Source Credit: Saudi Gazette
RIYADH: NEOM’s Chief Development Officer, Denis Hickey, has unveiled new insights into The LINE, a revolutionary high-density, car-free city designed for maximum livability, efficiency, and sustainability.
During a session at Davos, NEOM released a video showcasing Hickey’s in-depth presentation, offering a more immersive look at daily life inside The LINE. He emphasized that this project redefines urban living by eliminating traditional streets and instead creating a three-dimensional vertical city.
Hickey detailed how The LINE will operate as a fully integrated metropolis, where residents can access all essential services schools, restaurants, hospitals, and workspaces within a five-minute walk.
“This isn’t just about compact urban design,” Hickey stated. “It’s about prioritizing human well-being over congestion.”
The city’s 500-meter height remains consistent across its entire length, forming a canyon-like structure where movement happens both vertically and horizontally.
The transportation system replaces traditional roads with a six-tier mobility network, including: A high-speed rail (HSR) that will enable travel across The LINE in just 20 minutes, also connecting to NEOM International Airport, General mass transit (GMT) stations located every 1.5 to 2 kilometers, ensuring accessibility within walking distance and Next-generation vertical transport nodes, allowing seamless movement between levels without relying on traditional elevators.
“Urban sprawl is outdated,” Hickey explained. “Instead of expanding cities with more roads, The LINE eliminates the need for cars altogether, making commutes faster and more efficient.”
One of the most groundbreaking revelations was a futuristic stadium, suspended 350 meters above ground, designed to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup and other major events.
“The playing field will be at the height of the Empire State Building,” Hickey said. “Spectators will experience games in a completely new way suspended in the sky with breathtaking city views.”
Beyond sports, The LINE will feature world-class entertainment venues, museums, concert halls, and immersive public spaces, ensuring it’s not just a place to live but a global destination.
Hickey addressed concerns about affordability, stressing that The LINE will not be an exclusive enclave for the wealthy. The city will offer diverse housing options, including affordable accommodations for essential workers.
“This is not Billionaires’ Row,” he assured. “Every resident will have equal access to green spaces, infrastructure, and cultural landmarks.”
Additionally, The LINE’s first phase, Hidden Marina, will house over 200,000 people with integrated schools, places of worship, emergency services, and commercial hubs.
Hickey dispelled misconceptions about The LINE’s energy consumption, explaining that the glass facade is designed to reflect sunlight rather than trap heat. Natural airflow will regulate the city’s climate, reducing the need for air conditioning.
Artificial intelligence will optimize transportation, security, and energy efficiency, making The LINE a self-sustaining smart city rather than a futuristic concept.
“This isn’t science fiction,” Hickey concluded. “Construction is well underway, the cranes are up, and The LINE is becoming a reality.”
