The Line: Hidden Harbor to be First Construction Phase

The ambitious project known as The Line, set to reshape the landscape of Saudi Arabia's desert, has officially announced its inaugural construction phase, which will feature a harbor. This first segment is scheduled for completion by 2030.

The harbor, referred to as the Hidden Marina, will span 2.5 kilometers and will consist of three interconnected modules, each measuring 800 meters. Denis Hickey, the development chief of the Neom settlement project, revealed these details at a recent event hosted by the Public Investment Fund in Riyadh, according to reports from the Saudi Gazette.

The entire construction area will be 200 meters wide and 500 meters tall, serving as a section of the broader 170-kilometer-long city that The Line aims to establish in Saudi Arabia's northwestern region. The Hidden Marina will accommodate not only luxury yachts but also cruise ships, and it will be situated within the mirrored walls of the city, hence its name.

In addition to the harbor, the development will encompass residential spaces, hotels, commercial areas, schools, and emergency services, all within a 21-square-kilometer zone. It is anticipated that this section will house around 200,000 residents.

Central to the design philosophy of The Line is the principle of accessibility. Residents will be able to reach essential services within a five-minute walk, while a high-speed transportation system, located underground and known as the Spine Layer, will facilitate travel across the entire length of the city in just 20 minutes.

The Line aims to operate autonomously, relying on renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power. The city will also feature passive cooling systems, with open rooftops designed to allow air circulation and green spaces integrated into the architecture.

This initiative is part of the larger Neom project, which includes other ventures like the luxury island of Sindalah, launched last year. Neom is a key component of Saudi Vision 2030, aimed at diversifying the economy and reducing dependency on oil.

Despite its ambitious goals, The Line faces significant criticism. Reports indicate that local residents have been forcibly relocated, and there have been allegations of violent suppression of dissent, leading to arrests and, in some instances, fatalities. Environmental concerns have also been raised, particularly regarding the potential impact of the mirrored walls on migratory bird patterns, as the site is located along a critical avian travel route.

Currently, foundational work for The Line has commenced, with the Hidden Marina slated for completion in 2030. Additionally, a stadium is planned for this section, anticipated to host matches for the men's FIFA World Cup, which will be held in Saudi Arabia in 2034.