The Evolution of NEOM
- Mark Lafond, RA
- Sep 5, 2025
- 7 min read
Updated: Sep 13, 2025
The Evolution of Saudi Arabia's Neom Project
Saudi Arabia's ambitious Neom project, heralded as a cornerstone in Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's economic diversification strategy, is undergoing significant revisions in its scope and timeline, according to insiders familiar with the matter. Once envisioned as a futuristic city accommodating 1.5 million residents by 2030, recent recalibrations suggest a more modest projection of fewer than 300,000 residents within the same timeframe.
The Line: Scaling Back a Futuristic Vision
Originally conceptualized as "The Line," a sprawling, ultramodern city nestled between mirror-clad skyscrapers, Neom was slated to span 170 kilometers along the picturesque Red Sea coast. However, recent adjustments indicate that only 2.4 kilometers of the project may be completed by 2030, reflecting a substantial scaling back of ambitions.
Consequently, reports indicate that certain contractors have begun downsizing their workforce dedicated to the project. This shift in trajectory underscores broader uncertainties surrounding Neom's future, as it grapples with financial constraints and logistical challenges.
Broader Vision Beyond The Line
Crown Prince Mohammed's vision for Neom extends beyond mere urban development; it represents a transformative endeavor aimed at redefining Saudi Arabia's economic landscape. Encompassing not only The Line but also industrial hubs, ports, and tourism ventures, Neom epitomizes the kingdom's aspirations for innovation and sustainability. Furthermore, it is slated to host the Asian Winter Games in 2029, further highlighting its significance on the global stage.
Progress in Other Neom Projects
Despite the setbacks surrounding The Line, progress continues on other facets of the Neom project. Sindalah, an island resort destination in the Red Sea, is scheduled to open this year, while Trojena, a mountain resort set to host the Asian Winter Games, continues development alongside Oxagon, the planned industrial hub. These efforts highlight Saudi Arabia’s determination to diversify Neom’s offerings even as timelines for The Line are extended.
Vision 2030 Challenges and Delays
Neom's current predicament underscores deeper concerns within the Saudi government regarding the viability of its ambitious Vision 2030 program. This initiative, designed to steer the kingdom away from its oil-dependent economy, faces mounting challenges as financial realities come to the fore. Finance Minister Mohammed Al Jadaan has emphasized the necessity for a more protracted timeline to ensure sustainable economic growth, highlighting the complexities inherent in transitioning away from oil-centric economic models.
Renewable Energy and Green Hydrogen Ambitions
Nonetheless, Neom has seen notable successes, particularly in the realm of renewable energy. The development of solar and wind farms, alongside an $8.4 billion green hydrogen project with Air Products, underscores Saudi Arabia's commitment to sustainable energy solutions. These ventures are intended to position the kingdom as a global leader in renewable energy and help reduce reliance on traditional oil exports.
Financial Boost: New Credit Facility
To stabilize finances, Neom recently secured a 10 billion riyal ($2.7 billion) revolving credit facility from Saudi banks, offering crucial short-term liquidity for ongoing projects such as Trojena, Oxagon, Sindalah, and the scaled-back version of The Line. Neom’s CEO Nadhmi Al-Nasr emphasized that the financing strategy reflects strong domestic support and ensures momentum despite international skepticism.
Crown Prince Mohammed previously outlined a budget of 1.2 trillion riyals ($320 billion) for the first phase of Neom by 2030, with significant contributions expected from the Public Investment Fund. However, the current landscape suggests a need for adaptive strategies to navigate the complexities of large-scale development initiatives in an increasingly uncertain global economy.
Balancing Vision with Reality
As Neom undergoes a period of introspection and recalibration, its trajectory serves as a microcosm of the broader challenges facing Saudi Arabia's economic transformation efforts. Balancing ambitious visions with pragmatic realities, the kingdom is charting a course towards sustainable growth and diversification, recognizing that the path forward may entail unforeseen detours and adjustments.
Global Significance and Future Outlook
Expanding on the challenges and opportunities facing Neom, it becomes evident that the project's success hinges on a myriad of factors, ranging from financial sustainability to geopolitical stability. The scaling back of ambitions for The Line underscores the delicate balance between aspirational goals and practical limitations inherent in mega-development projects.
