NEOM Project Restructuring and Cancellations
Saudi Arabia permanently suspended the development of the Trojena ski resort on June 29, 2026, citing budget and technical feasibility challenges, and relocated the 2029 Asian Winter Games to Almaty, Kazakhstan. As of July 7, 2026, NEOM has restructured around industrial and energy uses, with 'The Line' construction suspended until at least 2030 and its population target reduced to 100,000. The NEOM Green Hydrogen Company is 80% complete and on track for substantial completion by mid-2026, while the Port of NEOM collaborated with NAL Foods to advance food security. Funding for 'The Line' has been suspended until at least 2030, with a $3 billion investment redirected to industrial projects like Oxagon, and NEOM terminated its contract with Webuild for the NEOM Industrial City Connector high-speed rail line on May 22, 2026.
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July 2026 — 3 developments
Port of NEOM Partners with NAL Foods to Enhance Regional Food Security
The Port of NEOM has entered into a collaboration with NAL Foods to advance food security in the region. This initiative highlights NEOM's shifting priorities towards operational and supply chain developments, aiming to enhance food availability and sustainability within the project.
NEOM Transfers Oversight of Trojena Ski Resort Amidst Project Setbacks
Oversight for NEOM's Trojena ski resort project has reportedly been transferred to the Ministry of Sport and Qiddiya Investment Company, following the termination of key construction contracts and the relocation of the 2029 Asian Winter Games.
NEOM Cancels Contracts for 'The Line' and Trojena, Restructures Around Industry
NEOM has restructured around industrial and energy uses, with large contracts for tunneling and the Trojena ski resort canceled in March 2026. Construction on 'The Line' was officially suspended in September 2025 and had not resumed as of April 2026, while the Trojena ski resort project has been permanently suspended. The green hydrogen plant at Oxagon is reportedly 80% complete by early 2025 and expected to begin green ammonia exports in early to mid-2027.
June 2026 — 4 developments
Saudi Arabia Permanently Suspends NEOM's Trojena Ski Resort Project
Saudi Arabia has permanently suspended the development of the Trojena ski resort, citing challenges with budget, technical feasibility, and construction in a desert environment. Contracts for structural steel and dam construction have been terminated, and the 2029 Asian Winter Games have been relocated to Almaty, Kazakhstan.
NEOM Green Hydrogen Company 80% complete, Sindalah resort on track for late 2026 opening
The NEOM Green Hydrogen Company is reportedly 80% complete and on track for substantial completion by mid-2026. Concurrently, the luxury island resort Sindalah remains on schedule for a soft opening in late 2026, indicating continued progress on specific NEOM components despite broader project adjustments.
NEOM Suspends Funding for 'The Line' Until 2030, Pivots to Industrial Projects
Funding for NEOM's 'The Line' has been suspended until at least 2030, with a strategic pivot towards industrial projects like Oxagon, which will receive a $3 billion investment. The future of the Trojena ski resort is uncertain, with no new investments planned until after 2030. Internal audits revealed project management issues and escalating costs for 'The Line'.
Saudi Arabia Reportedly Spends $16 Billion on Canceling NEOM Contracts Amid Project Setbacks
Saudi Arabia is reportedly planning to spend $16 billion on canceling NEOM project contracts. Construction on 'The Line' remains halted until at least 2030, with drastically reduced population targets, and the Trojena ski resort has faced major setbacks including contract cancellations.
May 2026 — 5 developments
NEOM Scales Back 'The Line' Project, Reduces Population Target, Terminates Trojena Contracts
NEOM announced a new strategic direction, reducing the population target for 'The Line' to 100,000 by 2030 and postponing further construction until after 2030. Contracts for projects within the 'Trojena' ski resort have also been terminated.
