Throughout history, governments and private entities have embarked on ambitious city-building projects, from Brasilia to Islamabad. Today, a new wave of visionary urban planning is emerging, driven by two converging trends.
The first trend is the neoliberal “special economic zone” policies that gained momentum in the 1980s, becoming a global economic mainstay. The second is the rise of the “smart city,” where extensive data collection and analysis promise solutions to urban challenges.
Incorporating the latest in Artificial Intelligence (AI), the modern vision for cities is a data-driven, free-market haven.
Vision 2030: Transforming Saudi Arabia’s Economy
Saudi Arabia, under the leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, is keenly aware of the shifting tides as the fossil fuel era wanes. To secure its economic future, the Kingdom is proactively investing in alternative revenue streams, preparing for a post-carbon world.
This strategic shift includes enhancing Saudi Arabia’s “soft power” by engaging in global sports, from golf to tennis. However, a significant focus is on urban development.
With Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia is channeling its oil revenues into a series of high-profile urban projects, aiming to create dynamic environments that attract international entrepreneurs, manufacturers, and tourists.
NEOM: A Bold New Frontier
NEOM stands out as the crown jewel of Saudi Arabia’s investment initiatives. The name itself combines ‘neo,’ meaning new, with a nod to Prince Mohammed Bin Salman’s name. The project’s grand vision is nothing short of remarkable.
NEOM promises to integrate a free port, a logistics hub, a coastal tourist town, and even a mountain sports retreat. The centerpiece, The Line, was initially conceived as a 170 km linear city, envisioned to slice through the desert landscape with futuristic allure.
Promising a blend of freedom and multiculturalism, NEOM aims to be a beacon of innovation, supported by advanced AI and comprehensive surveillance.
Lessons and Future Prospects
Despite its ambitious beginnings, The Line has been scaled back to a more manageable 2.4 km city. Questions linger about the project’s feasibility and sustainability, especially given the challenging geopolitical and environmental conditions in the region.
While the project’s full scope remains uncertain, developments like the Red Sea resort town of Sindalah and the Port of NEOM are likely to proceed.
NEOM reflects the complex interplay of visionary aspirations and practical challenges. As the world grapples with climate change and inequality, there is an urgent need for investments that prioritize sustainable and equitable urban development.
Saudi Arabia’s journey towards a diversified economy offers both inspiration and lessons, underscoring the importance of aligning grand visions with responsible and sustainable practices.
