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
The G80 Sport makes its entrance, displaying dynamic design details and elevated automative capabilities.
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Juma Al Majid LLC, the exclusive dealer for Genesis in the UAE, has launched the G80 – a cutting-edge luxury sedan. Merging tradition with innovation, this model embodies Genesis‘ relentless pursuit of superior design, state-of-the-art technology, and unmatched luxury.
The new G80 marks a significant milestone in introducing Korean automotive excellence to the UAE, highlighting the brand’s commitment to providing exceptional experiences.
Meticulously crafted, the redesigned G80 adheres to the ‘Athletic Elegance’ design philosophy synonymous with Genesis. This luxury vehicle features refined details and cutting-edge specifications, combining comfort and style to elevate every driving experience to new heights.
“The debut of the all-new G80 in the UAE market propels our vision to converge advanced technology and refined elegance”, stated Suliman Al Zaben, Director of Genesis, UAE. “This launch is a step forward for Genesis in the UAE market and strengthens our efforts to offer ultimate luxury, innovation, and unique design to our incisive customer base.”
With a new dual-mesh design, the G80’s exterior enhances the sophisticated appearance of the Two-Line Crest Grille, paired with iconic Two-Line headlamps featuring Micro Lens Array (MLA) technology. This highlights Genesis’ commitment to harmonizing advanced technology with elegant design. The five 20-inch double-spoke wheels exude a dynamic aesthetic, resembling sleek aircraft lines, complementing the car’s parabolic side profile. Rear diffusers conceal mufflers adorned with distinctive V-shaped chrome trim inspired by the Crest Grille, embodying an eco-conscious ethos in today’s technology-driven era.
The G80 reinforces Genesis’ design philosophy in its interiors, inspired by the uniquely Korean concept of the Beauty of White Space, integrated with state-of-the-art technology to create cosmetic brilliance for users. The 27-inch-wide OLED display seamlessly combines the cluster and AVN (Audio, Video, Navigation) screen in a horizontal layout, extending to the center fascia, showcasing its flair for innovative technology. The touch-based HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system offers ease of control, while the redesigned crystal-like Shift By Wire (SBW) ensures a comfortable grip, infusing a sense of luxurious convenience.
With its dual-layered Crest Grille and expanded air intakes, the G80 Sport package delivers a dynamic and sporty spirit. Exclusive interior options, such as a D-cut steering wheel and carbon accents, enhance its sporty allure. Equipped with Rear Wheel Steering (RWS) and Electronic Limited Slip Differential (E-LSD), the G80 Sport 3.5 twin turbo model is built for stable control during high-speed maneuvers.
Fitted with advanced safety and convenience features, this luxury sedan includes Remote Smart Parking Assist 2, Lane Following Assist 2, and a Fingerprint Authentication System. The three-zone HVAC system provides customized climate control for all passengers. With two powertrain options – a 2.5 turbo engine delivering 300 horsepower and 43.0 kgf·m of torque, and a 3.5 twin turbo engine producing 375 horsepower and 54.0 kgf·m of torque – superior driving dynamics ensure a silent and luxurious driving experience.
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