NEOM Cancels Webuild Contract for High-Speed Rail Line Amid Project Scale-Back
NEOM terminated its contract with Webuild for the NEOM Industrial City Connector (NICC) high-speed rail line on May 22, 2026, with approximately 20% of the work completed. This cancellation is part of a broader re-prioritization towards industrial developments like Oxagon, while 'The Line' faces delays until at least after 2030.
NEOM Cancels Webuild Contract Amid Project Scaling Back
NEOM has terminated Webuild's contract for the Connector High-Speed Line project, effective May 27, 2026, as part of a scaling back of 'The Line' project. Tunneling contracts for high-speed rail and freight services have also seen cancellations, including one with Hyundai E&C at the end of 2025.
NEOM's The Line Project to Feature Vertical Construction with Skyscraper Towers
NEOM has announced a new vertical construction plan for its flagship project, The Line, which will involve building three 800-meter-long modules. Each module will feature 40 skyscraper-like towers standing 500 meters high, rising from the initial 2.4-kilometer foundations. This revised approach aims to accommodate future growth within the linear city concept.
NEOM's The Line and Trojena projects see scaled-back ambitions amid construction progress
NEOM's 'The Line' project is now focusing on a 2.4-kilometer segment with a 2034 completion target, involving the construction of 40 skyscraper-like structures. The 'Trojena' destination has experienced delays, including the relocation of the 2029 Asian Winter Games and the termination of a dam contract for an artificial lake.
April 2026 — 3 developments
NEOM's PIF reorients spending towards sustainable financing and private sector involvement
NEOM's Public Investment Fund (PIF) is reorganizing spending to prioritize sustainable financing and increased private sector involvement, confirming no projects are canceled but acknowledging adjustments. The PIF's 2026-2030 strategy designates NEOM as a strategic ecosystem with reduced direct funding, and Oxagon is highlighted as a key industrial zone.
NEOM's 'The Line' megaproject completes 'Big Dig' for first phase, begins vertical construction
The 'Big Dig' for the first phase of NEOM's 'The Line' megaproject is complete and ready for vertical construction, with a 'mini Line' of two vertical structures underway. Construction is progressing on this scaled-back version of the linear city, with concrete works and significant operational activity observed.
Port of NEOM Fully Operational as NEOM Shifts Investment to AI, Scales Back 'The Line'
The Port of NEOM is now fully operational as of April 19, 2026, serving as a strategic Red Sea gateway. This occurs as NEOM shifts investment priorities towards AI infrastructure and domestic projects, deprioritizing 'The Line' and scaling back its construction.
March 2026 — 7 developments
NEOM terminates Webuild contracts for Trojena dams and 'The Bow' projects
NEOM terminated contracts with Webuild for the construction of three dams and 'The Bow' at Trojena, effective March 29, 2026, impacting nearby contractors. This follows Eversendai Corporation's termination of its structural steel contract for Trojena Ski Village on March 26, 2026, with the Trojena project approximately 30% complete at the time of Webuild's contract termination.
NEOM cancels billions in contracts, reduces population targets for The Line
NEOM has cancelled multiple contracts totaling billions of dollars in the first quarter of 2026 as part of a strategic rethink. This recalibration includes a pivot towards renewable energy, industrial development, and AI data center infrastructure, leading to drastic reductions in population targets for The Line and cancellations for significant parts of the Trojena ski resort.
NEOM cancels contracts, Asian Winter Games moved due to revised timeline
NEOM has cancelled multiple contracts, including a $1 billion tunnelling contract with Hyundai Engineering & Construction and a structural steel contract for the Trojena Ski Village. The Asian Winter Games, originally planned for Trojena, have been moved to Almaty, Kazakhstan, in January 2026 due to NEOM's revised completion timeline.
NEOM cancels 'The Line' tunnel contracts; Hyundai E&C confirms termination
NEOM has officially cancelled contracts for tunnel sections of 'The Line' project, with Hyundai E&C confirming the termination of its agreement in December 2025 due to business restructuring. This development raises concerns about the overall timeline and execution of the NEOM initiative. The Trojena ski resort is also facing setbacks.
