NEOM's 'The Line' Megacity Project Undergoes Timeline and Budget Recalibrations

Revised Timelines for Ambitious Megacity

Saudi Arabia's ambitious NEOM 'The Line' megacity project is undergoing significant recalibrations to its timelines and budget. Originally envisioned as a 170-kilometer linear city, full completion is now projected for 2045, a notable extension from earlier, more optimistic schedules. Some reports even suggest that the full build-out and population of the city could take up to a century.

The project, a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 plan to diversify its economy away from oil, has garnered global attention for its futuristic design and scale. However, as of 2025, construction has advanced in limited sections, prompting a strategic review of its feasibility and financial requirements.

Current Construction Progress and Scaled-Back Targets

Despite the overall timeline extension, construction is actively underway on specific segments of 'The Line'. An initial 2.4-kilometer (or 1.5-mile) section is currently being developed, with significant groundwork and foundation work in progress. This segment is expected to be structurally completed by late 2026, with partial occupancy anticipated by 2030.

The initial target population for 'The Line' by 2030 has also been adjusted. Earlier projections aimed for 1.5 million residents, but this figure has been scaled back to fewer than 300,000. This adjustment reflects the complexities and challenges inherent in developing a project of this magnitude.

Budgetary Adjustments and Strategic Reviews

The recalibration extends to the financial aspects of the NEOM project. Reports indicate that the overall cost could significantly exceed the initial $500 billion projection, with some internal estimates suggesting a total price tag reaching into the trillions.

The Public Investment Fund (PIF), Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund and the primary backer of NEOM, is reportedly reassessing the project's viability. This review has led to reports of staff layoffs and the relocation of some employees from the construction site to Riyadh. Despite these adjustments, Saudi officials maintain that the overall objectives for 'The Line' remain unchanged, emphasizing its long-term strategic importance to the kingdom's future.

Future Outlook

While the revised timelines and budget recalibrations signal a more measured approach to the development of 'The Line', the project continues to be a central component of Saudi Arabia's ambitious economic transformation. The ongoing construction of initial sections and the commitment to the 2045 completion date for the full 170-kilometer city underscore the kingdom's determination to realize its futuristic urban vision.