Saudi Arabia’s 170km Linear City “The Line” is Shrinking: A Pivot to AI and Data
Saudi Arabia is scaling back Neom, the futuristic megaproject that has faced delays and budget issues. As the 170-kilometer “The Line” gets redesigned, the project’s focus is shifting towards becoming a global hub for artificial intelligence and data centers. While some see this as a retreat, it may actually signal the dawn of “Architecture 3.0″—a fusion of technology and structure.
Neom, once viewed as the showcase of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s vision, is preparing for a significant downsizing and redesign following years of delays and budget overruns. According to sources close to the matter, the initial, highly ambitious vision has been dialed back. The Crown Prince has reportedly acknowledged that Neom, in its previous form, was not sustainable and has adopted a smaller, more realistic structure.
Announced in 2017 covering an area roughly the size of Belgium along the Red Sea coast, Neom was touted as one of the world’s largest urban and industrial transformation projects. However, spiraling costs and constantly shifting construction schedules have forced Riyadh to reevaluate the roadmap.
A Radical Shift for The Line
The most impacted section of this restructuring is The Line, the 170-kilometer linear city at the heart of Neom. Originally planned to stretch from the sea into the desert mountains, this futuristic city is now being handled with a radically reduced concept.
Architects are reportedly working on a more modest, function-oriented design based on infrastructure that has already been built. Sources emphasize that this new approach will transform The Line into a completely different project, utilizing existing investments for a new purpose. Construction activity in the section known as the “Hidden Marina” has notably slowed down.
Architecture 3.0: A Tech-First Approach
While the headlines focus on the reduction in size, the evolution of Neom represents something far more profound. This project excites us because it is arguably the first true prototype of our transition to Architecture 3.0.
This isn’t just about shrinking a building; it’s about reshaping architecture through technology. The redesign aims to transform Neom into a global data center and AI base.
- AI Leadership: Saudi Arabia aims to be a leader in AI, and Neom is pivoting to support industrial sectors.
- Strategic Advantage: The coastal location offers a massive advantage for large-scale data centers: seawater cooling.
- The Intersection: With advanced digital infrastructure, a strategic location between three continents, and abundant renewable energy, Neom is evolving from a residential sci-fi dream into a pragmatic, high-tech engine.
Trojena and Other Projects Scale Down
Other mega-projects under the Neom umbrella are also being rescaled.
- Trojena: The mountain resort initially planned to host the 2029 Asian Winter Games will reportedly no longer host the event. Officials have stated that Trojena will be realized in a smaller version.
- Oxagon: The priorities for this coastal logistics and industrial zone are also under review.
Facing liquidity pressure after over a decade of intense spending, Saudi Arabia is rebalancing its books amidst relatively low oil prices. The Kingdom is also juggling strict timelines for other high-cost events like the 2030 Expo and the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
New Management, New Reality
Neom has long been a “cash magnet” for consultants and architects, with $50 billion reportedly poured into the sector. However, the sudden departure of long-time CEO Nadhmi al-Nasr in November 2024 marked a turning point. His replacement, Aiman al-Mudaifer, has launched a comprehensive review of all project scopes and priorities.
The Public Investment Fund (PIF), which owns Neom, is under pressure to see tangible returns. As Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has previously stated, the Kingdom is not afraid to cancel or radically change projects if public interest demands it.
Neom is changing, but it is not disappearing. It is morphing from a linear city concept into a grounded, high-tech reality—marking the beginning of a new era in architectural evolution.
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