neom.com
THE LINE
Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Chairman of the NEOM Company Board of Directors
17-21 minutes
THE LINE is a civilizational revolution that puts humans first, providing an unprecedented urban living experience while preserving the surrounding nature. It redefines the concept of urban development and what cities of the future should look like.
No roads, cars or emissions, it will run on 100% renewable energy and 95% of land will be preserved for nature. People's health and wellbeing will be prioritized over transportation and infrastructure, unlike traditional cities. Only 200 meters wide, but 170 kilometers long and 500 meters above sea level.
THE LINE will eventually accommodate 9 million people and will be built on a footprint of just 34 square kilometers. This will mean a reduced infrastructure footprint, creating never-before-seen efficiencies in city functions. The ideal climate all-year-round will ensure that residents can enjoy the surrounding nature. Residents will also have access to all facilities within a five-minute walk, in addition to high-speed rail – with an end-to-end transit of 20 minutes.
A REVOLUTION IN CIVILIZATION
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UNPARALLELED ACCESS TO NATURE
Our progressive design offers immediate and uninterrupted access to nature within a two-minute walk through its diverse open spaces, suspended on multiple levels. Equitable access to pristine views of the surrounding natural landscape, mountains and sky – for all – avoiding urban sprawl thanks to a reduced infrastructure footprint.
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CLEAN AIR FOR EVERYONE
The city will be zero-carbon, through the elimination of carbon-intensive infrastructure like cars and roads. It will operate on 100% renewable energy, including the operations of its industries. The integration of nature and open spaces throughout will serve an important role in purifying air quality.
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MORE TIME TO SPEND WITH LOVED ONES
Everything will be accessible within a five-minute walk and an efficient public transport network will offer an end-to-end journey in just 20 minutes. Automated services will be powered by artificial intelligence. Amenities in close proximity will mean residents see family and friends often through spontaneous encounters.
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A PERFECT CLIMATE ALL-YEAR-ROUND
To ensure the establishment of microclimatic spaces, the environment has been carefully designed to allow for an optimal balance of sunlight, shade and natural ventilation. Furthermore, the green open spaces throughout the city will further enhance the comfort for those living, working and visiting here.
"THE LINE will tackle the challenges facing humanity in urban life today and will shine a light on alternative ways to live. We cannot ignore the livability and environmental crises facing our world’s cities, and NEOM is at the forefront of delivering new and imaginative solutions to address these issues. NEOM is leading a team of the brightest minds in architecture, engineering and construction to make the idea of building upwards a reality."
His Royal Highness
WORLD-CLASS QUALITY OF LIFE
Where the best and the brightest live. A place of unparalleled social and economic experimentation – without pollution and traffic accidents – coupled with world-class preventative healthcare, so people will live longer.
A PLACE TO PROTOTYPE BUSINESSES
Built around humans, not technology. A cognitive city that predicts and reacts to what we need, not the other way round. Zero-gravity living will mean a higher-density footprint creates a richer human experience, and new business opportunities. Some 380,000 jobs will be created by 2030.
ENVIRONMENTAL SOLUTION TO URBANISM
Our zero-car environment is part of a 100% sustainable transport system – with zero pollution and zero wait time. Reduced commutes will create more time for leisure. Not paying for expenses like car insurance, fuel and parking will mean higher disposable incomes for citizens.
A COMMUNITY INVENTING THE FUTURE
Advanced tech planning logistics and modular construction will enable efficient delivery of THE LINE. And the community will live close to, and in harmony with, nature – which will be 95% untouched by urbanization. Our vertical garden city will mean you are always only two minutes from nature.
Hear from the experts
Giles Pendleton
Executive Director
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Could you map out where THE LINE sits in the grand vision for NEOM and how integral it is to the success of the project, plus the world first you are working on?
- 02
How will this change the game for the world of work, living and sustainability?
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The combination of architectural excellence, natural beauty, walkability and next-level technology on THE LINE is compelling. Why has nobody ever done this before?
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In terms of the landmark assets planned for each module, could you perhaps tell us a bit more about those – the university, the stadium, the opera house, water park, convention center and so on?
- 05
What will the mobility landscape look like in terms of short, medium and long distances for residents – and how will renewable energy and water feature?
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People will ask how is it possible to build a new city of nine million people from scratch in such a short period of time – that is a huge challenge isn’t it, when you consider that other new-world cities like Singapore took 50 years?
