Archive · 27 Jan 2026
Saudi Arabia's Neom Megacity May Become AI Data Hub
Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had a big plan to build a futuristic city called Neom.
This city was supposed to be 170 kilometers long and have very tall buildings.
But now, because it's too expensive and hard to build, they might change it into a place for computers and AI instead.
The original plan was to build 16 kilometers by 2030, but now they're only planning to build 2.4 kilometers.
Some people are worried that building this city could hurt the environment.
The Crown Prince wants to keep the buildings tall, even though it's expensive, and is looking for other ways to save money.
The project has faced many delays and cost increases, and some experts think the original plan was not realistic.
Saudi Arabia's Neom megacity project is being significantly downscaled due to feasibility issues and rising costs.
The Line, the centrepiece of Neom, may be converted into a hub for AI data centres.
Original plans for 16 km of The Line by 2030 have been revised down to 2.4 km, with only a half-mile section expected by 2034.
Environmental concerns have been raised about the project's impact on local weather and climate.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman insists on maintaining the original height of 1,640 feet despite cost concerns.
- Who
- Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS)
- What
- Neom megacity project being downscaled to AI data centre hub
- When
- Original plan announced in 2017, delays and cost revisions since then
- Where
- Saudi Arabia
- Why
- Feasibility issues, rising costs, environmental concerns, and economic constraints
- Project Name
- Neom
- Original Vision
- Futuristic city stretching 170 km
- Current Plan
- AI data centre hub
- Initial Height
- 1,640 feet
- Proposed Height
- 1,000 feet
- Original Completion Goal
- 16 km by 2030
- Revised Completion Goal
- 2.4 km by 2030, half-mile section by 2034
- Environmental Concerns
- Potential impact on local weather and climate