I Visited Saudi Arabia’s 170km Linear Skyscraper Project—Here Is What I Discovered

January 21, 2026

Imagine standing at the base of a building so vast it stretches 170 kilometers across the starkly beautiful Saudi Arabian desert. Welcome to The Line, an ambitious urban project aiming to redefine city living as we know it. As I stood there, battling the fierce desert winds, it struck me just how monumental this endeavor is—not just for Saudi Arabia, but for the entire world. This is not merely a building; it’s a revolution in urban planning.

Highlights

  • 🌍 Revolutionary Design: The Line is set to accommodate 9 million people without the need for cars.
  • 🏙️ Innovative Living: The vertical city concept offers everything within a five-minute walk.
  • ♻️ Sustainable Goals: Powered entirely by renewable energy, aiming for a zero-carbon footprint.
  • 🌀 Efficient Space: A 170 km long building that accomplishes urban density in merely 34 square kilometers.

Did you know that The Line will not just be a linear skyscraper but the first city to operate completely on renewable energy? 🌞

The Vision Behind The Line

The Line, a key part of the NEOM project, aims to solve urban sprawl and congestion issues faced by traditional cities like London and New York. The concept is striking: imagine a city that offers pedestrian-friendly spaces and lush parks high among its stacked floors. As I walked through the virtual models presented in the conference room, I couldn’t help but think of the potential for community engagement and sustainable living.

This linear skyscraper will allow for horizontal movement between various modules, each designed to hold around 80,000 residents. If you wanted to watch a football match in the next module, you could do so without descending down multiple stories, showcasing an innovative approach to mobility.

Engineering Marvels and Architectural Excellence

Let’s talk about scale: The Line is designed to be just 200 meters wide and 500 meters tall. This unique structure allows for less disruption to the surrounding nature while housing nearly nine million residents. Can you imagine the incredible engineering challenges? The architects and engineers have reimagined urban design to prioritize sustainability within a confined footprint.

Moreover, each section of The Line is planned to integrate facilities like universities, stadiums, and parks. By balancing urban necessities with nature, this project could serve as a template for future cities.

A Community Built on Sustainability

What truly sets The Line apart is the commitment to sustainability. The plan is to have *zero emissions*, offering an incredible glimpse into how future cities could operate. By focusing on natural surroundings, 95% of NEOM’s land will remain untouched. As someone who loves to embrace green practices in everyday life, hearing about their rewilding efforts resonated with me.

  • 🌳 Green Spaces: Parks and natural areas integrated all throughout the structure.
  • 🌞 Renewable Energy: Completely powered by solar, wind, and hydrogen energy.
  • 🔄 Circular Economy: The project emphasizes eco-friendly construction and efficient resource use.

Living in The Line: What to Expect

This is no ordinary living experience. Imagine a city where everything you need is just a short walk away. In The Line, classrooms, clinics, and entertainment venues will all be accessible within a five-minute walk. With smart technology built into its design, residents will benefit from intuitive living spaces tailored to their needs.

As I absorbed the breadth of such ideas, one thought came to mind: this could redefine not just how we live but how communities function. Traditional urban planning emphasizes the car; here, it’s the person.

Join the Conversation!

The Line is a project that has the potential to inspire a new generation of urban development. As someone who is passionate about innovative design and sustainable construction, my visit opened my eyes to possibilities we had yet to explore fully. Whether you’re a curious reader or a professional in architecture and engineering, there’s something to take away from this visionary project.

If you’re intrigued by what’s happening in Saudi Arabia, consider following the developments of The Line. This is more than a project; it’s a movement toward an urban future we can all aspire to. 🌟

As I reflect on my experience, it’s clear we are at the brink of a transformative moment in city planning. The Line represents the melding of cutting-edge technology, sustainable living, and community-centric design. What lies ahead is not just a city; it’s the future of urban life, elegantly crafted to harmonize with nature and benefit humanity.