NEOM and The Line Future City with Kids: Quick Overview
NEOM and The Line in north-west Saudi Arabia are part of a vast "future city" mega project under Saudi Vision 2030, designed as a smart, car-free region powered by renewable energy and cutting-edge technology.[1][2] For families, it is best seen as a futuristic desert destination in development with selected tourism zones (like Trojena and coastal areas) opening in phases rather than a fully completed city you can explore end-to-end yet.[1][2][7]
This cluster article sits under Homejourney’s broader pillar guide on global future cities and international lifestyle destinations NEOM & The Line Future City Guide: Homejourney Ultimate Guide . Here, we focus very specifically on NEOM and The Line Future City with Kids: Family Travel Guide—what’s realistic to expect now, how to plan safely from Singapore, and how this ties into long-term relocation or property investment plans in Asia, especially Singapore.
Why Visit NEOM and The Line Future City with Kids?
NEOM is a planned region of around 26,500 km² in Tabuk Province, designed as a hub for sustainable cities, tourism and innovation, with The Line as its headline urban concept: a 170 km-long, 500 m-high, 200 m-wide linear city with no roads or cars.[1][2][7] As of 2025, The Line remains under construction with earthworks and early structural works ongoing, and only limited zones are expected to welcome tourists before 2030.[1][3][7]
For families, the appeal is less about typical city sightseeing and more about experiencing a “city of the future” being built in real time, plus desert landscapes, Red Sea coastal areas, and curated family-friendly activities in NEOM’s tourism regions. Think of it as combining the sense of wonder kids feel in Gardens by the Bay’s Supertree Grove with the scale of a mega-project many times larger than Singapore, but still in its early chapters.
Best Time to Visit NEOM with Children
For families used to Singapore’s humidity, the main adjustment is desert heat and dryness. The most comfortable months for exploring outdoor sites in north-west Saudi Arabia are typically November to March, when daytime temperatures are milder compared to the peak summer months where daytime heat can be extreme.
If you have younger kids (below 8), plan outdoor-heavy days in the early morning and late afternoon, similar to how Singapore families avoid midday sun at East Coast Park or Sentosa beach. Always confirm local seasonal forecasts close to your travel dates, as NEOM sits in a developing region with evolving infrastructure.
Getting to NEOM and The Line from Singapore
From Singapore, there are currently no non-stop commercial passenger flights to the NEOM region yet. The most practical route for families is usually:
- Fly from Singapore (Changi Airport) to a major Saudi hub such as Riyadh or Jeddah (often via Doha, Dubai or Abu Dhabi).
- Connect to domestic or charter flights closer to the NEOM area (as NEOM’s own airport ramps up for more commercial traffic).
Door-to-door, you should budget at least 14–18 hours of total travel time with transit, similar to or slightly longer than a Singapore–London journey with kids. To keep the trip manageable, many Singapore families choose a stopover in Dubai or Doha for one night to let children rest.
Currency, Payments and Budgeting from Singapore
Saudi Arabia uses the Saudi Riyal (SAR). Most mid-range and higher-end hotels and official operators accept international credit cards, but you should still carry some cash for small purchases and tips. From a Singapore planning perspective, many parents track expenses in SGD and convert to SAR when booking.
Homejourney supports currency views for key international markets, including Saudi riyal-linked transactions, so if you are comparing travel versus potential property investment budgets, you can view approximate equivalents conveniently on our platform Bank Rates . This is especially helpful if you are also looking at Singapore property in parallel and want to keep your larger financial plan in one currency view.
What to Expect: NEOM & The Line Attractions for Families
Because The Line is still largely under construction, your family trip will likely focus on NEOM’s tourism regions as they open in phases (for example, mountain resort areas like Trojena and Red Sea coastal zones).[2][7][9] These will be master-planned environments, somewhat like how Sentosa Island, Marina Bay and Jewel Changi were intentionally developed as integrated leisure districts in Singapore.
1. Future City Experiences
- Visitor centres and exhibitions: Expect curated galleries and interactive displays explaining The Line’s car-free, high-speed rail concept and vertical city design. Kids who love science museums (like Singapore’s Science Centre) will likely find this fascinating.
- Technology demos: NEOM is marketed as a testbed for renewable energy, AI, and robotics.[2][7] As tourism ramps up, family-friendly demonstrations (e.g., smart mobility pods, interactive AR city models) are expected to feature prominently.
2. Nature and Adventure
- Desert landscapes for safe, guided dune experiences and stargazing.
- Coastal and marine activities in Red Sea zones, with controlled, sustainability-focused operations.
- Mountain and cooler-climate zones (like Trojena) that are being promoted for outdoor sports and resort stays.[7][9]
Families from Singapore often compare this to a blend of Dubai’s desert plus Sentosa’s curated tourism layer, but with a stronger sustainability and “future city” narrative.
Practical Travel Tips for Families (Safety First)
1. Visa Requirements from Singapore
Singaporeans visiting Saudi Arabia typically require a visa; many travellers now use the Saudi e-visa system for tourism visits, but eligibility and conditions can change. Always check the latest information from official Saudi government sources and the Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) before booking.
If you are a foreigner living in Singapore, your visa requirements may differ. Homejourney recommends confirming entry rules with your embassy or consulate and not relying solely on third-party blogs or hearsay.
2. On-the-Ground Transport
Within NEOM, the long-term vision is for high-speed rail and autonomous transit along The Line with no private cars.[1][2] In early phases, however, families will rely mainly on organized transfers and shuttle services provided by hotels or official tour operators, particularly for access-controlled work sites and tourism districts.
Unlike Singapore where MRT and buses are dense and predictable, you should plan and pre-book all major transfers, especially with young children. Think of it as visiting a developing resort area rather than a mature city like Singapore.
3. Safety Considerations for Kids
- Construction Areas: The Line is an active construction mega project, with heavy works, machinery, and restricted areas.[1][3] Stay strictly within approved visitor zones and follow official guidance—this is not a place to “wander around” construction edges.
- Heat & Hydration: Carry reusable water bottles (similar to long days at Singapore Zoo or Pulau Ubin) and plan for sun protection—hats, sunscreen, and light layers.
- Cultural Norms: Saudi Arabia has specific dress and behaviour expectations. Modest dressing is recommended for adults and older children, and families should respect local customs, similar to how visitors in Singapore are expected to observe local laws (e.g., no smoking in certain public spaces).
Homejourney’s brand focus on safety and verified information means we strongly advise checking official NEOM and Saudi tourism channels for the latest access, safety updates, and any restricted zones before travelling.
Where to Stay: Family Accommodation Guide
Unlike established cities with clear hotel belts like Singapore’s Marina Bay, Orchard Road and Sentosa, NEOM’s accommodation network is still phased and curated. Expect:
- Integrated resorts and hotels in designated tourism clusters (e.g., coastal and mountain zones).
- Mid- to high-end properties focusing on design, sustainability and tech-enabled services.
- Limited budget stock within NEOM itself in early years; families travelling on tighter budgets may base in nearby existing cities and day-trip in with tours.
When comparing costs to Singapore, early NEOM stays will likely feel more like a premium Sentosa resort
