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NEOM Announces New Partnerships for The Line

The new partnerships and leadership provide a fresh take on The Line, set to be the “ultimate sidescraper.”
Article Summary:
  • Saudi Arabia’s megacity project NEOM has announced its new partnerships for the linear city The Line.
  • Delugan Meissl Associated Architects (DMAA) and Gensler will be at the helm of The Line’s design, sustainability, and energy efficiency. Sitting as city infrastructure engineer, meanwhile, is Mott MacDonald.
  • With new key partners, the kingdom hopes to make significant progress on the project, poised to redefine how people live and interact with the environment.

USD 500-billion megacity NEOM has announced new partnerships with leading global firms to accelerate the development of “The Line.”

NEOM, the flagship project of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, aims to transform how people live and interact with their environment. It also aligns with the broader goal of attracting 150 million visitors yearly by 2030. At the heart of NEOM is “The Line,” a linear city designed to house 9 million people while leaving no carbon footprint.

The Line will feature a mirrored structure 500 meters high above sea level and 200 meters wide. Moreover, the plan is for it to run on 100 percent renewable energy, with 95 percent of land for nature. With these intentions, residents will be able to enjoy clean air as well as a pleasant year-round climate. In addition, this project will redefine urban spaces by focusing on technology, sustainability, and human well-being.

New partnerships for NEOM

To continue its development, NEOM has partnered with renowned global firms Delugan Meissl Associated Architects (DMAA) and Gensler. In addition, it will also work with Mott MacDonald as its city infrastructure engineer. These new collaborations promise to enhance the design and construction of The Line.

Each of these partners brings unique expertise to the table. DMAA, an award-winning Austrian architectural design firm, is famous for its innovative approach to urban spaces. It will work with various Saudi sectors on logistics, mobility, microclimate and ecology, as well as sustainability.

Gensler, a global leader in sustainable architecture, will focus on maximizing The Line’s environmental impact and energy efficiency. Meanwhile, Mott MacDonald, a trusted name in engineering consultancy, will manage complex infrastructure challenges.

These partnerships are crucial as NEOM shifts to its next phase of development. By leveraging the combined expertise of these firms, the project aims to accelerate its construction timeline.

“As development and construction of The Line progresses, we have established a unique partnership that brings world-leading city design and engineering expertise to deliver phase one,” remarked Denis Hickey, The Line’s chief development officer.

“Collaboration is at the core of this, with a city-wide best practice group that will showcase how innovation can change the way we consider, design and build cities forever. This reflects NEOM’s vision and global ambition,” he added.

Leadership refresh

In addition to these partnerships, NEOM recently announced changes in its leadership structure. The board of directors appointed new executives to streamline decision-making and enhance project execution. These strategic changes are expected to drive NEOM’s growth, allowing it to achieve key milestones faster.

By fostering international partnerships, NEOM not only attracts foreign investment but also drives job creation and knowledge transfer. This influx of expertise and resources is expected to position Saudi Arabia as a global leader in sustainable development. Furthermore, these efforts will help NEOM contribute to the Kingdom’s broader social and economic goals.

What’s ahead for NEOM

Looking ahead, NEOM plans to continue expanding its network of partnerships. The focus remains on leveraging cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices. The next phases of development for The Line include finalizing design elements and continuing large-scale construction. With a roadmap and strong partnerships, NEOM is poised to make significant progress.

Photo: X/NEOM