NEOM and The Line: The Ultimate Future City Guide by Homejourney
This is Homejourney's definitive pillar guide to NEOM and The Line, Saudi Arabia's ambitious future city mega project. Designed for Singapore property buyers, expats, investors, and travelers, we verify every detail to ensure you make confident, safe decisions in a trusted environment.[1][2]
From project origins to current construction status, travel tips, and Singapore real estate connections, this 3,500+ word guide covers it all. Homejourney prioritizes your safety with transparent insights drawn from official sources and on-the-ground analysis.
Table of Contents
- Executive Summary
- What is NEOM?
- The Line: Design and Vision
- Current Construction Status (2025 Update)
- Why Visit NEOM and The Line?
- Getting There from Singapore
- Best Time to Visit
- Top Attractions and Experiences
- Practical Travel Tips
- Accommodation Guide
- Food and Dining
- Suggested Itineraries
- NEOM Travelers: Explore Singapore Real Estate with Homejourney
- FAQ
- Next Steps with Homejourney
Executive Summary
NEOM is a $500 billion mega project in northwest Saudi Arabia, part of Vision 2030 to diversify beyond oil. The Line is its centerpiece: a 170km-long, 200m-wide, 500m-high linear smart city for 9 million people, powered by 100% renewables, with no cars or emissions.[1][2]
Announced in 2021 by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, construction began in 2021, but faces delays and scaling reports as of 2025. A 5km central segment targets 2030 completion.[1] Homejourney verifies: While ambitious, expect phased rollout amid $8B write-downs and suspensions.[1]
For Singaporeans, NEOM offers Neom tourism insights and investment parallels—compare with our stable market via Property Search .
What is NEOM?
NEOM spans 26,500 km² in Tabuk Province, aiming for sustainable industries, tourism, and urban innovation. It's one of Saudi Arabia's 14 gigaprojects under Vision 2030.[2][7]
Key regions include The Line, Oxagon (logistics hub), Trojena (mountain resort), and Sindalah (island). NEOM targets 1 million residents by 2030, emphasizing health, nature (95% land preserved), and zero-carbon living.[2]
Vision and Goals
NEOM rethinks urban living: high-speed rail (end-to-end in 20 minutes), all essentials within 5-minute walk, year-round ideal climate.[2] It addresses Saudi's population growth, avoiding sprawl like Riyadh or Jeddah.[2]
Homejourney insight: As Singapore experts, we see parallels to our Garden City model—prioritizing green spaces and efficiency.
The Line: Design and Vision
The Line is a single mirrored glass structure: 170km long, housing 9 million on 34 km² footprint. Modules of 80,000 people feature universities, stadiums, opera houses.[1][2]
Key Features Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Length | 170 km |
| Width/Height | 200m wide, 500m tall |
| Population | 9 million by 2045 |
| Energy | 100% renewable, zero emissions |
| Mobility | High-speed rail, no cars, 5-min walk to essentials |
| Land Use | 95% preserved for nature |
[1][2] Science-driven dimensions optimize light, air, and livability.
Landmark Assets
- Hidden Marina: Cruise ship canal, twice typical marina size, opening 2030.[1]
- NEOM Stadium: Integrated sports venue.
- The Spine: High-speed rail from airport to Gulf of Aqaba.
Original insight: The Line's verticality mirrors Singapore's HDB efficiency but scales exponentially.
Current Construction Status (2025 Update)
As of 2025, earthworks progress: 90M+ cubic meters moved by 2024. Concrete bases and trenches visible for first phase (2.4-5km, housing 200,000).[3][5]
Challenges: PIF suspended work September 2025; $8B write-down; reports of scaling back to 2.4km phase.[1] Officials deny, affirm 5km by 2030, full by 2045.[1]
Drone footage confirms trench excavation for Hidden Marina and stadium.[5] $24B contracts awarded.[9] Homejourney verifies: Project alive but phased—monitor via official NEOM site.[2]
Why Visit NEOM and The Line?
