Saudi Arabia's 170-kilometer "mirror city" will now be built based on demand
Saudi Arabia's The Line — a "glass city" project planned to stretch 170 kilometers — is now being presented as a long-term construction to be implemented in phases depending on demand. The project remains in NEOM's official plans, but no new single deadline for the completion of the entire city has been announced.
Saudi Arabia's 170-kilometer "mirrored city" will now be built according to demand
The Line project, envisioned to be constructed in the form of a long skyscraper, is still available on NEOM's official website. The current description emphasizes its long-term importance, phased development, and adaptation to economic demand.
The city concept envisages locating residential areas, workplaces, services, and cultural spaces close to each other. The use of renewable energy and the preservation of surrounding desert, mountain, and coastal ecosystems also remain among the key principles.
There is no information on the official page about the complete cancellation of the city project. However, a new general schedule indicating when all construction work will be completed has not been provided either.
In the initial concept, The Line was described as a city 170 kilometers long, 500 meters high, and 200 meters wide. The early renders showed two massive structures positioned parallel to each other with mirror-like outer surfaces.
In July 2025, reports emerged that the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia engaged consultants to assess the feasibility of implementing the project.
At that time, reconsidering the scale of the first phase and the number of residents intended to live in it was discussed. This was not a plan to deliver the entire 170-kilometer city ready all at once.
One of the most prominent parts of the initial idea was the football stadium planned to be built inside The Line.
In early October, Reuters reported, citing two sources familiar with the matter, that the construction of this arena had been postponed indefinitely. Saudi officials have not publicly confirmed when work on this facility might resume.
This news pertains to a specific stadium. It does not signify an official decision to abandon the development of the entire NEOM territory.
At the same time, on Saudi Arabia's bid website for the 2034 FIFA World Cup, the stadium is still presented in its original form.
It envisions more than 46,000 spectator seats and a football pitch located more than 350 meters above the ground. After the tournament, the arena is planned to be handed over to a professional football club.