Saudi Arabia’s Futuristic Line Megacity Advances as First 1.5 Miles Take Shape
Saudi Arabia’s urban project, The Line, has officially entered its construction phase. The first segment of the 170-km (105-mile) linear megacity, called Hidden Marina, is now taking shape in the desert. The project is part of the larger Neom development and has drawn attention for its scale and design.
Denis Hickey, an Eexecutive at Neom, shared details about the initial phase during the PIF Private Sector Forum in Riyadh. According to reports from the Saudi Gazette, The Line's first segment will stretch 2.5 km (1.5 miles) over the desert and rise to 500 meters (1,640 feet).
Structural and Design Aspects
Hidden Marina will consist of three modular segments with a mirrored exterior. The development will cover a built area of 21 million square meters (5,200 acres). In comparison, the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest skyscraper, has a built area of 350,000 square meters (86 acres).
A key component of the project is a marina, though specific details are not yet available. Hidden Marina will accommodate approximately 200,000 residents, with over 80,000 residential units, 9,000 hotel rooms, commercial and retail spaces, and necessary urban infrastructure such as schools, police stations, fire stations, and security services.
The mirrored exterior will reflect the surrounding landscape, minimizing its visual impact on the desert environment. The modular segments allow for phased construction, ensuring steady progress while accommodating future expansions.
Urban Planning and Smart City Features
The Line is designed with AI-driven city management. All daily necessities will be within a five-minute walk for residents. The plan aims to reduce reliance on cars, encouraging pedestrian movement. A high-speed rail network will connect different parts of the city, enabling travel across the 170-km stretch within 20 minutes.
Artificial intelligence will monitor energy usage, occupancy levels, and resource distribution. The city will implement automated logistics for waste management, energy distribution, and security. This approach aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals, which focus on urban efficiency and technological development.
The development will integrate renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, to meet its power needs. Smart grid systems will optimize energy consumption, ensuring minimal environmental impact.
Construction Workforce and Investment
The construction of Hidden Marina involves over 140,000 workers. Saudi Arabia has invested $140 billion in infrastructure to support the development. The demand for materials is significant, with reports indicating that the project is using around 20% of the world’s available steel.
Advanced construction techniques, including robotic automation and prefabrication, will be used to speed up the building process. These methods are expected to enhance precision, reduce waste, and maintain high-quality standards.
2034 FIFA World Cup Venue
A notable feature of The Line’s first phase is its role in the 2034 FIFA World Cup. Hidden Marina’s uppermost floor will include a stadium for key matches during the tournament. This addition highlights Saudi Arabia’s investment in sports infrastructure and its role in global events.
The stadium will incorporate cutting-edge design elements, including a retractable roof, climate control systems, and seating arrangements that maximize spectator experience. The integration of smart technology will ensure seamless event operations, from ticketing to crowd management.
Challenges and Concerns
The project faces challenges related to feasibility, labor conditions, and environmental impact. The high demand for steel and other raw materials raises concerns about supply chain sustainability.
Questions remain about the implementation of The Line’s technological aspirations, including AI integration, robotic construction, and seamless transit. Meeting the 2030 deadline for Hidden Marina’s completion is an ambitious goal given the complexity of the project.
Environmental concerns have been raised regarding the impact of large-scale development on the desert ecosystem. Mitigation strategies, including sustainable construction practices and conservation measures, are being considered to address these issues.
Saudi Arabia’s Larger Development Plans
The Line is one of several projects under Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative. Other developments include the Jeddah Economic City (JEC) Tower, set to become the world’s tallest skyscraper, and the Mukaab project in Riyadh. Neom also features other projects, such as Oxagon, a floating industrial city, and Trojena, a ski resort in the desert.
Saudi Arabia aims to position itself as a global hub for innovation, tourism, and commerce. While doubts remain about the viability of such large-scale projects, significant progress is being made in reshaping the country’s urban and economic landscape.
The Line’s Hidden Marina marks the beginning of a large-scale urban transformation. As construction continues, global attention remains on Saudi Arabia’s ability to turn its plans into reality. With significant investment, technology, and planning, The Line has the potential to change urban development in the region.
The integration of AI, smart infrastructure, and modular construction methods makes The Line a unique case study in modern city planning. If successful, it could set a precedent for future developments worldwide, showcasing how urban areas can be built efficiently while prioritizing sustainability and livability.