Saudi Arabia suspends construction on 'The Line' megacity, reduces workforce by 35%
Construction on Saudi Arabia's 'The Line' megacity has reportedly been suspended as of September 16, 2025, with only 2.4 kilometers of foundation work completed. The workforce was reduced by 35% amidst project reassessments, engineering challenges, and rising costs. Other NEOM components like Trojena, Sindalah, and Oxagon are progressing at varying speeds.
Saudi Arabia repurposes NEOM for AI data centers, signs $5 billion deal with DataVolt
Saudi Arabia is repurposing parts of its NEOM 'The Line' project for large-scale digital infrastructure like AI data centers, reflecting a strategic reassessment. In 2025, NEOM signed a $5 billion agreement with DataVolt to build a major data center facility in the Oxagon industrial zone.
Saudi Arabia's NEOM project faces 'deliberate manipulation' allegations and contract drought
An internal audit of Saudi Arabia's NEOM project revealed extensive problems, including alleged "deliberate manipulation" by project managers. By 2025, new contracts for NEOM had reportedly dried up, contributing to significant scalebacks and re-evaluations of flagship components like The Line and Trojena.
February 2026 — 7 developments
NEOM CEO Nadhmi al-Nasr reportedly relieved of duties as 'The Line' project scales down
NEOM CEO Nadhmi al-Nasr has reportedly been relieved of his duties in November 2025, amidst significant scaling down of 'The Line' project. The original 170-kilometer vision has been reduced to a 2.4-kilometer segment, with plans to accommodate 300,000 inhabitants by 2030, a substantial decrease from the initial 1.5 million projection.
Saudi Arabia scales back NEOM's 'The Line' megacity project, invests $38 billion in Trojena ski resort
Saudi Arabia's NEOM project, particularly "The Line" megacity, is being significantly scaled back due to escalating costs and construction delays, with an estimated $50 billion already invested. The Trojena ski resort, part of NEOM, is receiving a substantial $38 billion investment to create a year-round snow destination.
Saudi Arabia invests $38 billion in Trojena ski resort, NEOM Oxagon begins trial shipments
Saudi Arabia is investing approximately $38 billion in the Trojena ski resort, part of the NEOM complex, aiming for year-round operation with artificial snow. Meanwhile, the NEOM Oxagon seaport project has commenced its first trial shipment from Egypt to Iraq, signaling progress in logistics and transit times.
NEOM construction continues despite reports of scaling back and delays
Construction work on Saudi Arabia's NEOM projects, including 'The Line' and Trojena, is ongoing with excavation and infrastructure development underway, despite reports of scaling back and delays. Some articles indicate phased construction and potential recalibration of plans, while others note the indefinite postponement of the 2029 Asian Winter Games at Trojena due to construction delays and budget shortages. A South Korean cement plant supplying NEOM has also halted operations due to decreased volumes.
Saudi Arabia's 'The Line' megacity faces setbacks, Kazakhstan replaces Neom for 2029 Asian Winter Games
Saudi Arabia's 'The Line' megacity project has encountered significant setbacks, with only a 2.4-kilometer section completed by late 2025 and no residents moved in. The Public Investment Fund recorded an $8 billion write-down linked to the project. Additionally, Kazakhstan's Almaty will host the 2029 Asian Winter Games, replacing Saudi Arabia's Neom-based Trojena resort due to postponements.
Saudi Arabia scales back 'The Line' megacity project amid financial and sustainability concerns
Saudi Arabia's 'The Line' megacity project is reportedly undergoing a major redesign and significant scaling back due to financial and sustainability concerns. The original vision of a 170 km-long mirrored skyscraper is being revised to a smaller footprint, with potential uses including AI data centers. The project's completion timeline has also been revised, with full completion now projected for 2045.
