The Line: Saudi Arabia scales back megacity plans as crown ...
Financial Times reveals mounting tensions as architects and engineers fail to realise Mohammed bin Salman's lofty goals
www.middleeasteye.netHere are the latest publicly reported developments on The Line in Saudi Arabia (as of 2026):
-
There have been ongoing discussions and reporting about scaling back or reassessing The Line project due to cost pressures and shifting priorities within NEOM and broader Vision 2030 investments. Various outlets over 2024–2025 highlighted reduced scope, feasibility questions, and budgetary constraints affecting timelines and ambitions. These themes recur in coverage from financial and regional outlets, suggesting a more cautious, incremental approach rather than full-speed construction on the original megacity concept.[1][5][7]
-
In 2025, reports indicated that consultants were asked to review the feasibility of The Line, reflecting continued scrutiny from Saudi authorities over whether the ambitious car-free city is practicable within budget and market conditions. This signal points to potential changes in scope or delay in milestones, rather than immediate cancellation.[5]
-
Independent and media outlets in 2024–2026 consistently described significant uncertainty surrounding The Line’s timeline and deliverables, with some coverage noting that only a fraction of the original plan might proceed in the near term, if at all. While some videos and articles pitched dramatic revisions, others framed the situation as ongoing reevaluation rather than final outcomes. This uncertainty has been a persistent feature of coverage across multiple years.[3][6][8]
-
A broader context to watch is NEOM’s broader development strategy, which includes other components like Oxagon, Trojena, and Sindalah. Shifts in The Line can influence, and be influenced by, the performance and timelines of these other NEOM projects, alongside macroeconomic headwinds and oil revenue dynamics that affect project financing.[7][5]
Would you like a concise timeline of key milestones and the most recent official statements, or a quick summary of what major outlets are currently reporting about feasibility, funding, and timelines? I can also pull the most up-to-date sources if you want direct articles and dates. Note: I can provide citations after each factual point if you’d like sources attached.