Saudi Arabia Scales Back Goals for Futuristic Desert Megacity The Line

Saudi Arabia has scaled back its 2030 goals for the Neom desert development project, with officials now expecting fewer than 300,000 residents in The Line by that time, much less than the previously hoped for 1.5 million.

Only 2.4 km of The Line is now expected to be completed by 2030, down from an original 170 km stretch planned along the coast. At least one contractor has started dismissing workers as a result.

The pullback highlights financial realities and concerns over fulfilling Saudi Arabia's ambitious Vision 2030 program. Some projects will be delayed past 2030.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman originally envisioned The Line as a futuristic linear city over 170 km long and enclosed by skyscrapers taller than the Empire State Building.

The $1.5 trillion Neom project, centered on The Line concept city, is meant to diversify Saudi Arabia's economy and serve as a testbed for new technologies. Other parts like the Sindalah luxury island are still underway.