NEOM AND THE LINE IN SAUDI ARABIA: WHY INTERNATIONAL COMPANIES SHOUL PAY ATTENTION
- Océane Caron
- Jul 30
- 2 min read
Updated: Sep 30
Announced in 2017 by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, NEOM is an emblematic giga-project driving Saudi Arabia’s transformation. This futuristic territory, spanning 26,500 km² in the Kingdom’s northwest, embodies Vision 2030’s ambition for economic diversification, high-tech development, and reduced oil dependence.
Its flagship initiative, The Line, promises to reinvent urban life with a car-free, zero-carbon linear city stretching 170 km. For international companies, NEOM and The Line are unparalleled grounds for innovation and strategic investment.
NEOM: A multi-dimensional ecosystem
NEOM goes far beyond The Line. Its zones include:
Oxagon, the world’s largest floating industrial complex (NEOM Oxagon)
Trojena, a mountain tourism destination featuring ski resorts, hotels, and artificial lakes (NEOM Trojena)
Sindalah, an island dedicated to premium tourism and yachting (NEOM Sindalah)
These zones target diverse sectors such as green energy, Industry 4.0, tourism, mobility, sports, health, and education.
The Line: The city of the future
A unique urban concept
The Line will stretch 170 km long, 200 meters wide, and 500 meters high, housing 9 million residents with no cars or roads and running entirely on renewable energy.
Key integrated technologies
Ubiquitous artificial intelligence managing energy and traffic flows
Ultra-fast underground transit and vertical mobility systems
Mirror architecture minimizing environmental impact and creating a microclimate
Why invest in NEOM and The Line in Saudi Arabia?
A market open to disruptive technologies
NEOM represents a total investment of USD 500 billion (Reuters). The project is actively seeking foreign partners for:
Green tech and green hydrogen (e.g., NEOM Green Hydrogen Project with Air Products and ACWA Power)
Sustainable construction and smart materials
AI, robotics, IoT, and urban cybersecurity
An attractive fiscal and regulatory framework
NEOM will benefit from a special legal status facilitating foreign direct investment, innovation, and import/export. Full details are being released progressively, but MISA (Ministry of Investment Saudi Arabia) has already confirmed targeted tax and customs exemptions.
Challenges and precautions to anticipate
The Line is often described as a “living lab.” Selected companies will be able to test their innovations at scale in a state-backed, heavily funded environment. It is a global showcase for:
Deeptech startups
Sustainable urban design firms
Systems integrators and digital twin companies
Evolving legal framework
The regulatory structure is still under development. Companies must partner with experienced local advisors to:
Understand licensing and permit changes
Ensure compliance with Vision 2030 environmental and societal standards
Cultural and social adaptation
NEOM aims for a highly international lifestyle but remains under Saudi legislation. Companies must train teams in:
Local business etiquette
Intercultural management within the Saudi context
Focus: The Line, a real-world laboratory
The Line is often described as a “living lab.” Selected companies will be able to test their innovations at scale in a state-backed, heavily funded environment. It is a global showcase for:
Deeptech startups
Sustainable urban design firms
Systems integrators and digital twin companies
NEOM and The Line embody Saudi Arabia’s vision for a sustainable, intelligent, and resilient future. For international companies, they represent a unique opportunity for innovation, growth, and global impact. However, success requires robust cultural and legal preparation, as well as strategic local partnership.
Do you want to explore NEOM opportunities for your business?
This article was written with the assistance of AI.
