The Line Project in Saudi Arabia: What’s Really Happening After Construction Halt

Introduction to The Line

Saudi Arabia is undergoing a significant transformation in the tourism sector, aiming to reduce its reliance on oil. The most ambitious project in this endeavor is The Line, part of the NEOM initiative, which envisions a futuristic urban landscape. However, recent difficulties have raised serious questions about the project's feasibility.

Overview of the NEOM Project

NEOM is planned as a hub of innovation with an astounding investment of up to $1.5 trillion. One of its most notable features is The Line, a linear city stretching approximately 170 kilometers, intended to accommodate 9 million residents, all living in a connected environment powered by artificial intelligence.

Designed as two parallel skyscrapers, The Line will stand as tall as the Empire State Building and stretch as long as the state of Delaware. This model promises a car-free environment, devoid of streets and carbon emissions.

Current Status of The Line Project

Recently, the project has encountered significant setbacks. According to reports from the Wall Street Journal, construction is exceeding budget and facing numerous logistical issues. By 2030, only 2.4 kilometers of The Line are expected to be completed, a mere 1.4% of the original plan.

Notably, the projected resident numbers have drastically decreased—from 1.5 million to just 200,000. While the Saudi government insists that the long-term plan remains unchanged, the reality is that costs have ballooned to over $2 trillion, with the budget severely overrun.

Latest Update: Construction Halt Until 2030

In May 2024, Semafor reported that all construction on The Line has been completely suspended and will not resume until after 2030. It’s important to note that 2030 is the year projected for the completion of the project under Saudi Arabia's “Vision 2030.”

This delay stems from the Public Investment Fund (PIF) shifting its investment focus toward infrastructure projects such as seaports and data centers, rather than continuing to pour funds into large-scale tourism projects like The Line or Trojena, which is set to host the 2029 Asian Winter Games.

Economic Forecast and Challenges

Analysts are questioning the economic viability of the project, especially given the limited number of residents expected to inhabit the area. With substantial investments in infrastructure such as solar energy, desalination plants, and airports, distributing costs across a small community will be quite challenging.

Discussions Surrounding the Project

There are many contrasting opinions regarding this project. Skeptics doubt its feasibility, suggesting that it may merely be an unrealistic planning vision. However, the interest and investment pouring into Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector indicate that they are actively seeking new paths for the future.

Information for Vietnamese Travelers

To visit Saudi Arabia, you will need to apply for a visa. The flight time from Vietnam (SGN/HAN) to Riyadh is approximately 10-12 hours, with round-trip airfare typically ranging from 12 to 20 million VND, depending on the season. The country uses the Saudi Riyal (SAR), with an exchange rate of about 1 SAR equaling 6,000 VND. So, it’s wise to prepare your budget in advance.

Conclusion

The Line represents one of the most emblematic projects in Saudi Arabia's efforts to diversify its economy. Despite the construction halt, there are still many intriguing possibilities ahead. Perhaps in the future, we will see whether these ambitious ideas can become reality or remain distant dreams.

Article referenced and edited from: One Mile at a Time