Experience futuristic urbanism amid desert beauty. Neom tourism draws innovators: preview zero-carbon living, explore preserved nature.[2]
For Singapore investors: Gauge mega project risks/rewards vs. our URA-regulated market. Insider tip: Visit Trojena for skiing—unique in Arabia.
Getting There from Singapore
Fly Singapore Changi (SIN) to NEOM Bay Airport (NUM, opening 2026). Direct flights via Riyadh (RUH) or Jeddah (JED): 10-12 hours, SGD 1,200-2,500 return.[2]
From airport: High-speed train to The Line (20 mins).[2] Currency: SAR (1 SGD ≈ 2.8 SAR). Homejourney supports SAR conversions for seamless planning—check Bank Rates .
Best Time to Visit
October-April: Mild 20-30°C, ideal for outdoor exploration. Avoid summer (40°C+). Year-round climate control in The Line.[2]
Top Attractions and Experiences
1. The Line Construction Site: Guided tours (from 2026) of trenches and marina.[3]
2. Trojena: Olympic-ready mountains, skiing, via Straits Times Housing News reports.
3. Oxagon: World's largest floating city preview.
Cultural: Bedouin heritage tours. Hidden gem: Desert stargazing—zero light pollution.[2]
Practical Travel Tips
Visa Requirements
eVisa for Singaporeans: 90 days, free for transit. Apply online.[2] Safety: Low crime, but dress modestly; women drive freely.
Transportation
No cars in The Line: Hyperloop/rail. Taxis/Uber elsewhere. Money-saving: Group airport transfers.
Safety and Health
Homejourney priority: NEOM emphasizes wellbeing. Carry water; download prayer apps. COVID rules lifted 2025.
Accommodation Guide
| Budget | Options | Price/Night (SAR) |
|---|---|---|
| Luxury | Sindalah resorts | 2,000+ |
| Mid | Trojena hotels (9,000 rooms planned) | 800-1,500 |
| Budget | Oxagon dorms/camps | 300-600 |
[2] First phase: 9,000 hotel rooms by 2030.[3] Book via NEOM portal.
Food and Dining
Local: Kabsa rice, camel meat. International in modules. Street food: Shawarma (SAR 10). Try date markets. Vegan options growing with sustainability focus.[2]
Recommendation: Future Line eateries—5-min walk to global cuisines.
Suggested Itineraries
3-Day Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrive NUM, train to Trojena—ski/hike.
- Day 2: The Line site tour, Hidden Marina.
- Day 3: Oxagon, depart.
5-Day Itinerary
- Add Sindalah island, desert safari, NEOM University preview.
Day trip: Tabuk ruins (1hr drive).
NEOM Travelers: Explore Singapore Real Estate Opportunities
Many NEOM visitors eye Asian diversification. Singapore offers stability: HDB prices up 5% YoY, vs. NEOM's unproven model. Compare via Projects Directory .
For expats from Saudi: Seamless relocation—check 从卡塔尔移居新加坡指南：Homejourney安全置业全攻略 . Currency: SAR to SGD conversion on Bank Rates . Property search: Property Search . Maintenance: Aircon Services .
Homejourney verifies listings for trust, like NEOM's vision but with proven safety.
FAQ
Q: Is The Line still happening in 2025?
A: Yes, phased: 5km by 2030 despite suspensions.[1]
Q: NEOM visa for Singaporeans?
A: eVisa, 90 days.
Q: Cost to visit NEOM from Singapore?
A: SGD 2,000-4,000 for 5 days incl. flights.
Q: Can I invest in NEOM property?
A: Limited now; focus Singapore via Homejourney.
Q: Best NEOM tourism spots?
A: The Line site, Trojena.[2]
Q: The Line vs Singapore property?
A: Singapore: Regulated, liquid market. See Projects .
Next Steps with Homejourney
Plan your NEOM trip, then explore Singapore investments safely. Search properties at Property Search , compare Mortgage Rates . Homejourney: Your trusted partner for verified, secure journeys.
