Saudi Arabia has suspended major construction on “The Line” — the ambitious, futuristic linear city that formed the centerpiece of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s $12 trillion NEOM megaproject.

The groundbreaking initiative, unveiled as a 170-kilometer-long (105-mile), 500-meter-high carbon-neutral “smart city” designed to house up to 9 million residents, has been effectively paused until at least 2030, according to multiple reports.

The state-backed NEOM company has redirected funding toward more practical infrastructure projects, including ports and AI data centers, amid soaring costs, global economic pressures, and the ongoing impact of regional conflicts.

Internal estimates had reportedly ballooned The Line’s projected cost to as high as $8.8 trillion by 2080, far exceeding initial expectations. Work on several related components — including a high-speed rail link and the Trojena mountain resort — has also been halted or significantly delayed.

The decision follows a strategic review by NEOM’s leadership. Population targets for NEOM by 2030 have been dramatically reduced, with current projections now sitting at around 100,000 residents, down from earlier goals of 1.5 million.

The Line was intended to symbolize Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 plan to diversify its economy away from oil, featuring advanced AI systems, zero-carbon emissions, and revolutionary urban design. However, the project has faced repeated scaling back due to financial realities and slower-than-expected international investment.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s grand vision for transforming a remote desert region into a global hub of innovation has captured worldwide attention, but recent developments suggest the most ambitious elements have been placed on hold.

Other parts of the broader NEOM project, such as the Oxagon industrial port city, are continuing with priority funding.

The future of The Line’s redesigned structures and its role in hosting major events like the 2034 FIFA World Cup remains uncertain as Saudi Arabia recalibrates its spending priorities.