Is Saudi drawing a line through its NEOM futuristic megaproject?

Is Saudi Drawing a Line Through Its NEOM Futuristic Megaproject?

The ambitious NEOM initiative, particularly its signature project The Line, was initially envisioned as a linear city stretching from the Red Sea to the Hejaz Mountains. However, emerging reports suggest that the project might face major downsizing or even termination due to expectations that proved unrealistic.

"The Line was supposed to stretch from the Red Sea to the Hejaz Mountains, but now it could be seriously scaled back or ended due to unrealistic expectations."

Regional and Political Developments

Kazakhstan is expected to become the latest nation to join the Abraham Accords, according to U.S. statements.
Lebanon has sharply reduced bail for detained Hannibal Gaddafi.
A Dutch court declined to stop arms exports to Israel after an appeal.

Middle East Power Dynamics

Muqtada al-Sadr, Iraq's most influential cleric, continues his strategic long-term political maneuvering.
Relations between Israel and Gulf states are shifting—from prospects of partnership to mounting tension.
Palestinian President Abbas’s succession decree reflects deepening legitimacy issues within the Palestinian Authority.

International Perspectives and Cultural Notes

Former President Trump's Gaza plan indirectly gave the European Union justification for its lack of decisive action.
A former Goethe-Institut employee explains leaving, arguing that Germany’s soft power subtly reinforces Israeli interests.
Syrian families continue searching for loved ones who disappeared in Libya amid regional turmoil.
The Cairo Film Festival 2025 showcases “Key Horizons of Arab Cinema,” highlighting creative perspectives from across the region.

Author’s Summary

The evolving fate of NEOM’s The Line mirrors ongoing regional shifts—from Saudi mega-dreams and new Arab alliances to renewed cultural and political struggles shaping the Middle East landscape.

The New Arab — 2025-11-06