Trojena ski resort delays completion to 2032, 2029 Asian Winter Games moved to Almaty
The Trojena ski resort, part of the NEOM project, is facing significant delays and will not be ready until 2032. Consequently, the hosting rights for the 2029 Asian Winter Games have been moved to Almaty. This represents a scaling back of the original plans for the resort and the event.
January 2026 — 4 developments
NEOM's Sindalah project faces significant delays and cost overruns
Sindalah, another NEOM project, has faced significant delays and cost overruns, reportedly running three years late and three times over budget. It has yet to fully open to the public despite a soft launch in 2024.
Saudi Arabia downscales NEOM project, postpones 2029 Asian Winter Games
Saudi Arabia is significantly downscaling the NEOM project, with 'The Line' being reduced in scope and potentially repurposed as a server farm hub or for industrial sectors. Additionally, the 2029 Asian Winter Games, planned for NEOM's Trojena ski resort, have been indefinitely postponed.
Saudi Arabia's The Line Project Reportedly Scaled Down Amidst Manipulation Claims
The Line, Saudi Arabia's ambitious linear megacity project, is reportedly dead or significantly scaled down, with internal audits revealing evidence of deliberate manipulation by project managers. The project, originally envisioned as a 110-mile skyscraper, faced criticism for unrealistic timelines, costs, and human rights violations, leading to a shift towards a less costly approach.
The Line construction workforce reduced by 35%, 120 foundation piles installed weekly in 2024
Reports indicate a 35% reduction in 'The Line' construction workforce, and that over 120 foundation piles were being installed weekly in 2024.
November 2025 — 5 developments
Saudi Arabia's NEOM project slows, Trojena 2029 Asian Winter Games postponed
Construction work on Saudi Arabia's NEOM project has reportedly slowed significantly, with focus shifting to complex engineering and detailed design for The Line's initial phase, while Trojena is one of the few areas still progressing. Internal estimates for The Line's cost have reportedly ballooned, and some reports suggest work suspension by the end of 2025, with a focus on a smaller 'mini-line' as a proof of concept. The Trojena ski resort's hosting of the 2029 Asian Winter Games has been postponed, with the event later awarded to Kazakhstan.
NEOM's 'The Line' undergoes strategic pause and recalibration; Trojena faces completion pressure
NEOM's "The Line" is undergoing a "strategic pause" and recalibration as of late 2025, with officials clarifying that such reviews are standard for mega-projects, while concrete works are underway and vertical construction is slated to begin by the end of 2025. Meanwhile, Trojena faces time pressure for completion due to engineering complexities and tight deadlines, despite ongoing construction.
Saudi Arabia quietly cancels 'The Line' megacity project, reports suggest
Investigative reports suggest Saudi Arabia quietly cancelled 'The Line' megacity project on September 16, 2025, with no official announcement. The $8.8 trillion project's vision is described as dead, with significant financial write-offs and assets being redistributed. Some reports claim The Line served as a misdirection for other, more ambitious constructions.
NEOM project construction slows, focus shifts to 'The Line' engineering and design
Construction work across Saudi Arabia's NEOM project has reportedly slowed, with the Trojena ski resort being one of the few sites still progressing at pace. NEOM states that focus has shifted to the engineering and design of the first phase of 'The Line', though former employees express doubts about the project's progress. This indicates a slowdown and a potential shift in priorities for the megaproject.
The Line's budget reportedly surges to $4.5 trillion; NEOM secures $3 billion financing
The Line's initial budget of $1.6 trillion has reportedly surged to an internal estimate of $4.5 trillion, while the Trojena ski resort is noted as one of the few NEOM sites maintaining construction pace. Additionally, NEOM secured $3 billion in SACE guaranteed financing in January 2025.
September 2025 — 1 developments
Saudi PIF suspends work on 'The Line' project amid delays and cost overruns
Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund has suspended work on "The Line" construction project until further notice, following reports of significant delays and cost overruns across NEOM projects. This suspension comes after the PIF had previously written down $8 billion from major projects, including NEOM, in August 2025. The project's scope has been scaled back, with a downsized scheme now expected to accommodate 300,000 residents.
