Desolate Saudi Dystopia: The Abandoned Urban Landscape
In the heart of the Saudi Arabian desert, a visionary urban development is taking shape. Known as The Line, this proposed city is the brainchild of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) and is part of the larger Neom mega-development. The project aims to revolutionise urban living, embracing sustainability, high technology, and a science-fiction aesthetic.
Development Process and Design
The Line was initially conceived as two parallel linear skyscrapers, approximately 500 meters high and 200 meters wide, extending about 170 km across the desert. This design embodies "zero gravity urbanism" – a carbon-neutral, car-free city where residents have all amenities within a five-minute walk and are connected end-to-end by a high-speed rail that completes the journey in 20 minutes.
The innovative approach to construction involves off-site modular assembly and pre-engineered components to speed progress and maintain quality and sustainability standards. The project also integrates digital twin technology and massive piling operations supporting this infrastructure. Construction progress includes deep tunneling work essential for infrastructure and leisure components, such as a ski resort in nearby Trojena, reflecting the project’s high ambitions for climate control and year-round comfort.
Motivations
The project is a flagship element of Saudi Vision 2030, an ambitious plan to diversify the Saudi economy away from fossil fuels by creating a global hub for innovation, technology, and sustainable living. MBS's vision references themes from science fiction for inspiration, signaling a break from traditional urban design towards something radically futuristic and immersive.
The Line reflects ambitions to redefine urban life through sustainability, zero emissions, and livability, providing a world-leading example of what future cities could be. With a planned population of around 9 million residents within a compact 34 square kilometer footprint, The Line emphasises high standards of living and sustainability.
Recent Updates and Adjustments
Despite its ambitious start, the project was significantly downsized from its original 179 km length to about 2.7 km by mid-2025, reflecting challenges in delivering such a large-scale futuristic vision. Nonetheless, work on the first phases continues rapidly, maintaining it as a strategic priority for Saudi Arabia.
Controversy and Future Plans
The Line's design and construction are controversial due to its ambitious scale and potential environmental impact. However, the project's focus on sustainability, renewable energy, and preserving 95% of the surrounding land for nature suggests a commitment to minimising environmental harm.
The exact timeline for The Line's construction has not been provided, but work continues on the first phases. The Line is not yet constructed, but its design, influenced by the aesthetics of science fiction movies like Blade Runner, The Fifth Element, and Star Wars, promises a unique and immersive urban experience.
Science and technology play a crucial role in the development and design of The Line, with pre-engineered components, modular assembly, and digital twin technology being integrated into the construction process. This futuristic city also seeks inspiration from the realm of entertainment, aiming to emulate the immersive, science-fiction ambiance of films such as Blade Runner, The Fifth Element, and Star Wars.
