Is Saudi drawing a line through its NEOM futuristic megaproject?

Is Saudi Drawing a Line Through Its NEOM Futuristic Megaproject?

The ambitious NEOM development, centered around the linear city known as The Line, was originally envisioned to stretch from the Red Sea all the way to the Hejaz Mountains. However, the project now faces significant downsizing or even potential cancellation due to what insiders describe as unrealistic expectations.

Regional Developments

Sudan: RSF paramilitary groups have reportedly accepted a truce proposed by international mediators.
Kazakhstan: The country is preparing to join the Abraham Accords, marking a new phase of regional diplomacy, according to US sources.
Lebanon: Authorities have drastically reduced bail for detained Hannibal Gaddafi, sparking renewed attention to his case.
Iraq: Cleric Muqtada al-Sadr continues his strategic political maneuvering, maintaining influence while avoiding direct governance.
Israel and the Gulf: Once seen as a potential partnership, ties have shifted toward mounting regional tension.
Palestinian Authority: President Abbas’s new decree on succession appears aimed at concealing underlying legitimacy issues.
Trump’s Gaza policy: Analysts argue it allowed the European Union to justify a passive stance during escalating conflicts.
Germany: A former Goethe-Institut employee claims that the organization’s cultural diplomacy largely aligns with Israel’s foreign policy goals.
Libya: Syrian families are still seeking information about relatives who vanished during the country’s conflict.

Cultural Focus

The Cairo Film Festival 2025 spotlights Arab cinema through its program “Key Horizons,” emphasizing innovation and regional storytelling.

Summary

Saudi Arabia’s NEOM dream faces a harsh reality check as The Line’s grand scale collides with financial and logistical constraints, echoing wider regional complexities across the Middle East.

The New Arab — 2025-11-06