Riyadh exhibition showcases NEOM’s futuristic city THE LINE

1 / 2
THE LINE Experience Exhibition in Riyadh showcases its revolutionary designs for Livability. (AN photo by Abdulaziz Aloraifi)
Short Url
Updated 16 January 2023
Follow

Riyadh exhibition showcases NEOM’s futuristic city THE LINE

  • Visitors given a glimpse into life without streets, cars, or emissions
  • The futuristic linear city at NEOM will be home to 9 million people

RIYADH: An exhibition showcasing a smart city being built as part of the NEOM project in northwestern Saudi Arabia has gone on display in Riyadh.

The Line development will be constructed using revolutionary architectural designs and urban planning concepts and the exhibition will run until April 29 at the Diriyah Biennale Foundation for Contemporary Art in Riyadh’s Jax district.

Visitors will be given a glimpse into life without streets, cars, or emissions in the futuristic linear city.




THE LINE Experience Exhibition in Riyadh showcases its revolutionary designs for Livability. (AN photo by Abdulaziz Aloraifi)

A spokesman for the project told Arab News: “The future is here. Unlike traditional cities, The Line will run on 100 percent renewable energy, prioritize health, and promote a sense of well-being for residents and visitors over transportation and infrastructure.”

The city will be 200 meters wide, 170 kilometers long, and rise 500 meters above sea level and will contribute to conserving 95 percent of NEOM’s land and support environmental sustainability.

“There will be no cars, but a high-speed railway will take residents and visitors across its length,” the spokesman said.




THE LINE Experience Exhibition in Riyadh showcases its revolutionary designs for Livability. (AN photo by Abdulaziz Aloraifi)

He pointed out that The Line design was based on a new concept of zero gravity urbanism, the idea of layering city functions vertically while enabling inhabitants to move seamlessly in the city in three directions – up, down, and across – offering quick access to offices, schools, parks, and residential facilities.

The Line’s unique modular design ensures that all facilities and amenities can be accessed within a five-minute walk.

Using an innovative design that requires minimal space and less water, hydroponics gardens will grow fruit, vegetables, and flowers in half the time of traditional agriculture methods.




THE LINE Experience Exhibition in Riyadh showcases its revolutionary designs for Livability. (AN photo by Abdulaziz Aloraifi)

The Line, which will become home to 9 million people, was announced by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, chairman of the NEOM board of directors, in July.

NEOM has several ongoing megaprojects, one of them being Trojena, a year-round winter sports complex designed by Iraqi British architect Zaha Hadid. And what will be the first outdoor ski resort in the Gulf Cooperation Council region, is set to host the Asian Winter Games in 2029.

Another megaproject is Sindalah Island, a luxury tourist destination.

Exhibition visitors can opt to take a guided tour conducted in Arabic and English, while free tickets can be booked at https://theline.halayalla.com/en-us.




THE LINE Experience Exhibition in Riyadh showcases its revolutionary designs for Livability. (AN photo by Abdulaziz Aloraifi)




THE LINE Experience Exhibition in Riyadh showcases its revolutionary designs for Livability. (AN photo by Abdulaziz Aloraifi)

 


Saudi crown prince, French president discuss regional developments 

Updated 16 sec ago
Follow

Saudi crown prince, French president discuss regional developments 

RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received on Wednesday a phone call from French President Emmanuel Macron, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

They discussed resumption of Israeli strikes on Gaza, in addition to efforts to halt attacks and protect civilians.

Macron commended the Kingdom's role in the US-Russian dialogue and the talks to resolve the crisis in Ukraine.

The pair also tackled issues of mutual interest.


Saudi crown prince, UK PM discuss developments in Gaza, Ukraine during call

Updated 1 min 23 sec ago
Follow

Saudi crown prince, UK PM discuss developments in Gaza, Ukraine during call

RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received on Wednesday a phone call from UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, the Saudi Press Agency said.

They discussed during the call developments in the Gaza Strip and their security and political repercussions. 

Starmer praised the Kingdom's pivotal role in hosting the US-Russia dialogue in Jeddah.

The pair reviewed efforts to resolve the Ukrainian crisis.

They also discussed ways of enhancing cooperation.


Saudi crown prince, Pakistan PM discuss relations 

Updated 20 March 2025
Follow

Saudi crown prince, Pakistan PM discuss relations 

RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif held a meeting in Jeddah on Wednesday, the Saudi Press Agency said.

