A promise is good; a promise with pictures is great! On a promising note, Neom has unveiled the first phase of The Line, introducing the groundbreaking Hidden Marina as its striking centerpiece. Denis Hickey, Chief Development Officer of Neom, announced at the PIF Private Sector Forum in Riyadh that the Hidden Marina will stretch 2.5 kilometers in length and soar 500 meters in height.
As part of a fully integrated vertical city, built in modular 800-meter sections, the first phase will consist of three interconnected modules designed to accommodate over 200,000 residents. The development will span an astounding 21 million square meters of built-up space, an unprecedented scale that dwarfs global landmarks like the Burj Khalifa, which covers just 350,000 square meters.
The not-so-hidden details of The Hidden Marina include over 80,000 residential units, 9,000 hotel rooms, and expansive commercial and retail spaces. It will also feature essential infrastructure such as fire stations, schools, police, and security services, ensuring a fully functional urban ecosystem.
“We are laying the groundwork for this ambitious urban revolution,” Hickey stated. “Currently, over 140,000 workers are engaged in the project’s construction, including more than 5,000 dedicated solely to Neom. This initiative highlights Neom’s global appeal, attracting talent from over 100 countries, with 40% of the workforce comprising local Saudi talent.”
In other promising news for the $1.5 trillion Neom City, an investment exceeding $140 billion will fund critical sectors, including energy, water, transport, data, and communications, ensuring the metropolis thrives. Beyond The Line, Neom is also making waves in clean energy. The world’s largest green hydrogen manufacturing plant, developed in partnership with Acwa Power, is already taking shape and set to revolutionize the global clean energy landscape.
