The ambitious project of constructing a 170-kilometer-long megacity known as “the Line” in the Saudi desert has been closely monitored through satellite images. While Mohammed bin Salman’s “Vision 2030” promises a futuristic and sustainable city, challenges such as shifting costs, delays, and reports of migrant worker deaths have raised doubts about the project’s feasibility.
The luxury island and ski resort within the megacity add to the grand vision of the development, but concerns about human rights violations and cleared villages have raised ethical questions. Sustainability pledges have been made, including efforts to minimize the environmental impact of construction, keep the city cool, and address water scarcity through desalination.
The debate between circular and linear cities, as well as the historical context of linear cities, sheds light on the unique design and planning of “the Line.” Efforts to reconcile the grand vision with the practical challenges of construction and societal impact continue to shape the future of this massive undertaking. As satellite images reveal the progress of construction, experts and observers continue to analyze whether “the Line” will indeed become a reality or remain a dream in the Saudi desert.
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Video “Satellite Images Reveal The Reality Of Saudi Arabia's $2 Trillion Megacity In The Desert” was uploaded on 02/19/2025 to Youtube Channel Business Insider