From Trojena to The Line, exploring different projects shaping futuristic Saudi city NEOM

NEOM – a brainchild of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman – is a new urban development in the northwest of the country. It aims to diversify the economy and reduce its dependence on oil, promising sustainability and innovation.

The futuristic megacity is conceptualised as a cutting-edge metropolis, aspiring to emerge as a global epicenter for groundbreaking advancements and eco-friendly lifestyles. It has already revealed plans for 10 central regions. Read on to discover the projects.

The Line

Potentially the most popular among all the regions, The Line is a 170-km metropolitan development. Featuring two parallel wall-like structures clad in a mirror facade, the interior will be built to accommodate buildings, public parks, schools, homes and places for work.

Trojena

Referred to as “The Mountains of NEOM“, Trojena will feature 36 km of ski slopes, outdoor activities, 42,000 sq m of retail and commercial dining space, and more than 3,000 hotel rooms and serviced apartments. It has been awarded Asian Winter Games in 2029.

Sindalah

Standing as NEOM’s inaugural island resort near The Line, situated on the Red Sea, Sindalah is set to be the first completed among the city’s different regions. The project seeks to become NEOM’s premier year-round “luxury island and yacht club destination”.

Aquellum

Imagine an upside-down skyscraper. “Visitors will embark on [a] journey, beginning at the world’s first floating marina. Here, guests will board a … vessel to enter Aquellum through a concealed underground canal,” as per a press statement from NEOM.

Oxagon

Planned to be developed along the Red Sea Coast, Oxagon is envisioned as a floating port city. Its core purpose is to establish connections with vessels headed to the Suez Canal. The project is expected to support the Kingdom’s regional trade and commerce.

NEOM not just an architectural marvel. There’s more to it

By 2026, NEOM is expected to house approximately 450,000 people, increasing the number to 1.5 to 2 million people by the end of the decade. Eventually, The Line will be home to 9 million residents and will be built with a footprint of just 34 sq km, as per MINT.

This will mean a reduced infrastructure footprint. The Line residents will also have access to all daily essentials within a five-minute walk. No roads, cars or emissions, the region will run on 100% renewable energy and 95% of the land will be preserved for nature.

NEOM is also set to feature the largest green hydrogen production plant on the planet. One of the futuristic city’s most ambitious plans is to become the most self-sufficient city in the world by utilising innovative vertical farming and greenhouses.