NEOM: A Futuristic Paradise or an Overpriced Sci-Fi Fantasy?

In the heart of Saudi Arabia’s vast desert, where nothing but sand and mountains stretch for miles, a revolutionary project is taking shape—NEOM. Marketed as a city of the future, this ambitious mega-project is the brainchild of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, envisioned as a hub of innovation, sustainability, and cutting-edge technology. Spanning over 26,500 square kilometers, NEOM is set to redefine urban living with its futuristic designs, AI-driven infrastructure, and promises of a carbon-neutral environment.

From The Line—a 170-kilometer-long linear city with no roads or cars—to Oxagon, the world’s largest floating industrial complex, and Trojena, a year-round mountain resort offering skiing in the desert, the scope of NEOM is staggering. The project aims to attract the world’s brightest minds and position Saudi Arabia as a leader in tech, renewable energy, and tourism.

Billions of dollars have been poured into the project, with Saudi officials claiming it will become a beacon of progress and a model for future cities. However, skepticism looms large. Critics argue that NEOM’s promises are too ambitious, questioning whether the city can truly deliver on its futuristic vision or if it will become yet another extravagant but ultimately unfulfilled dream.

With all the grand promises, one question lingers: is NEOM truly the city of tomorrow, or just a high-budget illusion?

NEOM’s Vision: Ambition Without Limits

First announced in 2017, NEOM is projected to cover a staggering 26,500 square kilometers, making it one of the largest smart city projects in the world. The vision is bold—an ultra-modern metropolis powered entirely by renewable energy, free of cars and pollution, and driven by artificial intelligence in every aspect of life.

One of its most hyped projects is The Line—a futuristic, 170-km-long linear city with no roads, cars, or emissions, designed to house millions in a sustainable, walkable environment. Other key elements include Oxagon, the world’s largest floating industrial city, and Trojena, a luxury mountain resort featuring the first outdoor skiing destination in the Gulf.

The concept is undoubtedly groundbreaking, but turning this vision into reality is a monumental challenge.

Imagine then a whole city within a 500-meter tall and 200 meter-wide building, stretching 170 kilometers across the coast, desert and mountains of Northeast Saudi Arabia. A place housing nine million people within 34 square kilometers. Well, that’s what we are building with THE LINE, the ultimate sidescraper.
by Giles Pendleton
Chief Operating Officer

The Challenges: Bold Vision or Unrealistic Dream?

Despite the hype, NEOM faces several critical obstacles:

• Geographical and Climate Challenges: Building a high-tech city in an arid desert with extreme temperatures and water scarcity is a logistical nightmare. Saudi Arabia plans to rely on large-scale desalination plants, but these are energy-intensive and costly.
• Technological and Infrastructure Gaps: A city fully operated by AI, robotics, and clean energy requires technological advancements that are still in development globally. Constructing a mirrored skyscraper city (The Line) stretching over 170 km presents unprecedented engineering challenges.
• Financial Uncertainty: Estimates suggest NEOM may require over a trillion dollars to materialize. While Saudi Arabia has pledged billions, securing foreign investment remains a challenge, especially with concerns about feasibility and return on investment.

Global Reactions: Enthusiasm or Skepticism?

The international response to NEOM has been mixed. Some see it as a bold step toward the future, while others doubt its practicality. Tech giants like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon have expressed interest, yet major investments are still pending.

On the political front, NEOM is a key pillar of Saudi Vision 2030, a strategy aimed at reducing dependence on oil. However, given the country’s heavy reliance on petroleum revenues, fluctuations in oil prices could impact funding for the project.

NEOM: A Revolution or a Mirage?

If NEOM succeeds as envisioned, it will redefine urban living and cement Saudi Arabia’s place as a leader in futuristic development. However, if it fails to deliver, it risks becoming another overhyped mega-project that never reaches its full potential.

Only time will tell whether NEOM is a true revolution or just a mirage in the desert.