NEOM Opens The Line: First Residents of the Linear City to Welcome March 2026

What is The Line project in NEOM?

The Line project is a futuristic linear city that serves as the cornerstone of NEOM's 2030 vision, stretching 170 kilometers from the Red Sea coast to the mountains and deserts in northwestern Saudi Arabia. Designed as a revolutionary urban model relying on artificial intelligence and clean energy, it maintains a strict commitment to environmental sustainability. According to statements from NEOM's board of directors, the city aims to accommodate 9 million people by 2045, with a goal of reducing its carbon footprint to zero.

When will the project welcome its first residents?

The Line project is scheduled to welcome its first residents in March 2026, with the initial batch of residents moving in during the city's pilot phase. Reports indicate that this phase will include 100,000 residents, comprising families and workers in technology and research sectors. A NEOM source confirmed to the Saudi Press Agency that the timeline is proceeding as planned, with 15% of the core infrastructure completed as of January 2026.

What will life in The Line look like?

Life in The Line will feature an integrated smart infrastructure, with services managed through digital platforms including automated transportation and remote healthcare. The city will be built in layers, incorporating vertical green spaces and renewable energy-powered transport systems. According to a study conducted by NEOM, residents will be able to access all essential facilities within a 5-minute walk, reducing reliance on traditional vehicles by 90%.

What challenges has the project faced?

The Line project has faced technical and environmental challenges, including designing ultra-high-speed transport systems and securing sustainable water sources in a desert region. However, reports from the NEOM Research Center indicate that innovative solutions, such as solar-powered desalination and passive cooling technologies, have reduced expected costs by 20%. NEOM has also collaborated with global companies like Siemens and Oracle to ensure the efficiency of its digital infrastructure.

How does the project contribute to Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030?

The Line directly contributes to Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 by diversifying the economy and attracting foreign direct investment. The project is expected to add $48 billion to the GDP by 2030. According to data from the Saudi Ministry of Investment, the project has so far attracted investments worth 500 billion Saudi riyals ($133 billion) from technology and renewable energy sectors. It is also estimated to create 380,000 new job opportunities, with 40% of them focused on young Saudi talents.

What have been the international reactions to the launch?

NEOM has received positive feedback from international organizations such as the United Nations and the World Bank, praising the city's innovative design capable of reducing energy consumption by 40% compared to traditional cities. In a statement to CNN, urban expert Dr. John Wilson described the project as "a qualitative leap in the history of urban planning." On the other hand, some critics have raised concerns about the feasibility and environmental impact of such a large-scale project in a sensitive ecosystem.