Saudi Arabia is undergoing a monumental transformation through its Vision 2030 plan. Leading this revolution is The Line, an innovative megaproject that aims to reshape urban living. This article explores The Line’s design, features, sustainability, and potential impact on Saudi Arabia’s future.
As the construction of The Line advances, it continues to capture global attention. However, what exactly is causing all this excitement? Let’s delve into the specifics and unveil the fervor surrounding this pioneering project. Moreover, let’s hear from engineering experts to gain their perspectives on the project.
The Line will be a key component of NEOM, a planned smart city in Tabuk Province in northwestern Saudi Arabia. NEOM is derived from two words, the first coming from the Ancient Greek prefix neo which means new, and the ‘M’ is the first letter in the word Mustaqbal which means future.
It is a $500 billion mega-city development situated north of the Red Sea, east of Egypt across the Gulf of Aqaba, and south of Jordan. The project is being largely bankrolled by the Public Investment Fund, which invests funds on behalf of the government of Saudi Arabia.
Earthworks began in October 2021 and the first residents were expected to move in during 2024. The first phase of the project was scheduled to be completed in 2030.
The Line aims to create 380,000 jobs and contribute SAR 180 billion (approx. $50 billion) Saudi Arabian riyals to the domestic GDP by 2030.
Design and Features
The Line will be 170km in length, 500m high, and 200m wide. It is also expected to house up to 9 million residents.
At the heart of The Line’s design is the concept of a hyper-connected, car-free city that seamlessly integrates technology and sustainability. The city will be constructed in a straight line, optimizing efficiency and convenience, with residents able to access all their needs within a 5-minute walk.
It will boast state-of-the-art infrastructure powered by clean energy and utilize artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance various aspects of daily life. The Line’s infrastructure will largely be situated underground, enabling the creation of unobstructed green spaces and a pollution-free environment, and it will be divided into distinct “modules” or functional zones, each serving a specific purpose such as residential, commercial, industrial, and entertainment areas.
The designs for the city’s vertically layered communities will challenge the traditional flat, horizontal cities and create a model for nature preservation and enhanced human liveability.
The Line will tackle the challenges facing humanity in urban life today and will shine a light on alternative ways to live, says HRH Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Sustainability and AI Integration
The Line places environmental sustainability at its core. Renewable energy sources, including solar and wind power, will fulfill the city’s energy demands. Advanced waste management systems, water recycling, and green building practices will further contribute to a sustainable ecosystem.
In a recent study by EIT Civil Engineering lecturer, Dr. Ana Evangelista and her DEng student Mistresealisie Abate, they mentioned that “The Line Project seeks to tackle the challenges associated with unsustainable infrastructure by reimagining project conception and execution. By prioritizing sustainability, we can create an infrastructure that minimizes ecological disruption while maximizing social benefits.”
In addition, AI technology will play a pivotal role in optimizing energy usage, traffic flow, and public services, ensuring a seamless and efficient living experience for residents.
“The potential of AI in a project like The Line is enormous. Since this is an urban design project starting from scratch, AI can be built-in instead of being added as an extra layer like in a traditional city. In existing urban designs, there are many constraints that restrict the creativity of engineers applying AI. In a project like The Line there are no such restrictions”, says EIT Industrial Automation lecturer, Dr. Hadi Harb.
The application of computing systems includes the use of several technologies, including the Internet of Things, and network robots. Among the developments emerging at present, for example, smart dust, and wearable computers. The main advantages of a smart city are the ability to improve the urban environment using advanced digital technologies.
However, EIT Electrical Engineering lecturer, Dr. Yuanyuan Fan says, “Smart cities are not just about cutting-edge technology; a smart city project like The Line should be about empowering communities and embracing the potential of a connected world. Additionally, it is essential to establish technology training programs associated with The Line to better attract citizens as well as to showcase the power of this new smart city.”
Benefits and Economic Impact
The Line aims to attract both residents and businesses, positioning itself as a hub for innovation, research, and development. The project is expected to create numerous job opportunities, particularly in the technology, research, engineering and sustainability sectors.
The Line’s futuristic design and emphasis on sustainability will establish Saudi Arabia as a global leader in urban planning and sustainable development, attracting significant international investments and fostering economic growth.
Environmental Impact
At the core of The Line Projects approach lies the use of eco-friendly materials in construction. By opting for sustainable materials like recycled or low-carbon alternatives we can significantly reduce our environmental impact. Additionally, adopting innovative construction techniques such as modular construction or prefabrication can contribute to minimizing waste and energy consumption throughout the construction process, says Dr. Evangelista and Abate.
Moreover, there will be no use of cars but rather promotes sustainable mobility options by advocating for and implementing efficient public transportation systems. It also encourages active transportation, such as walking or cycling.
Healthcare
A conceptual hybrid model for a hospital in the future city of NEOM was proposed. It’s a hybrid model comprising Cofire biogas generators, diesel generators, a solar PV array, and battery storage. An analysis of the pregnancy requirements of an independent hospital was carried out using a simulation. The energy storage method is based on the technology used by Tesla batteries.
It was determined that using renewable energy in conjunction with conventional energy would result in the lowest possible carbon emissions of approximately 84 percent of less diesel consumption.
Challenges and Considerations
While The Line presents immense potential, it also faces significant challenges.
Building an entire city from scratch requires substantial investment, skilled labor, and meticulous planning to ensure long-term success. The integration of AI and technology on such a massive scale also raises concerns regarding data privacy and cybersecurity that need to be carefully addressed.
Moreover, the successful realization of The Line depends on the coordination and collaboration of various stakeholders, both within and outside Saudi Arabia.
The Line represents a bold endeavour to revolutionize urban living, combining technological advancements, sustainability, and a futuristic design.
A Look into the Future
NEOM launched its first international exhibition in Venice while presenting the key design principles underlying The Line.
Called “Zero Gravity Urbanism – Principles for a New Liveability” the exhibition plays host to more than 20 of the world’s leading architects and innovative designers.
The exhibition runs until September 24, 2023.
If successfully implemented, the Line has the potential to redefine urban living, inspire similar projects worldwide, and establish Saudi Arabia as a global leader in sustainable cities.
As we eagerly await the unveiling of this extraordinary project, the Line signifies the dawn of a new era in urban planning and development.
“Overall, The Line has the potential to be a major initiative with wide-ranging implications for technological advances, social transformation, and sustainable urban development. Continued scrutiny and evaluation will help determine its true impact and its contribution to the broader goals of sustainable development”, says EIT Mechanical Engineering lecturer, Dr. Arti Siddhpura.