Moreover, Neom's trajectory highlights the complexities of transitioning from a fossil fuel-dependent economy to one rooted in innovation and sustainability. As Saudi Arabia endeavors to position itself as a global leader in renewable energy, Neom emerges as a focal point for testing and implementing cutting-edge technologies.
Conclusion: A Transformative but Uncertain Journey
The evolution of Neom reflects the broader dynamics shaping Saudi Arabia's economic diversification efforts. While setbacks and challenges are inevitable, the kingdom remains committed to realizing its vision for a prosperous and sustainable future. By navigating the complexities of large-scale development projects with foresight and adaptability, Saudi Arabia aims to chart a course towards long-term economic resilience and global competitiveness.
As Neom navigates through this transformative phase, stakeholders are keenly observing its trajectory, recognizing the significance of its success not only for Saudi Arabia but also for the broader global landscape. The recalibration of Neom's ambitions presents an opportunity for reflection and strategic alignment, ensuring that the project remains anchored in its overarching goals while effectively addressing emerging challenges.
In the coming years, the evolution of Neom will continue to unfold, shaping the narrative of Saudi Arabia's economic diversification journey. With visionary leadership, strategic foresight, and a commitment to innovation, Saudi Arabia aims to position Neom as a beacon of progress and prosperity, symbolizing the kingdom's resilience and adaptability in an ever-changing world.
The journey ahead may be fraught with uncertainties, but with determination and perseverance, Neom stands poised to realize its full potential as a transformative force in the global landscape of economic development and sustainability.
Key Projects Underway in NEOM
While The Line has drawn most of the world’s attention, NEOM encompasses a wide portfolio of interconnected developments designed to transform Saudi Arabia’s northwest region. Each project targets a distinct sector, ranging from tourism and luxury living to advanced industry and renewable energy. Below are the major initiatives currently shaping NEOM’s landscape.
The Line
Planned as a 170-kilometer linear city stretching from the Red Sea coast into the mountains of northwest Saudi Arabia, The Line is envisioned as a radical experiment in urban living. Only 200 meters wide, it will be contained within two parallel mirrored walls and include homes, workplaces, schools, and green spaces. Designed to accommodate up to 9 million residents on just 34 square kilometers, it represents NEOM’s most ambitious urban prototype.
Trojena
Nicknamed “The Mountains of NEOM,” Trojena will serve as a high-altitude tourism and leisure hub. Situated 50 kilometers from the Gulf of Aqaba, the development will feature 36 kilometers of ski slopes, hiking trails, and outdoor activities. The resort will host the 2029 Asian Winter Games and is planned to include over 3,000 hotel rooms, a 330-meter skyscraper designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, and extensive retail and dining options.
Epicon
Located along the northern Red Sea coast, Epicon is designed as a luxury destination featuring two futuristic towers—225 meters and 275 meters in height—that will house hotels and residences. Supplemented by beach villas and resort amenities, Epicon will emphasize exclusivity and wellness, positioning itself as a coastal getaway for visitors seeking privacy and luxury.
Siranna
Siranna is NEOM’s eco-luxury retreat, developed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding mountains and valleys. The project prioritizes sustainable construction while preserving the natural environment. Its architectural design mirrors the rocky landscapes, offering a balance of innovation and minimal ecological impact.
Leyja
Set within a dramatic valley surrounded by 400-meter-high cliffs, Leyja introduces three architecturally distinct hotels. Designed by Chris van Duijn, Shaun Killa, and Mario Cucinella, the properties include a vertical rock hotel and a mirrored hotel embedded into the cliffs. With 95 percent of the valley preserved, Leyja emphasizes low-impact eco-tourism and experiential travel.
Aquellum
Concealed within a 450-meter-high mountain range along the Gulf of Aqaba, Aquellum is envisioned as a “hidden city” accessible through an underground canal. Featuring the world’s first floating marina, the development will combine futuristic technology with immersive design, creating a unique retreat built directly into the rock.
