NEOM Appoints Global Partners for The Line's First Phase

Saudi Arabia is embarking on an ambitious journey with its $500-billion megacity project known as NEOM. This futuristic city aims to redefine urban living and is set to feature a unique linear design called The Line, which will stretch an impressive 170 kilometers. Recently, NEOM announced the appointment of three global partners—Delugan Meissl Associated Architects (DMAA), Gensler, and Mott MacDonald—to help bring the first phase of The Line to life.

In a recent press statement, NEOM revealed that DMAA will serve as the urban designer, taking the lead on both the concept and detailed blueprint of The Line. This Austrian architecture firm is not working alone; it will collaborate with experts in various fields, including microclimate, ecology, mobility, logistics, and sustainability. This collaboration is essential as Saudi Arabia seeks to reduce its reliance on crude oil revenues and diversify its economy, particularly by bolstering sectors like tourism.

The National Tourism Strategy of Saudi Arabia aims to attract a staggering 150 million visitors by the year 2030. This ambitious goal is part of a broader effort to increase the tourism sector's contribution to the nation's gross domestic product from 6 percent to 10 percent. Upon completion, The Line is expected to accommodate around 9 million visitors, all while running on 100 percent renewable energy. Remarkably, 95 percent of the land in this innovative city will be preserved for nature, showcasing a commitment to environmental sustainability.

Denis Hickey, the chief development officer at The Line, emphasized the importance of collaboration in this project. He stated, "As development and construction of The Line progresses, we have established a unique partnership that brings world-leading city design and engineering expertise to deliver phase one." Hickey further noted that this partnership will showcase how innovation can transform the way cities are designed and built, aligning with NEOM's vision and global ambitions.

Gensler, another key player in this project, has been appointed as the city planning consultant for phase one. The firm will oversee design coordination and planning, ensuring that crucial areas such as planning policies, land use, and design compliance are effectively managed. Additionally, Gensler will serve as the city asset design architect for critical infrastructure, including transport hubs and public spaces.

Mott MacDonald has also joined the team as the city infrastructure engineer. This company will manage and control both vertical and horizontal structures, as well as city utility systems for the first phase. Their focus will be on ensuring that the design is efficient and sustainable, creating a city that is not only functional but also operable.

In a related development, NEOM recently announced the opening of Sindalah, a luxury island destination within the project. By 2028, Sindalah is expected to welcome up to 2,400 visitors per day and create approximately 3,500 jobs, further enhancing the Kingdom's hospitality and tourism sectors.

As Saudi Arabia continues to invest in mega-projects like NEOM, it is clear that the Kingdom is committed to a future that embraces innovation and sustainability. The successful execution of The Line could serve as a model for urban development worldwide, demonstrating how cities can be designed with both people and nature in mind. This project not only represents a significant step in Saudi Arabia's economic diversification but also sets a precedent for how future cities might look and function.