Scaling Down the Dream: Saudi Arabia Adjusts its Vision for the Desert Megacity
Saudi Arabia appears to be recalibrating its ambitious plans for a futuristic desert megacity, originally envisioned as a hallmark of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s economic strategy to diversify away from oil.
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Known as The Line, this linear urban development was to redefine the concept of a city, boasting a 105-mile stretch of glass-walled structures in the desert. However, recent developments suggest a considerable scale back, with the project now expected to extend merely a mile and a half by 2030, a far cry from its original scope.
The Line: A Vision of the Future Confronts Reality
Envisioned as part of the broader Neom project, the Line promised a revolutionary approach to urban living. Designed to house around 9 million people within 13 square miles, the project was a bold statement against traditional city planning, featuring car-free streets and one of the world’s fastest trains for connectivity.
The vision was not just about building a city but about creating a new way of life, as promoted. However, recent reports indicate that the project is under pressure, with budget constraints and a changing vision leading to downsized ambitions and layoffs among contractors.
Challenges and Criticisms: The Road Ahead for Neom
The journey of The Line from a grandiose dream to its current state reflects broader challenges within Saudi Arabia‘s ambitious Neom project. Initially pitched with a budget of $1.5 trillion, the venture aimed to position itself as a landmark of urban innovation.
Yet, it has been stuck in controversy and scepticism, from the displacement of tribes to allegations of unrealistic planning and execution. The financial underpinnings of the project have also come into question, with the 2024 budget for Neom still pending approval amid fading cash reserves of the kingdom’s sovereign wealth fund.
Promoted as a leap into a utopian future, where artificial intelligence ensures an unparalleled quality of life, The Line has faced its share of criticism for its elevated ambitions.
Critics argue that the project’s portrayal often veers into the realm of fantasy, overshadowing practical and ethical concerns. As Saudi Arabia moves forward with its vision for Neom, balancing ambitious innovation with realistic planning and sensitivity to human and environmental impacts remains a critical challenge.
Chris Dixon, a partner who led the charge, says he has a ‘very long-term horizon’
Americans now think they need at least $1.25 million for retirement, a 20% increase from a year ago, according to a survey by Northwestern Mutual
Lamborghini Esperienza Giro 2024 in Langhe, Piedmont
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A three-day super sports car driving experience immersed in authentic Italian culture, the Esperienza Giro brought together Lamborghini super sports car owners from across Europe for an exclusive tour celebrating the picturesque region of Langhe in Piedmont, northern Italy. Participants enjoyed luxurious accommodations, exceptional authentic dining, and an immersive experience of the region’s culture, traditions, and landscapes, during the exclusive VIP experience all organized by Automobili Lamborghini.
Il Boscareto Resort and Spa, nestled between the hills of Serralunga d’Alba, provided a luxurious setting for the guests. Upon arrival, Lamborghini clients were treated to a two Michelin-starred dinner crafted by chef Michelangelo Mammoliti at the Rei Natura restaurant, which embraces the natural elements of the region in both its interior design and cuisine.
The tour covered a total of 488 kilometers over several days, beginning with a drive to the medieval Castello di Prunetto, where guests enjoyed a specially curated hazelnut tasting experience, a regional delicacy. The super sports cars then proceeded to Pico Maccario winery, known for its innovative winemaking techniques, picturesque vineyards, and the historic Cru Cannubi wine: a bottle of which is recognized as the oldest in Italy (dated 1752), and considered one of the most important vineyards in the world. Set in rolling vineyards punctuated with the famous Pico colored pencils, denoting the different varieties of grapes and wines, the Lamborghini owners enjoyed a private tour of the production facilities and a lunch before heading back to Il Boscareto. The day ended at the remote 11th century Castello di Grinzane Cavour, a site of significant importance in Italian history and owned over the centuries by several noble Piedmontese families where guests attended a dinner in a medieval setting entertained by flag-throwers and a falconry performance.
The following day featured an exhilarating drive through mountain scenery with a coffee stop at BAart in Agliano Terme, a village renowned for its Barbera grape winemaking and gastronomy. BAart, located in the deconsecrated Chiesa di San Michele, is a community project that blends contemporary art with traditional regional flavors. The group then visited Castello di Razzano, a historic estate dating back to the 17th century, for a private lunch featuring local products, including the estate’s own olive oil. The day ended with a private dinner at Winery Cecilia Monte, where guests savored typical Piedmontese dishes and participated in a unique workshop using wine as paint.
Heading off on day four the Lamborghini owners arrived at Santuario dei Piloni for a mid-morning stop, in a craggy, rural area famed for its history and traditions; here, participants engaged in a truffle hunting experience with dogs, culminating with a tasting of the finest truffle. The tour concluded with a drive to Pollenzo, an ancient city on the banks of the Tanaro river and the home to the University of Gastronomic Studies. Reflecting the university’s dedication to culinary excellence, guests experienced a private lunch of Piedmontese specialities next door at Scuderie Sabaude, where the king of Italy’s stables once stood. Like each edition of Esperienza Giro, Lamborghini guests in Langhe enjoyed a holistic journey incorporating the exceptional and emotional performance of Lamborghini super sports cars, while celebrating the enduring allure of local cultural experiences, exceptional cuisines and Italian heritage.
Chris Dixon, a partner who led the charge, says he has a ‘very long-term horizon’
Americans now think they need at least $1.25 million for retirement, a 20% increase from a year ago, according to a survey by Northwestern Mutual
