Saudi Arabia’s ambitious dream of building a futuristic desert metropolis is hitting a harsh dose of reality. “The Line,” once envisioned as a revolutionary smart city stretching 170 kilometers through the arid sands, is facing delays, budget strains, and scaled-back expectations. Now, the Kingdom is looking East—for financial lifeline and support.
A futuristic vision running out of steam
Touted as the centerpiece of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, The Line was designed as a car-free, zero-carbon, high-tech haven for 9 million people. Funded by the country’s vast oil wealth, the project was meant to reshape urban living, combining cutting-edge architecture with environmental sustainability. But nearly a decade after its announcement, the results are falling far short of the promise.
Instead of housing 1.5 million residents by 2030, projections now estimate just 300,000. Even more striking: only 2.4 kilometers of the planned 170-kilometer stretch are expected to be completed by then. That’s barely 1.4% of the original vision. Construction setbacks and workforce reductions have further fueled skepticism about whether the project is realistically achievable.
Seeking new partners in the East
In an effort to keep The Line afloat, Saudi officials have turned to China, hoping to attract new investment and political support for the wider Neom mega-zone, which includes several other large-scale developments. Delegations have already pitched the project in Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong, but so far, enthusiasm appears cautious.
Beijing may be intrigued by the opportunity to participate in one of the world’s most ambitious infrastructure undertakings, but the project’s sheer scale and uncertain return on investment are raising eyebrows—even among seasoned Chinese investors familiar with large-scale urbanization efforts.
Growing doubts about sustainability and feasibility
Even beyond the budget concerns, The Line’s long-term viability is under intense scrutiny. Critics question whether such a massive city in the desert can truly be sustainable—ecologically, economically, or socially. Can this ultra-linear city integrate with its surrounding environment? Is it even technically possible to build something so sprawling in such a harsh climate?
The silence from Saudi leadership hasn’t helped. As doubts swirl among investors and environmental analysts alike, the Kingdom’s lack of transparency about delays and changes only adds to the mounting uncertainty.
A shift in Saudi Arabia’s grand strategy?
What happens next could signal a larger course correction for Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. The economic realities of the post-pandemic world, global energy transitions, and the need for more realistic and resilient urban models may force the Kingdom to re-evaluate its priorities.
Could this mark the beginning of a pivot toward smaller, more scalable development projects? Or is it simply a rough patch on the road to a bold reimagining of urban life?
A mirage in the making—or a comeback in disguise?
The future of The Line remains unclear. It could still rise from the desert as a symbol of innovation and ambition, or it might become a cautionary tale of overreach—a $500 billion mirage shimmering in the heat, evaporating under pressure from economic and environmental limits.
One thing is certain: the world is watching, and whatever happens next in Saudi Arabia will influence how other nations dream, plan, and build their own cities of tomorrow.
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Autor(en)/Author(s): Brian Foster
Quelle/Source: Glass Almanac, 22.05.2025
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