Incredible and seemingly gravity-defying concepts often witnessed in Marvel films and TV series are on the verge of becoming a reality right here on Earth. Amidst the pressing discussions on climate change, Saudi Arabia is embarking on a groundbreaking venture to construct a zero-carbon city named NEOM, set to be the “world’s first zero-gravity vertical city” spanning 170 km. The city’s vision is to maintain “zero cars, zero pollution, and zero carbon emissions.”
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, serving as the chairman of the NEOM board of directors, unveiled the ambitious project, ‘The Line.’ Positioned as a “civilizational revolution” prioritizing humans, it aims to deliver an unparalleled urban living experience while addressing contemporary challenges in urban life and presenting a model for nature preservation.
During an event in Jeddah showcasing ‘The Line’ designs, the crown prince highlighted that this cosmopolitan center would be the residence of over nine million people. Acknowledging the livability and environmental crises faced by cities worldwide, he emphasized NEOM’s role in presenting innovative solutions, collaborating with top talents in architecture, engineering, and construction to turn the vision of building vertically into reality.
The city’s distinctive feature is its vertical stacking, with two colossal buildings, considered the world’s largest structures, reaching heights of up to 1,600 feet and spanning 75 miles or 120 km in parallel. Termed an “architectural marvel,” NEOM, upon completion, will stretch in a straight line from the NEOM mountains to the Red Sea.
The plan incorporates vertical farming integrated into the buildings, and a remarkable aspect is the promise of a 20-minute commute from one end of the city to the other. While the crown prince envisions completion by 2030, engineers caution that the project’s realization may take up to 50 years. The NEOM project stands as an ambitious and futuristic endeavor, symbolizing a commitment to innovative urban living solutions and environmental sustainability.