August 2025 — 1 developments
Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund writes down $8 billion from major projects
Reports indicated that Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund had written down $8 billion from major projects, including NEOM, due to delays and cost overruns, further fueling concerns about the project's original scope and timeline.
June 2025 — 1 developments
NEOM's 'The Line' progresses with 4km excavation, Trojena ski resort sees investment for 2029 Asian Winter Games
In 2025, NEOM's 'The Line' project was proceeding with a 4km excavation for its "Big Dig," but its original 170km vision was deemed unlikely, with construction focusing on three 800-meter modules. Simultaneously, the Trojena ski resort was experiencing significant investment for the 2029 Asian Winter Games, with construction underway on tunnels and ski slopes, despite challenges in producing artificial snow and water for a planned lake.
April 2025 — 4 developments
NEOM Megacity Construction Continues, 'The Line' Modules Face Delays
Recent photos and updates reveal ongoing concrete works and construction activity at Saudi Arabia's NEOM megacity, particularly 'The Line' and its Oxagon port. While 'The Line's' first phase is planned to be 2.4 km long by 2030, with Module 45 being the most advanced, other modules are behind schedule. Trojena ski resort construction is also facing challenges that may impact its hosting of the 2029 Asian Winter Games.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman issues new multi-billion dollar tenders for NEOM's Trojena ski resort
Recent photographs reveal ongoing concrete work and infrastructure development at Saudi Arabia's NEOM 'The Line' megacity. To expedite completion for the 2029 Asian Winter Games, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has issued fresh multi-billion dollar tenders for the Trojena ski resort, which currently features half-finished structures and numerous cranes.
NEOM Megaproject Construction Progresses with Oxagon Seaport Dry Earth-Moving
Construction on Saudi Arabia's NEOM megaproject, including The Line and Oxagon, is actively progressing with visual evidence of concrete works and infrastructure development. NEOM's chief operating officer shared photos highlighting ongoing activity, and a new phase at the Oxagon seaport project has commenced with dry earth-moving work. While the original 170km vision for The Line is considered unlikely, construction for its first phase, Hidden Marina, is proceeding with plans for vertical construction.
The Line COO Giles Pendleton shares new photos of concrete works progressing at site
New photos shared by The Line's Chief Operating Officer, Giles Pendleton, showed concrete works progressing, with a long trench, concrete base, and numerous cranes active on the site.
January 2025 — 5 developments
NEOM announces revised completion for The Line by 2045, with costs exceeding $8.8 trillion
Vertical construction for NEOM's The Line is slated to begin by the end of 2025, with a revised completion projection for the megacity now set for 2045 and estimated costs exceeding $8.8 trillion. Progress on the Trojena ski resort faces engineering challenges and tight deadlines for the 2029 Asian Winter Games, while a 5 km segment of The Line is targeted for completion by 2030.
NEOM officials confirm vertical construction on The Line to begin by end of 2025
NEOM officials confirmed that vertical construction on The Line was slated to begin by the end of 2025, marking a transition from groundwork to building the actual structures.
Saudi Arabia scales back NEOM's 'The Line' megaproject due to financial difficulties
Saudi Arabia's NEOM megaproject is facing significant scaling back, with reports indicating that vertical construction for 'The Line' was slated to begin in late 2025. Foreign contractors have been gradually stood down since late 2024 due to financial difficulties, leading to a reprioritization of projects. An official cited by The Times stated, "We spent too much. We rushed at 100 miles an hour. We are now running deficits. We need to reprioritize."
