#SaudiArabia has scaled back construction of its #megacity #TheLine. #NEOM #Trojena

Key Concepts

• The Line: A proposed 170km long, 500m high linear city in Saudi Arabia, part of the NEOM project.
• NEOM: A planned city in Saudi Arabia envisioned as a futuristic, technologically advanced urban center.
• Trojena: A planned mountain resort within NEOM, intended to host the 2029 Asian Winter Games.
• Hidden Marina: A coastal section of The Line now prioritized in development.
• Satellite Imagery Analysis: Utilizing satellite images to assess the progress of construction projects.

The Line: Scaling Back and Reprioritization

Recent satellite imagery, dated January 2026, reveals limited construction progress on “The Line” mega-project in Saudi Arabia compared to images taken in July 2025. The original master plan detailed a 170-kilometer-long structure comprised of parallel skyscrapers reaching 500 meters in height, with a projected completion date for the first phase by 2030. However, Saudi authorities have indicated a significant scaling back of the project.

Specifically, the focus has shifted to a smaller coastal section known as the “Hidden Marina.” This change in strategy was communicated to the Financial Times (FT), suggesting a potential pivot for The Line. An anonymous source cited by the FT suggests the revised project may concentrate on becoming a data center hub. This represents a substantial departure from the initial vision of a fully-fledged linear city.

World Cup Stadium and Ongoing Delays

Despite the scaling back of the overall project, the area remains slated to host a stadium for the 2034 World Cup. The stadium’s design incorporates placement on top of the skyscraper structure, but, as evidenced by the satellite imagery, construction hasn’t commenced on the foundational skyscraper itself. This raises concerns about the feasibility of completing the stadium in time for the event.

Trojena: Postponement of the 2029 Asian Winter Games

Further north, in the mountainous region of NEOM, the futuristic resort “Trojena” faces significant delays. Originally intended to host the 2029 Asian Winter Games – just three years away – progress is demonstrably behind schedule. While some buildings are beginning to take shape, the current state of development falls far short of the required infrastructure for hosting the games.

The Saudi Olympic Committee has officially confirmed the postponement of the Trojena Games, necessitating the relocation of the 2029 event to an alternative host city. This postponement underscores the challenges in realizing the ambitious timelines associated with the NEOM project.

Evidence and Sources

The analysis relies heavily on comparative satellite imagery, highlighting the lack of substantial progress. Information regarding the scaling back of The Line and the potential shift towards a data center hub originates from reporting by the Financial Times, citing an anonymous source. Confirmation of the Trojena Games postponement comes directly from the Saudi Olympic Committee.

Logical Connections

The report establishes a clear connection between the delays in construction for both The Line and Trojena, indicating systemic challenges within the NEOM project. The scaling back of The Line suggests a reassessment of feasibility and a prioritization of more achievable goals, while the postponement of the Asian Winter Games highlights the difficulties in meeting ambitious deadlines. The potential repurposing of The Line as a data center hub represents a pragmatic adaptation to the current circumstances.

Conclusion

The latest evidence suggests significant setbacks for Saudi Arabia’s NEOM project, particularly concerning The Line and Trojena. The scaling back of The Line, coupled with the postponement of the 2029 Asian Winter Games, demonstrates the considerable hurdles in realizing the initial vision of a futuristic mega-city. The project is undergoing a recalibration, potentially shifting focus towards more practical applications like data centers, while simultaneously facing challenges in delivering on promised infrastructure for major international events.