{"id":40876,"date":"2026-01-27T08:15:13","date_gmt":"2026-01-27T08:15:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/metaverseplanet.net\/blog\/?p=40876"},"modified":"2026-01-27T08:15:15","modified_gmt":"2026-01-27T08:15:15","slug":"saudi-arabias-170km-linear-city-the-line-is-shrinking","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/metaverseplanet.net\/blog\/saudi-arabias-170km-linear-city-the-line-is-shrinking\/","title":{"rendered":"Saudi Arabia\u2019s 170km Linear City “The Line” is Shrinking: A Pivot to AI and Data"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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\u2019s 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″\u2014a fusion of technology and structure.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Neom, once viewed as the showcase of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

A Radical Shift for The Line<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The most impacted section of this restructuring is The Line<\/strong>, 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Architecture 3.0: A Tech-First Approach<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n