The pair discussed bilateral relations, ways to boost cooperation in various fields, and the latest regional and international developments.

Saudi and Pakistani senior officials attended the meeting. 


Saudis tap into Ramadan’s transformative power

Updated 20 March 2025
Follow

Saudis tap into Ramadan’s transformative power

  • Many Muslims find that the self-discipline learned during this time leads to lasting changes

RIYADH: Ramadan, for many people, is an exceptional opportunity to practice self-discipline. Some people focus on personal growth while others learn new habits or adopt healthy lifestyles.

Fasting, as one example, involves abstaining from food, drink, smoking and sexual relations from sunrise until sunset, teaching people to control their desires.

The shift in eating patterns allows Muslims to consume mindfully, gaining an appreciation for food and a greater understanding of the situation of millions of people around the world who lack access to safe food and drinking water.

“It is an excellent time for self-discipline,” Hind Saud told Arab News. “The essence of Ramadan and the practice of fasting is a transforming experience, making you a better person, especially if you’re aiming to develop new habits that require self-control.”

She said that she took advantage of the month of fasting to build positive habits, control her food consumption and her appetite for sweets.

“Last Ramadan, I focused on enhancing my health by cutting caffeine. The long fasting hours encouraged me to incorporate healthier beverages like fresh juices, herbal teas and plenty of water.

“I also wanted to reduce my intake of sugar and artificial sweets, which I typically enjoy in desserts and snacks outside of Ramadan. So, I replaced it with fruits and yogurt as part of my suhoor meal.”

Ramadan is also a time for spiritual reflection. People use this month to deepen their relationship with God through prayers, reading the Qur’an, and giving to charity. It can also be a time to meditate and practice active meditation.

“Self-control in Ramadan is spiritually achieved by freeing oneself for worship and renewing one’s soul and body from the preoccupations in the past months,” said Amira Abdulmohsen, a local from Riyadh.

She added: “It is also achieved by abstaining from distractions such as wasting time on social media and instead using the time to read the Qur’an or memorize some chapters of it. Ramadan is in general a time to cleanse the body of toxins such as smoking.”

Both spiritual reflection and meditation require separating time from hectic schedules and engaging in activities that lift the spirit and help people to manage their time effectively.

For example, many Saudis during this holy month find joy in praying Taraweeh at the masjid. This daily activity creates a sense of responsibility because it must be performed every day at a specific time.

This habit not only encourages individuals to prioritize their spiritual well-being but also raises their sense of accountability toward themselves and their community. It is a great time to bring the neighborhood closer and strengthen their bonds as well.

“Taraweeh prayer strengthens the community’s relationship with each other, while a person strengthens his relationship with neighbors through Ramadan gatherings for iftar meal or through iftar gifts,” Abdulmohsen said.

“Iftar gifts are when I prepare an iftar dish and give some of it to the neighbors minutes before sunset.

“Or, when people have an iftar meal together every day at the local masjid. Some families have a habit of delivering meals to masjids during Ramadan.”

The lessons learned during Ramadan often extend beyond the month itself. Many Muslims find that the self-discipline learned during this time leads to lasting changes.


Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs organizes iftar banquets in 61 countries, benefiting thousands

Updated 20 March 2025
Follow

Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs organizes iftar banquets in 61 countries, benefiting thousands

  • Ministry initiative serves iftar meals to 15,000 people in Sudan’s cities and regions
  • Program endorses values of unity and compassion among Muslim societies

RIYADH: Daily iftar banquets organized by the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Call, and Guidance during the first half of Ramadan have benefited thousands in 61 countries, including Sudan, Tanzania, the Philippines, and Argentina.

In Sudan, the ministry’s initiative has served iftar meals to 15,000 people across Sudan’s cities and regions and will reach 30,000 people by the end of Ramadan, which concludes in late March.

These banquets are part of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Iftar Program, which is being carried out in 61 countries worldwide during Ramadan.

The program endorses unity and compassion among Muslim societies, while strengthening brotherhood and solidarity during Ramadan, a month of worship when Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset.

In Tanzania, 2,000 people have benefited from the iftar program during the first half of Ramadan, with the number expected to reach 4,500 next week, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The ministry organized iftar banquets in South America, where more than 7,500 people in mosques and centers across Argentina benefited from the program.

This week, the religious attache at the Saudi Embassy in the Philippines organized an iftar meal in Manila, which was attended by several heads of Islamic associations in the country.