Saudi Arabia’s Trillion-Dollar Futuristic Megacity Is Slowly Taking Shape, Here’s How Much They’ve Spent So Far

The boldest urban experiment of the century is underway—are we ready?

Jesse

• Published in News
• September 15, 2024

Saudi Arabia is building the future, quite literally. Imagine a city without roads, cars, or emissions—a place where technology and nature blend seamlessly, and your commute is a smooth, quiet train ride along a 170km stretch.

Sounds like science fiction, right? But it’s very real, and Saudi Arabia is pulling out all the stops (and checks) to make it happen. 

If you haven’t heard about The Line, you’re missing out on one of the most ambitious projects the world has ever seen. The Line is the crown jewel of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030—a $1 trillion megacity project designed to redefine urban living. 

Vision 2030, spearheaded by Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, aims to diversify Saudi Arabia's economy and reduce its dependence on oil. Seven years into the ambitious plan, Neom is becoming more than just a dream. It’s already got a hefty price tag attached, with billions spent and billions more to go.

Construction of The Line is well underway, and the country has already poured $28.7 billion into the project, according to Bloomberg. But that’s just a drop in the ocean of what’s to come. 

This futuristic city, stretching along the coast of the Red Sea, will be 200 meters wide and 170 kilometers long and home to a vast, eco-friendly world powered entirely by renewable energy. There will be no cars or roads—just an emphasis on sustainability and health. 

Saudi Arabia's $1 trillion mega-project is about to change how we think about cities. Welcome to the city with no roads or cars—just endless possibilities!

As described on Neom’s official website, 95% of the land will be preserved for nature, making this a city where well-being trumps concrete jungles.

For those wondering why The Line is so expensive, consider the bold vision behind it. The city’s unique layout, cutting-edge tech, and commitment to a zero-emissions future come with a steep price tag. 

The Line’s groundbreaking design reflects a new vision for sustainable living.

Early estimates put the total cost at $500 billion, but experts now believe it could soar as high as $1.5 trillion. To put that in perspective, that’s enough to tackle global hunger more than three times over. 

Real estate and infrastructure investments in Saudi Arabia have soared, with reports showing a 4% rise in just one year, according to Knight Frank. And let’s not forget, the total Vision 2030 initiative has already cost the kingdom a jaw-dropping $1.3 trillion.

Stretching across 170 km along the stunning Red Sea, The Line is set to redefine cityscapes with its sleek mirrored structure and eco-friendly design

While Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman initially had plans for The Line to host nine million residents by 2030, more recent projections have scaled this down to a more modest 300,000 by the same year. Still, The Line is unlike anything we’ve ever seen, and it’s on track to revolutionize how cities are designed and lived in.

Will The Line live up to its monumental vision? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure—Saudi Arabia is making a massive investment in the future.

Jesse