Saudi Arabia’s $500 billion mega project Neom is continuing to capture global attention. Touted as a blueprint for the future of civilization, Neom is more than a smart city—it’s a vision of life powered by renewable energy, artificial intelligence, and revolutionary architecture. As the construction progresses, new updates reveal ambitious expansions and adjustments to the project’s core components.
Here is a closer look at the latest developments in Neom, Saudi Arabia’s tech-driven city of the future.
What Is Neom and Why It Matters
Neom, launched in 2017 by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, is part of Saudi Vision 2030—a strategy to diversify the economy away from oil. Located in the northwestern Tabuk Province along the Red Sea, Neom is designed to be a hub for innovation, tourism, and sustainability.
At the heart of the project is “The Line”, a 170-kilometer-long linear city that aims to host 9 million residents. It will feature no roads, no cars, and zero emissions, offering an alternative model for urban development. Neom also includes other key zones such as Oxagon, Trojena, and Sindalah Island.
More information about the Neom masterplan can be found here.
The Line: Revisions and Scaled Phases
One of the most iconic features of Neom is The Line. Initial reports stated that The Line would span 170 km with mirrored buildings stretching 500 meters tall. However, recent updates show a scaled-down approach in the early phases.
According to a Wall Street Journal report, the first phase of The Line may only accommodate 300,000 residents by 2030 instead of the originally planned 1.5 million.
While the initial pace has been adjusted, construction is still ongoing, with visible progress in tunneling, transportation infrastructure, and smart grid systems.
Oxagon: The Floating Industrial District
Another vital zone within Neom is Oxagon, described as the world’s largest floating structure. It is designed to be an advanced industrial hub that integrates cutting-edge technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT), robotics, and clean energy systems.
Recent updates from Neom officials confirm that Oxagon will include:
- An integrated port and supply chain system
- A circular layout to reduce travel distances
- R&D centers for marine biotechnology, smart manufacturing, and AI
This floating city will also house the Hydrogen Innovation Hub, one of the most ambitious clean energy initiatives in the region. Read more about Oxagon’s updates here.
Trojena: Saudi’s First Ski Resort in the Desert
Trojena, Neom’s mountainous area, will host Saudi Arabia’s first outdoor ski resort. Set to be completed by 2026, Trojena will feature snow-covered slopes during winter, high-altitude lakes, and luxury wellness resorts.
As part of its eco-tourism push, Trojena will host the Asian Winter Games in 2029—the first time the event will be held in the Middle East. The resort’s designs include architectural masterpieces by leading global firms.
Trojena will also support tech-driven tourism, with AR-powered experiences, smart hospitality, and drone-based logistics systems. Visit Trojena’s development site here.
Sindalah: Neom’s Island of Luxury and Innovation
Scheduled to open by late 2024, Sindalah Island is a key part of Neom’s tourism development. This luxury island will feature:
- A 5-star marina resort
- Yacht clubs and high-end retail
- A golf course designed by top professionals
Sindalah will be the first physical showcase of Neom’s tourism offerings and is expected to attract over 2,000 visitors daily. With a focus on marine sustainability and AI-guided guest experiences, it positions itself as a futuristic rival to luxury hubs like the Maldives or the French Riviera.
Explore Sindalah in detail here.
Digital Backbone: AI, 5G, and Sustainability
Neom is being built with a smart infrastructure from the ground up. This includes:
- AI-powered governance to manage energy, water, and waste
- Autonomous mobility systems including high-speed trains, electric shuttles, and air taxis
- 5G and quantum computing systems for real-time city management
The city aims to run on 100% renewable energy, leveraging solar, wind, and green hydrogen. Its buildings will use modular construction techniques and smart climate systems to reduce energy use.
The Neom digital ecosystem was recently boosted through partnerships with Oracle, NVIDIA, and Aramco, supporting data centers, cloud computing, and energy analytics.
Challenges and Criticisms
Despite its grand vision, Neom faces several challenges.
Human rights concerns, especially related to the forced relocation of tribes, have drawn international criticism. Environmental experts also question whether large-scale projects like The Line can truly operate sustainably in desert ecosystems.
Budget constraints and global economic shifts have further forced the kingdom to rethink project timelines and prioritize key areas.
However, the Saudi government continues to push forward, claiming Neom will be a game-changer for global cities and a model for future generations.
Global Partnerships and Investments
Neom’s success heavily depends on foreign investment and partnerships. So far, collaborations include:
- Air Products and ACWA Power for hydrogen production
- ENOWA, Neom’s energy and water company
- Volocopter for flying taxi development
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) for research
Neom is also attracting global startups in agri-tech, med-tech, and cleantech to test and scale their products within its experimental zones.
Conclusion: A Future Worth Watching
Saudi Arabia’s Neom continues to evolve—sometimes slowly, sometimes boldly. While not everything is happening on the original timeline, the ambition remains sky-high. Whether it’s building a floating port, desert ski slopes, or mirrored skyscrapers, Neom is rewriting what a city could be.
For anyone tracking the future of urban living, sustainable tech, and AI-powered societies, Neom is a story worth following. Its progress, successes, and struggles will help define not just Saudi Arabia’s future—but perhaps the future of cities everywhere.
Stay updated through official Neom announcements here.
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