Saudi Arabia’s ambitious megaproject, The Line, was unveiled in 2021 as a revolutionary step toward urban living. Envisioned as a 170-kilometer-long, 200-meter-wide linear city with no cars, no roads, and zero carbon emissions, this project is a key component of NEOM, the $500 billion mega-development under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 initiative.
However, as we move into 2025, significant setbacks have emerged, including financial hurdles, construction delays, and scaled-down projections. The initial promise of a futuristic smart city housing 9 million people by 2030 is now under scrutiny, with reports indicating that only 1% of the project will be completed by the original deadline.
With rising economic pressures, declining oil revenues, and questions about feasibility, is The Line truly the city of the future, or is it an overambitious dream facing reality?
The Current Status of The Line in 2025
As of early 2025, satellite images and insider reports confirm that construction is far behind schedule. The initial projection was for 1.5 million residents to be living in The Line by 2030. However, updated figures now indicate that by 2030, the city might only house around 300,000 people, and even that is uncertain.
Key 2025 Updates:
- Only 1% of The Line is expected to be operational by 2030, far from the original goal.
- Construction has slowed down due to financial constraints, forcing Saudi Arabia to reconsider its pace.
- The full completion of The Line is now estimated to take up to 50 years, pushing completion into the 2070s.
- Saudi Arabia is looking for alternative funding options, including debt financing and international partnerships.
Despite the setbacks, construction has not stopped entirely. Work continues on a small segment of The Line, but much of the grand vision remains years or even decades away.
Financial Challenges Slowing Down The Line
Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) initially set aside $500 billion for NEOM, with additional investments expected from foreign partners. However, in 2024, financial challenges intensified, primarily due to fluctuating oil prices and a decline in Saudi Aramco’s profits.
- Saudi Aramco, the kingdom’s main economic driver, saw a 12% drop in profits in 2024, leading to reduced investment in megaprojects.
- Saudi Arabia is now exploring debt financing options to keep The Line moving forward.
- The rising cost of imported materials and labor shortages have increased construction costs.
- Funding priorities are shifting, with more focus on other projects under Vision 2030.
The Saudi government insists the project is still moving forward, but acknowledges that adjustments are necessary.
Is The Line Still Feasible? Technological Advances vs. Reality
The futuristic vision of The Line included cutting-edge AI, underground transport networks, and sustainable energy solutions. However, as of 2025, some of these plans remain more theoretical than practical.
Advancements in 2025:
- Construction robotics and AI are being tested to speed up development, with early successes in automation.
- High-speed rail infrastructure for The Line is under early development.
- Renewable energy integration is progressing, with a focus on solar and wind energy.
Major Obstacles:
- AI-driven city management is still in early phases, with real-world implementation proving difficult.
- Underground transport network challenges have caused delays in infrastructure development.
- Many global investors are hesitant, waiting for more substantial progress before committing funds.
Saudi Arabia remains confident that technological advancements will eventually make The Line a reality, but with current financial struggles, the speed of progress is uncertain.
Environmental and Social Concerns
Environmental Issues:
- Experts warn that The Line’s mirrored facade could endanger local wildlife, particularly birds.
- The desert ecosystem may face disruptions due to large-scale construction and artificial urbanization.
Human Rights Controversies:
- The project has led to the forced displacement of the Howeitat tribe, raising global human rights concerns.
- Reports of poor working conditions for construction laborers have emerged, with activists calling for better labor rights protections.
- Some workers and activists have criticized the lack of transparency in Saudi Arabia’s urban development plans.
Despite these concerns, Saudi officials argue that The Line will set a new standard for sustainable living once completed.
What’s Next for The Line in 2025 and Beyond?
Given the current challenges, what does the future hold for The Line?
- Saudi Arabia will likely revise its completion timeline, spreading development over multiple decades.
- A stronger push for international investment is expected to keep the project alive.
- Saudi Arabia may shift focus to other Vision 2030 projects while gradually progressing on The Line.
- Skepticism remains, but the government is determined to continue development despite delays.
While the dream of a fully operational The Line by 2030 is no longer realistic, Saudi Arabia is still pushing forward with the megacity, albeit at a slower pace.
Conclusion
In 2025, The Line remains one of the most ambitious and controversial urban projects in modern history. While it promised a revolutionary reimagining of city life, the reality has proven far more complicated.
With financial struggles, construction delays, and environmental concerns mounting, Saudi Arabia has had to adjust expectations and extend timelines significantly.
The question now is: Will The Line ever reach completion, or will it remain a vision too ambitious to become reality? Only time will tell.