NEOM's Chief Development Officer Dennis Hickey provided updates on the $500 billion project
NEOM's Chief Development Officer Dennis Hickey provided updates on the $500 billion project in early 2025, highlighting construction work on The Line and other regions. By late 2025, only a 2.4-kilometer segment of The Line was constructed, with completion projected for 2045, and financial constraints led to an $8 billion write-down by the Public Investment Fund. Trojena's ski resort faced challenges with its artificial mountain lake ahead of the 2029 Asian Winter Games.
NEOM advances 'The Line' with rapid excavation and piling, develops Trojena luxury mountain destination
NEOM has revealed significant progress on 'The Line', with rapid excavation and site preparation underway for its first three modules. The project is also undertaking the world's largest piling operation, having installed over 4,500 foundational piles. Separately, Trojena is being developed as a luxury mountain destination featuring ski slopes and event facilities, contradicting earlier reports of delays and postponements.
October 2024 — 1 developments
NEOM establishes SAR 700 million concrete factory for The Line construction
NEOM established a SAR 700 million concrete factory specifically to support the massive construction demands of The Line.
July 2024 — 3 developments
NEOM's 'The Line' construction progresses with visible excavation and infrastructure development
Construction on Saudi Arabia's NEOM project, 'The Line,' is ongoing with visible excavation and infrastructure development, according to aerial images from July 2024. NEOM's Chief Operating Officer stated in May 2024 that The Line would be built in phases, with the first phase launching later that year. Trojena, NEOM's mountain destination, aims to open in 2026 and host the 2029 Asian Winter Games.
NEOM re-tenders Trojena Ski Village contract to meet 2029 Asian Winter Games deadline
Construction work on Saudi Arabia's NEOM projects, including 'The Line' and Trojena, continues with ongoing excavation and infrastructure development. NEOM is re-tendering the main construction contract for the Trojena Ski Village to maintain its schedule for hosting the 2029 Asian Winter Games, with the project initially targeted for a 2026 debut.
Saudi Arabia Halves NEOM Project Spending to $26.6 Billion for 2025
Saudi Arabia is significantly cutting spending on its NEOM project for 2025, reducing the budget by 50% to $26.6 billion. The project is undergoing a strategic pause and recalibration, shifting focus from rapid expansion to a more thoughtful redirection towards its people. Additionally, the Trojena ski resort is unlikely to be ready to host the 2029 Asian Winter Games.
May 2024 — 1 developments
NEOM's Trojena Ski Resort Faces $5 Billion in Contract Cancellations Amidst Project Recalibration
Contracts worth $5 billion for NEOM's Trojena ski resort have been cancelled, including work on a dam. The future of the resort is uncertain following the postponement of the 2029 Winter Olympics. Conflicting reports also continue regarding the scale and potential repurposing of 'The Line' megaproject.
April 2024 — 2 developments
Construction photos show progress on Saudi Arabia's scaled-back 'The Line' megacity
Photos released in April 2025 show ongoing concrete works for Saudi Arabia's 'The Line' megacity, with construction activity visible in the desert. Reports from late 2025 and early 2026 indicate that the project's ambitious plans have been scaled back due to financial pressures, with potential for a significantly smaller population.
Bloomberg reports Saudi Arabia scales down The Line project; Saudi officials deny claims
Reports emerged, notably from Bloomberg, suggesting that the initial phase of The Line would be significantly scaled down to just 2.4 km (1.5 miles) by its expected 2030 completion date, a considerable reduction from the original 170 km vision. Saudi officials, however, denied these claims.
September 2023 — 1 developments
NEOM Releases Film Showcasing Rapid Construction Progress on The Line
NEOM released a film showcasing rapid construction progress on The Line, indicating significant groundwork and initial development.
July 2022 — 1 developments
NEOM Board Unveils Detailed Designs for The Line Skyscraper Concept
Detailed designs for The Line were publicly unveiled by the NEOM board of directors, providing a clearer visual of the ambitious mirrored skyscraper concept.
October 2021 — 1 developments
Earthworks for The Line project officially commenced.
Earthworks for The Line project officially commenced.