Saudi Arabia is making massive investments to reshape its landscape and economy. From a futuristic linear city to a record-breaking skyscraper, these projects are pushing the boundaries of urban development.

The Line: A City Unlike Any Other

Imagine a city without cars, streets, or traditional sprawl—The Line is a 170-km-long, 500-meter-tall city designed to house 9 million people while operating entirely on renewable energy. Instead of roads, a high-speed underground transport system will ensure that no journey takes longer than 20 minutes. The city is built with a vertical living concept, integrating work, residential spaces, and green areas into a seamless, compact design. The first sections are expected by 2030, though full completion could take over 50 years (The Sun).

Jeddah Tower: The Skyscraper That Wants to Break Records

Saudi Arabia is set to outdo Dubai’s Burj Khalifa with Jeddah Tower, projected to reach 1,000 meters (3,280 feet)—making it the world’s tallest building. Designed as the centerpiece of the Jeddah Economic City project, the tower will include luxury residences, office spaces, and the world’s highest observation deck. If you’ve ever seen Burh Khalifa, you can’t even begin to imagine how insane Jeddah Tower will be.

After facing financial and logistical setbacks, construction resumed in 2023, with a revised completion target of 2028. Engineers face the challenge of building at extreme heights, testing new materials, and ensuring wind resistance for a structure of this scale (The Sun).

Why These Projects Matter

Part of Vision 2030, these projects aim to diversify Saudi Arabia’s economy beyond oil into tourism, technology, and sustainable development. They also present challenges in design, logistics, and climate adaptation, setting new standards in construction and engineering.

The Takeaway

If The Line succeeds, it could revolutionize urban planning worldwide. If Jeddah Tower reaches completion, it will stand as a symbol of human ambition and engineering excellence. Either way, Saudi Arabia is proving that when it comes to pushing boundaries, the sky isn’t the limit!