Can you imagine a city with no roads, no cars, and no pollution? Sleek, mirrored skyscrapers stretching for 170 kilometers through the desert…this isn’t a science fiction book blurb, or the thing of childhood dreams. It’s Project NEOM, Saudi Arabia’s $500 billion gamble on the future, and the sky is their limit.
One of the most striking components of NEOM is The Line, which is a 170-kilometer-long, linear city designed to house up to 9 million people within a mirrored façade just 200 meters wide. It promises zero cars, zero streets, and zero carbon emissions. The Line offers vertical living stacked in layers, with all daily needs accessible within a 5-minute walk, showing us what cities can be when urban design prioritizes people and planet over vehicles and congestion, making the sprawl we know something of the past.
But NEOM is more than just The Line. It’s a collection of bold, futuristic zones:
- Oxagon, a floating industrial city shaped like an octagon will be the world’s largest floating structure and serve as a hub for advanced manufacturing and logistics.
- Trojena, located in the nearby mountains, will offer a year-round ski resort, outdoor adventures, and even host the Asian Winter Games in 2029, despite being in the desert.
In the heart of the Saudi Arabian desert, at least 30 times larger than New York City, Project NEOM is budding – and it’s on track to be a pioneering global capital of the world.
The Significance of Project NEOM
Launched in 2017 by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, with an aim to diversify the economy beyond oil, NEOM is backed by the kingdom’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), the $500 billion project is envisioned as a groundbreaking model for urban living that blends technology, sustainability, and innovation. The name “NEOM,” meaning “New Future,” reflects the project’s aspiration to redefine what cities can be… not simply futuristic, but fundamentally transformative.
Unlike traditional urban developments, NEOM is being built from the ground up with a focus on environmental safe-keeping and human well-being. Its design abandons the outdated models of sprawl and car dependency in favor of a climate-positive infrastructure, walkable communities, and natural ecosystems. One of its biggest goals is to become one of the first societies where carbon emissions are net positive, which means NEOM aims to absorb more than it emits.
Strategically located in Saudi Arabia’s northwest along the Red Sea, NEOM is expected to incite economic growth by attracting international investment, creating new industries, and generating jobs across sectors like renewable energy, biotechnology, tourism, and advanced manufacturing. As a global showcase of the kingdom’s future-forward vision, NEOM shows us what the next century of civilization might look like.
Location, Location, Location
We all know that the location of a property has the biggest impact on its value, desirability, and long-term investment potential. Project NEOM has one of the best locations, near the borders of Jordan and Egypt, making it the first private zone to span three countries – exactly in the northern-west side of Saudi Arabia. The location is particularly special because 40% of the globe lives less than a 4-hour flight away!
It’s also strategic, as NEOM is located at the center of the world trade line, opening up opportunities for it to grow into a global hub for trade, innovation, and knowledge.
Technology and Design of Project NEOM
The technological vision behind Project NEOM is truly cutting-edge. A dedicated research center has been established to bring together scientists from around the globe, solely to turn NEOM’s futuristic concepts into reality. Some of the groundbreaking technologies they’re working on include:
Energy
NEOM’s energy system will be 100% renewable, relying heavily on green hydrogen, a clean-burning fuel produced using renewable energy sources like solar and wind. Unlike conventional hydrogen, green hydrogen is sustainable and leaves no carbon footprint. It’s seen as a key to powering everything from transportation to industrial processes like steel and cement production, making NEOM a model for a fully decarbonized energy future.
Water Production
Water sustainability is a top priority in NEOM. The city plans to use renewable energy to power desalination, ensuring that zero CO₂ emissions are produced in the process. Even wastewater won’t go to waste. Instead, it will be treated and repurposed for energy generation, agriculture (via fertilization), and freshwater recovery, promoting a circular economy with no reliance on a single water source.
Biotech & AI
NEOM is also pushing the boundaries of biotechnology, combining artificial intelligence, genetic science, and bio-digital interfaces to revolutionize healthcare. The plan includes building a fully operational medical center powered by AI, capable of predicting, preventing, and treating health conditions with unparalleled precision… bringing science fiction visions to life in the real world.
If NEOM is completed as planned, we could soon be living in an era unlike anything humanity has ever experienced.
New Agricultural Technology
The global food system is currently one of the most environmentally harmful sectors of human activity. Despite advances in agriculture, it remains deeply flawed – one in every nine people worldwide still does not have enough to eat, according to 2018 studies. This signals an urgent need for change. This is why NEOM is leading the transformation by developing the following technologies:
Sustainable, High-tech Food Production
By integrating advanced technologies and reducing carbon emissions, NEOM aims to redefine how we grow, distribute, and consume food. It begins with high-tech food production system designed to reduce environmental impact while ensuring food security.
Artificial Moon
Yes, you read that right! NEOM plans to feature an artificial moon to illuminate the city at night. This concept may involve advanced drone technology or other futuristic systems to create a night-time glow unlike anything seen before.
AI-powered Surveillance
In addition to all of these amazing technologically advanced ideas, AI-powered surveillance is expected to play a significant role in NEOM’s public safety framework. Through facial recognition and smart monitoring, the system aims to enhance security and reduce crime rates. However, these developments raise important ethical and legal questions, especially with proposals suggesting NEOM may operate under a separate legal system, distinct from Saudi Arabia’s national courts.
NEOM is a Glimpse into the Future
Whether viewed with excitement or concern, Project NEOM represents a global milestone in city-building. If realized, it may surpass even Dubai in its ambition, blending luxury, sustainability, and next-generation innovation right in the heart of the Saudi Arabian desert. What matters most? It’s meant to be made with the Earth’s well-being at its center.
“NEOM represents a bold vision for the future, aiming to be a global hub for innovation, sustainability, and livability, driven by cutting-edge technology and powered entirely by renewable energy.”
— Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia
NEOM Official Website, Vision Statement, 2020
Like we said, with NEOM, the sky truly is the limit.
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