Saudi Arabia has established a reputation for its remarkable achievements in architecture and engineering, and The Line, its latest megacity project, is poised to continue this trend. The ambitious project aims to create a sustainable, car-free city with advanced mobility solutions and cutting-edge infrastructure. Yet, as the project remains shrouded in mystery, one question remains at the forefront of people’s minds: How tall will The Line’s buildings be?
The Line’s Vision
The Line was announced in January 2021 by Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as part of the country’s ambitious “Vision 2030” plan. This vision aims to diversify the economy and reduce the country’s dependence on oil. The megacity project is reported to be a 170 km-long city that will stretch across the country’s northwestern region. The city is designed to be completely sustainable and powered by renewable energy, with no cars, roads, or carbon emissions.
Several interconnected neighborhoods will make up The Line, each with its essential amenities to cater to the residents’ needs. These communities will be connected by ultra-high-speed transit and autonomous mobility solutions, such as self-driving cars and trains, making it easy for residents to move around the city.
The Line’s Buildings
The Line’s buildings are set to be one of the project’s key features, with the project’s official website stating that they will be “unseen in today’s world.” Although the specific height of these buildings has not been disclosed, it is anticipated that they rank among the tallest structures globally
The Line is conceptualized as a vertical city consisting of two parallel skyscrapers, each spanning approximately 106 miles and 1,604 feet in height, with a width of 656 feet. In summary, this project is described as a one-building vertical city outfitted with exterior mirrors and big enough to house 9 million people.
The Line’s buildings are anticipated to be powered entirely by renewable energy sources, incorporating state-of-the-art, environmentally conscious technologies. The project’s website highlights the utilization of advanced, sustainable solutions to support the overall objective of establishing a sustainable and eco-friendly city.
Future Developments
While many details are yet to be disclosed about The Line project, it is evident from the proposal that it intends to revolutionize urban design and architecture by exploring new frontiers. By prioritizing sustainability and cutting-edge technology, particularly as climate change rapidly advances, The Line has the potential to serve as a blueprint for future cities in the Middle East and other parts of the world. Its concept also helps to set new standards for innovative urban planning.
The Line is expected to draw interest from both domestic and international investors. Whether this expectation would come to fruition is left to be seen. Experts also expect the project to generate employment opportunities across various industries. Completing such stunning architecture and sustainable infrastructure is also bound to impact the country’s tourism industry positively.
Ultimately, The Line’s marketing emphasizes environmental sustainability, technology, luxury, innovation, and a strategic location. These elements suggest that Saudi Arabia aims to create an urban development that will propel its economy from oil to a post-carbon future. Achieving this is possible but will demand significant determination, financial resources, and capabilities.
