Discovering the Futuristic Megacity Hidden in the Desert
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Saudi Vision 2030
- The City of NEOM
- Octagon - The Floating Industrial Complex
- Trojina - The Skiing Destination
- The Line - The Smart Linear City
- The Concept of The Line
- Design and Structure
- Sustainability and Renewable Energy
- Zero Gravity Urbanism
- Amenities and AI Technology
- Digital Air and Equitable Views
- Cloud Seeding Technology
- Independence from Existing Framework
- The Economic Impact of NEOM
- Construction and Funding
- Feasibility Concerns
- Future Prospects
- Conclusion
The Extravagant Linear Smart City - NEOM: An Ambitious Vision for Saudi Arabia's Future
Saudi Arabia's ambitious plan, known as Saudi Vision 2030, aims to transform the country's economy and reduce its dependency on oil. A key component of this plan is the city of NEOM, an upcoming mega project that is set to become the world's most extravagant linear smart city. NEOM is envisioned as a vertical metropolis with twin high rises stretching over 100 miles, featuring hanging gardens and breathtaking views. In this article, we will explore the various aspects of NEOM and the groundbreaking concept of the smart linear city known as "The Line."
The city of NEOM consists of three main parts: Octagon, Trojina, and The Line. Octagon is a floating industrial complex Shaped like a regular octagon and will serve as the largest port in the world once completed. Trojina, located in Saudi Arabia's highest mountain range, will be the first major outdoor skiing destination in the Arabian Peninsula, attracting mountain tourism. However, the most significant part of NEOM is The Line, a smart linear city that forms the infrastructure Spine of the entire mega city.
The Line is a revolutionary concept that challenges the conventional flat and horizontal cities. Spanning 100 miles across a remote stretch of desert and mountain terrain, it is a 1,640 feet high and 656 feet wide structure. The skyscraper-like structure will be higher than most existing towers worldwide, with a large mirror Glass facade. Within this structure lies the unconventional utopian smart city, which aims to house 9 million residents and cover a footprint of just 34 square kilometers.
Designed as a series of unique communities, The Line embraces the concept of zero gravity urbanism, where movement occurs in three Dimensions: up, down, or across. It will offer residents access to all their daily needs within a five-minute walk. The city will be equipped with advanced amenities and will leverage AI technology for automated services, ensuring a streamlined and convenient lifestyle. Additionally, The Line will provide equitable views and immediate access to the surrounding nature, creating a harmonious balance between urban living and the environment.
Sustainability is a key focus of NEOM, with The Line being no exception. The entire city will run on 100% renewable energy, aided by artificial intelligence. A high-speed rail, similar to the hyperloop, will enable quick travel between different sections of The Line, ensuring efficient transportation. Cloud seeding technology will also be utilized, producing artificial clouds that generate more rainfall than naturally possible in the desert. This will enable the city to maintain a year-round temperate microclimate.
One of the unique aspects of NEOM is its independence from Saudi Arabia's existing governmental framework. The city will operate with its own tax and labor laws, along with an autonomous judicial system. This autonomy will allow NEOM to implement innovative policies and regulations tailored to its residents' needs and facilitate a more efficient and business-friendly environment.
NEOM represents a significant opportunity for Saudi Arabia to reshape its economy, attract investments, and generate employment opportunities. With a projected population boom and an aim to become a travel hotspot, NEOM could potentially Create up to 380,000 new jobs. The government aims to position Saudi Arabia as the world's largest crude oil exporter and an economic powerhouse.
Construction of NEOM officially began in 2019, backed by a $500 billion investment from the Saudi government and the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund. However, concerns about the project's feasibility and its lavish nature have led many to question its success. While the completion date has been pushed back to 2030, the Crown Prince remains determined to bring his vision to life. The estimated cost of the full construction of The Line alone is a staggering $1 trillion.
In conclusion, NEOM represents an ambitious vision for Saudi Arabia's future. It aims to create a futuristic, sustainable, and technologically advanced smart city that challenges traditional urban design. While skepticism remains, the potential economic and social benefits of NEOM cannot be overlooked. Whether The Line becomes the ultimate high-density urban living or remains a science fiction fantasy, only time will tell. Nevertheless, NEOM has undoubtedly sparked conversations about the future of cities and the possibilities that lie ahead.