Saudi Arabia has unveiled an ambitious eco-city concept named Line, a project that has captured global attention through a striking computer-generated video. The visuals show a desert expanse framed by two vast mirror walls rising 500 meters tall and extending 170 kilometers. Inside this mirrored corridor lies a city with residential blocks, air taxis, lush greenery, and a rail spine connecting facilities from end to end, signaling a bold shift in urban design ideas.
Line is a real initiative guided by engineers and builders already at work in Tabuk, in the northwest. It fits within Vision 2030, a sweeping program aimed at diversifying the economy, attracting investment, and reducing dependence on oil. The project sits among several megaprojects designed to accelerate growth and reshape the country’s economic outlook.
For many observers, Line embodies both daring ambition and the limits of vast wealth. It underscores the scale of resources at the disposal of the leadership and highlights the petro-dollars that fund such ventures. In recent years the global economy has shown notable resilience, and Saudi Arabia has reported strong growth, underscoring its energy wealth and capacity to fund large-scale ventures.
Yet Line also mirrors political realities. It reflects centralized authority and tight control over rights within the kingdom. Critics who raised concerns about the project faced swift pushback, and prominent figures connected to design and development have stepped away. The project follows the dark shadow cast by the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, an event that drew international scrutiny over the Saudi leadership and its willingness to shape outcomes with power.
Edward Soler, a professor of international relations, notes that Saudi Arabia is pursuing modernization and economic diversification alongside a degree of social opening. He explains that the country seeks to adapt to a global decarbonization trend and to reduce exposure to oil price swings while also addressing internal demand for jobs and progress. The overarching aim of Vision 2030 is clear: diversify away from oil, expand nonoil exports, and boost private sector growth to a meaningful share of GDP. The plan envisions greater private participation and a broader non-oil export base within a seven-year horizon, supported by reforms and international engagement. The narrative emphasizes a balance between modernization and political centralization as the country charts a new path for development, with a longer view on energy resilience and economic resilience.
Vision 2030 centers on broadening economic activity beyond oil. There is a push to raise the export share of nonoil products from current levels to a substantially higher portion, accompanied by liberalization of sectors traditionally under state control. The strategy also targets growth in tourism and international investment and seeks to foster a more vibrant private sector as a driving force of growth. Oil reserves are expected to last for decades, but questions remain about how a large population will adapt to changing economic and social conditions as reforms unfold.
In the corporate and telecommunications arena, Saudi Arabia has pursued strategic steps aligned with Vision 2030. The national telecom operator has taken stakes in foreign companies as part of broader diversification efforts. The core mechanism is the Public Investment Fund, a powerful sovereign wealth vehicle that channels capital into projects viewed as pivotal to long-term goals. The scale of investment within the fund underscores the government’s ability to steer major initiatives across sectors including technology, infrastructure, and energy transitions.
Saudi Arabia has also aimed to raise its international prestige through sports and entertainment. The kingdom has pursued high-profile partnerships and acquisitions with leading football figures and leagues to elevate its global profile while exposing domestic markets to broader commercial opportunities. These moves reflect a strategic blend of cultural enrichment and global branding that aligns with a larger economic plan, even as debates about governance and human rights accompany such steps.
Recent developments have brought headwinds. The pandemic and shifts in energy demand created warnings for the economy. Youth unemployment rose and many educated Saudis sought opportunities outside traditional sectors. Forecasts for growth have cooled, with international assessments revising projections downward as the economy adjusts to new realities. The evolving mix of reform, investment, and geopolitical dynamics continues to shape the country’s development path and regional influence.
Modernization yes, democratization no
Geopolitically, Saudi Arabia remains a regional power competing with a rising United Arab Emirates, while also waging a conflict in Yemen that has created a severe humanitarian crisis. The war has drawn in external actors and affected civilian populations, raising concerns about human costs and long-term regional stability. A notable development this year has been a shift in regional relations, with a surprising mediation led by China bringing Saudi Arabia and Iran closer to diplomatic engagement and signaling a potential reweaving of regional alliances.
In the context of arms and defense, conversations have circulated about the sale of naval assets and other military equipment. Critics argue that such transactions should consider human rights implications and broader regional consequences, highlighting ethical dimensions of arms deals in a volatile neighborhood. The discourse reflects balancing security needs, economic interests, and international expectations regarding governance and human rights.
There is evident openness inside Saudi Arabia compared with earlier decades. Reform efforts include expanding rights for women, opening cultural life, and promoting tourism and private enterprise as paths to wider participation in the economy. Yet the political framework remains tightly controlled, with power centered in the royal family and political expression limited. A notable leadership transition has allowed for a longer horizon of governance. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has taken a central, enduring role in driving reform and diversification, aiming to reshape the country’s economic and social landscape over the coming decades.