Sindalah
Sindalah is NEOM’s inaugural luxury island resort and is expected to be the first project completed. Located near The Line in the Red Sea, the destination will include a yacht club, marina, spa, beach club, and three luxury hotels. Designed by Luca Dini Design and Architecture, Sindalah is set to attract year-round visitors, particularly high-net-worth travelers and yachting enthusiasts.
Oxagon
Oxagon is planned as a floating port city designed by BIG (Bjarke Ingels Group). Located along the Red Sea near the Suez Canal shipping lanes, Oxagon is envisioned as a hub for advanced manufacturing, logistics, and regional trade. By combining industrial infrastructure with sustainable practices, it seeks to position Saudi Arabia as a global commercial hub spanning Africa, Asia, and Europe.
Utamo
Introduced in late 2023, Utamo is NEOM’s cultural and entertainment destination. Situated inside a mountain along the Gulf of Aqaba, the venue is designed by Ricardo Bofill Taller de Arquitectura and will host concerts, exhibitions, and digital art events. Marketed as a “theater of the future,” Utamo combines advanced technologies with immersive experiences for global audiences.
Norlana
Norlana is envisioned as a coastal yachting community along the Gulf of Aqaba, designed for 30,000 residents. It will include 711 residential units, a marina, a golf course, and leisure amenities integrated into the natural terrain. Norlana highlights NEOM’s ambition to reinvent waterfront living by merging luxury housing with maritime culture.
Works Cited
“NEOM Announces Epicon – Its Luxury Coastal Tourism …” NEOM Newsroom, 15 Nov. 2023, www.neom.com/en-us/newsroom/neom-announces-epicon.
House and Garden. “Epicon in Neom Saudi Arabia’s New Futuristic Skyscraper.” House & Garden, 22 July 2024, www.houseandgarden.co.uk/article/epicon-resort-neom-hotel.
“NEOM Announces Siranna, Its Exclusive Tourism …” NEOM Newsroom, 29 Nov. 2023, www.neom.com/en-us/newsroom/neom-announces-siranna.
ArchDaily. “NEOM Unveils Siranna, a Futuristic Tourist Destination in Saudi Arabia.” ArchDaily, 4 Dec. 2023, www.archdaily.com/1010586/neom-unveils-siranna-a-futuristic-tourist-destination-in-saudi-arabia.
“Leyja: An Oasis of Serenity on the Gulf of Aqaba.” NEOM Regions – Leyja, NEOM, n.d., www.neom.com/en-us/regions/magna/leyja.
Fakharany, Nour. “NEOM Unveils Leyja: A New Tourism Destination in Northwest Saudi Arabia.” ArchDaily, 2 Jan. 2024, www.archdaily.com/1011730/neom-unveils-leyja-the-trio-tourist-destination-in-saudi-arabia.
“NEOM Announces Leyja, Its Latest Sustainable Tourism …” NEOM Newsroom, 15 Oct. 2023, www.neom.com/en-us/newsroom/neom-leyja-announcement.
“AQUELLUM: The Futuristic Subterranean Community.” NEOM Regions – Aquellum, NEOM, n.d., www.neom.com/en-us/regions/magna/aquellum.
“NEOM Announces Aquellum.” NEOM Newsroom, 10 Jan. 2023, www.neom.com/en-us/newsroom/neom-announces-aquellum.
“Utamo: Futuristic Theatre & Diverse Creative Worlds.” NEOM Regions – Utamo, NEOM, n.d., www.neom.com/en-us/regions/magna/utamo.
“NEOM Announces Utamo, Its Immersive Destination for Art and Entertainment.” NEOM Newsroom, 13 Dec. 2023, www.neom.com/en-us/newsroom/neom-announces-utamo.
“Norlana: Luxury Living, Superyachts and …” NEOM Regions – Norlana, NEOM, n.d., www.neom.com/en-us/regions/magna/norlana.
“NEOM Announces Norlana.” NEOM Newsroom, 27 Dec. 2023, www.neom.com/en-us/newsroom/neom-announces-norlana.
“Sindalah.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, last edited 2025, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sindalah.
“Trojena.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, last edited 2025, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trojena.
“Oxagon (Neom).” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 2025, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oxagon_%28Neom%29.
“The Line, Saudi Arabia.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 2025, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_LINE%2C_Saudi_Arabia.
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