NEOM: The Dream That’s Dividing and Inspiring a Nation

In the northwest corner of Saudi Arabia, a new world is being carved into the desert. One that promises flying taxis, AI-powered cities, and a life without traffic, pollution, or even streets. That world is NEOM—perhaps the boldest project in the history of modern urban development. And while the world watches in awe, Saudis are watching with a complex mix of pride, curiosity, skepticism, and hope.

A Vision Unlike Anything Else

Announced in 2017 under the banner of Vision 2030, NEOM is not just another mega-city—it’s a civilizational shift. Envisioned as a $500 billion futuristic region, NEOM is home to subprojects that sound more like science fiction than urban planning:

• THE LINE: A 170km-long linear city, only 200 meters wide, built vertically with mirrored walls and powered by 100% renewable energy. No cars. No streets. Just pure efficiency and walkability.
• OXAGON: The world’s largest floating industrial complex.
• TROJENA: A mountain resort in the desert that will host the 2029 Asian Winter Games—with real snow.
• Sindalah: A luxury island opening in 2024, aiming to rival Monaco and Capri.

NEOM is meant to redefine the future of civilization. But what does that mean for the people who call this nation home?

How Saudis Are Thinking About NEOM

Pride in the Boldness

For many Saudis—especially the younger generation—NEOM is a source of national pride. It symbolizes a Saudi Arabia that is no longer playing catch-up, but leading the global conversation on innovation, sustainability, and urban design.

“This is the Saudi we’ve always dreamed of,” says Faisal, a 26-year-old architecture student in Riyadh. “We’re not copying the West anymore—we’re building the future ourselves.”

Curiosity and Skepticism

But there’s also a fair share of questions and concerns—some practical, others philosophical.

• Can it really be built? THE LINE’s scale and ambition are unprecedented.
• Will it be accessible to regular Saudis or just the elite and tourists?
• What happens to the tribes and local communities in the region?

“I love the vision, but I want to know where regular people fit into this,” shares Lujain, a 32-year-old mother in Jeddah. “It shouldn’t just be for visitors and billionaires.”

A Dream of Sustainability

NEOM’s promise of a carbon-neutral lifestyle resonates with a new generation of eco-conscious Saudis. With the Saudi Green Initiative gaining momentum, NEOM is being seen as a real-world testing ground for sustainable living.

“We’ve always lived close to nature in Saudi culture,” says Abdullah, a tour guide from AlUla. “Now we’re using technology to preserve it. That’s exciting.”

A Catalyst for Career Dreams

With NEOM opening thousands of high-paying jobs in tech, design, energy, and sustainability, many Saudis are seeing it as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

“I applied to NEOM because I want to be part of something historic,” says Rawan, a data analyst who recently moved from Dhahran to Tabuk. “It’s a challenge, yes—but it’s our challenge.”

NEOM Is More Than a City—It’s a National Conversation

NEOM is not just a place. It’s a symbol. A mirror reflecting what Saudi Arabia is becoming: bold, young, creative, and confident—but also negotiating its identity, heritage, and values in a rapidly changing world.

Whether you see NEOM as a utopian dream or a risky experiment, one thing is clear: it has already changed how Saudis think about their future. And in a nation where 70% of the population is under 35, that shift in thinking may be the most powerful transformation of all.

Want to learn more?
Visit www.neom.com for project updates, visuals, and opportunities.