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As a cognitive city, how important will population data be to the success of THE LINE – and how will you balance convenience with data privacy?
- 08
What is the legacy you want to leave for future generations – and what is the timeline for the delivery of your goals and objectives on THE LINE?
- 09
Why are the walls mirrored – is it for reasons related to harnessing solar power, to blend in with the natural environment, to create striking architecture or something else? And can you tell us all about the hidden marina?
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With such a high structure, towering 500 meters high, how will you mitigate against dark shaded spaces? And how easy will it be to grow greenery in shaded areas?
- 11
Are you able to talk about the international airport at this stage and how that will fit into the blueprint for THE LINE as time goes on?
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How will the approach to the public realm be different from other cities around the world? And would it be fair to say that THE LINE will have the best quality of living on the planet?
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Do you have an idea of what the population will look like in terms of demographics, nationalities, socio-economic status and so on?
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THE LINE is in a seismic zone. What challenges does that present?
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THE LINE will amplify the chance of bumping into friends and family. Some people will love that serendipity. But some want to escape and to be remote from others – how will you cater for that small group in society?
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In terms of the key numbers: Why 500 meters high and 200 meters wide? And why 170 kilometers long?
- 17
When it comes to the microclimate, the benefits of such stability and pleasant year-round temperatures are obvious. How does the canyon in the middle of THE LINE deal with weather extremes like summer heat and winter winds?
- 18
The world received news of THE LINE in a hugely positive way, but there are a small percentage of naysayers. What would you say to those who have yet to be convinced?
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Saudi Arabia is now one of the fastest growing economies in the world, with a young population and a visionary leader looking to position NEOM at the forefront of growth. How exciting is it to be a part of this new future?
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Could you tell us a bit more about your own profile and career – and why you decided to join NEOM?
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Bringing value to the world through
Work-life balance
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Bringing value to the world through
Legacy-free urbanism
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Bringing value to the world through
Enhanced livability
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Bringing value to the world through
Leisure and sports
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Bringing value to the world through
Vertical living
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Bringing value to the world through
Next-gen architecture
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Bringing value to the world through
Walkable communities
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Bringing value to the world through
Environmental solutions
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Antoni Vives
Chief Urban Planning Officer
Working at the intersection of strategy, planning and design since 2018, Antoni Vives has led the urban planning of NEOM. Former Deputy Mayor of Barcelona, he is a published author and lecturer, and worked as a global consultant shaping the smart transformation of cities around the world.
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Giles Pendleton
Executive Director
With a background in project development and management, Giles Pendleton has delivered first-class solutions driven by sustainability. Passionate about architecture, he drives NEOM’s multidisciplinary development effort to ensure that THE LINE becomes a global best-practice example for cities.
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Jonathan Oakes
Chief of Staff
Previously director of contracts and procurement for capital projects at Qatar Foundation Education City, Jonathan Oakes has experience in managing contracts within major projects. He manages corporate functions and operations on THE LINE – including risk, auditing, scheduling and reporting.
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Gregory Kimpton
Development Director
Gregory Kimpton is a real-estate strategist and development specialist with a passion for innovation. Helping shape THE LINE’s future objectives, he deeply considers cultural sensitivities, sustainability and progressive cognitive city development to ensure a successful city of the future.
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Esam El-Makkawy
Regional Finance Director
With over 20 years of experience in capital markets and corporate finance, Esam El-Makkawy has worked on multi-billion dollar projects around the world. Now, he leads the strategic and investment team that oversees financial planning and operations, and investment analysis for THE LINE.
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Steven Lewis
Commercial Director
Steven Lewis has 30 years of global infrastructure and building project experience across the United Kingdom, the Middle East and Asia. Previously the owner of a consultancy firm, he is a chartered surveyor – and now leads contracts and commercial management on THE LINE.
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Ben Burgess
Development Director
With more than 25 years of experience, Ben Burgess has delivered a diverse range of real estate developments across Australia, the UAE and Saudi Arabia. His strategic oversight and deep understanding of the business, and political, culture will help produce world-class solutions for The LINE.
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Raoule Barnard
Design Strategy & Program Director
Raoule Barnard has more than 20 years experience leading development opportunities and strategic partnerships, tracking emerging trends within commercial real estate and the construction industry. He leads the design and coordination strategy for The LINE.