid of traffic and pollutants. The Line will have parallel towers, and the outer walls will be covered with mirrors. The structure will be 500 meters above sea level and can accommodate over 9 million people.

The residents can access all their necessities within a 5-minute walk, and the entire structure will be eco-friendly, with sprawling flora all around. There will also be a high speed rail that can cover end to end within 20 minutes. The automated services will be catered to through AI systems. NEOM Line will be Zero Carbon, and the entire operations will be working on renewable energy.

Trojena

Trojena is also subbed the Mountains of NEOM. The mountain range hub will be an all year round destination for adventure sports, commercial ventures, and experiencing the excitement of futuristic entertainment and tourism.

The structure occupies an area of 60 square kilometers with elevations ranging from 2600m.

The parts of NEOM Saudi Arabia's Trojena

The Lake: The engineered lake at Trojena will serve as a hub for entertainment, family fun, and hosting events.

The Vault: Unlike anything you've ever seen, the Vault will be folded vertical village that acts as the gateway to Trojena.

The Bow: The high end water embedded structure will be underneath the lake and will have adaptable spaces for events, conferences, concerts, and much more.

There is also a Ski Village, an Observatory, and a Wild Life Reserve. Trojena also offers amazingly crafted luxury mansions. Trojena thus becomes luxury redefined.

Controversies surrounding NEOM

Though NEOM is undoubtedly a beacon for futuristic metropolitans, it has also been in the news for various controversies, including toxic work culture and displacement of the native Howeitat tribe.

Here's some recent update about the topic:

Shifting Scope:

In early April 2024, reports surfaced indicating a significant reduction in The Line's initial ambition. Originally planned as a staggering 170-kilometer (105-mile) long, glass-walled megacity stretching across the Saudi desert, some news outlets reported a revised target of only a 2.4-kilometer (1.5-mile) segment by 2030 [CNBC]. This significant reduction, according to anonymous sources, has raised concerns about the project's overall viability.

However, the Saudi government quickly denied these allegations. Saudi Arabia's Economy Minister, Faisal Al Ibrahim, stated that NEOM's projects, including The Line, "are moving full steam ahead" and that "the intended scale is continuing as planned". This suggests a more measured approach, focusing on a smaller, demonstrably successful section before pursuing the wider vision.

Sustainability at the Core:

Despite the change in scope, NEOM and The Line remain dedicated to their core values of sustainability and environmental responsibility. The project's focus remains on achieving a zero-carbon footprint, reducing adverse environmental effects while maximizing technological innovation. To address the challenges posed by the desert climate, renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power will be prioritized, as will sustainable desalination and water recycling systems.

The urban design prioritizes pedestrian access and ultra-rapid transit systems, such as high-speed maglev trains enclosed in a vacuum tube. This eliminates the need for personal vehicles, resulting in lower carbon emissions and noise pollution. The goal is to build a city in which all necessary amenities, from schools and parks to businesses and entertainment, are within a five-minute walk or bicycle ride for any resident.

What to expect next?

While the initial timeline for The Line may have changed, construction is clearly underway. Recent information shows significant groundwork progress, with foundation piles laid and materials stockpiled for future construction phases. The success of this initial phase will most likely be critical in attracting investment and maintaining public trust as the project moves toward its ambitious long-term goals.

To conclude, just like EPCOT, TELOSA, and various other futuristic cities that are either still in their infantile conceptive stages, there is a wide range of skepticism about NEOM. However, the construction has already begun, and the massive project will propel a new sense of future for us all.

Expert Predictions for NEOM's Future

NEOM's ambitious vision for a futuristic city has inspired both excitement and skepticism. While the initiative is still in its early phases, experts offer a variety of predictions about its future impact.

Economic Powerhouse and Job Creation

NEOM is on track to become a worldwide economic powerhouse capable of attracting significant investments and creating numerous job opportunities. Its strategic emphasis on technology, innovation, and a wide range of industries is intended to attract both domestic and foreign companies.

NEOM aspires to be a hub for entrepreneurship and economic growth by creating a business-friendly environment and providing incentives to investors. The city's potential for creating high-quality jobs and contributing considerably to Saudi Arabia's GDP is evident. As NEOM grows, its economic impact is expected to go beyond the region and impact the global economy.

Technological Advancement and Innovation

NEOM is establishing itself as a worldwide innovation powerhouse. Its mission is to transform industries and reshape the future by acting as a living laboratory for cutting-edge technologies. NEOM is at the cutting edge of technological innovation, from artificial intelligence that optimizes urban living to robotics that improve efficiency and self-driving vehicles that revolutionize mobility. The city's devotion to research and development, combined with its lofty aims, has the potential to generate game-changing solutions that can be replicated globally.

A Catalyst for Regional Development

NEOM is designed to be more than just a megacity; it will serve as a catalyst for Saudi Arabia's overall regional growth. By garnering global attention and investment, NEOM is projected to boost economic growth in the surrounding communities. Improved infrastructure, such as transportation networks and utilities, built to support NEOM will most likely benefit surrounding regions. Furthermore, the influx of tourists and business travelers to NEOM could result in opportunities for the hotels and related businesses in neighboring cities. Finally, the success of NEOM could have a knock-on effect, propelling overall progress and prosperity in the region.

Challenges and Uncertainties

The sheer scale and scope of the project demand immense financial resources, and securing long-term funding remains a critical hurdle. Additionally, realizing the vision of a city powered entirely by renewable energy is a complex technological undertaking that requires significant breakthroughs. Perhaps the most daunting challenge lies in gaining social acceptance for such a radical departure from traditional urban living. Overcoming cultural and societal norms to attract residents and businesses will be essential.

Moreover, executing a project of this magnitude in a region with limited experience in large-scale urban development presents unique operational risks. Ensuring efficient infrastructure, transportation, and public services will be crucial to the project's success. The project also faces geopolitical uncertainties, as the region is subject to various political and economic fluctuations. Ultimately, the realization of NEOM's full potential hinges on meticulous planning, risk mitigation, and a steadfast commitment to overcoming these substantial challenges.

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