Source: NEOM’s website, a depiction of “The Line” - originally set to be 105 miles, though scaled to launch (as of April 2024) at 1.5 miles long

It’s August, so we figured it’s okay to take a meander through the world of science fiction and feature NEOM, a planned region in Saudi Arabia. As a preface, Scanalytics notes that we do not have any stake in NEOM. (Though if you’re reading this and a part of the planning committee, smart flooring is born for this - we’re all ears!) We also offer that everything human-made, be it a tale of science fiction, a planned modern city, smart flooring, or the shirt you’re wearing, is created twice. First, it started as an idea. Then, this imagined idea evolved into a concrete reality through planning, building blocks, setbacks, breakthroughs, and action.

NEOM is an idea that is being built as a multi-project region in Saudi Arabia. Matrix fans will appreciate Neo (the One) in the name, which in this case means “new” with the ‘m’ representing the first letter of mustaqbal, the Arabic word for future. Budget you ask? $500 Billion with a “B.” By way of context, Norway and Singapore each have GDP of a little over 500B, so this science fiction dream city has some meat in its sandwich.

Where is NEOM?

NEOM has different areas covering an area 33 times as big as New York City, along the beautiful Red Sea, across from the acclaimed Sharm El-Sheikh resort area in Egypt. This is borrowed straight from Saudi Arab’s Tourist Website:

The Line will be Neom’s epicenter and some people consider it the future capital of the region. The Line is a 170-km city built in a linear shape with buildings 1,640 feet high. Aside from the unique, thin design, there are some other headline-grabbing features of this city such as how Neom will ban cars.

Sindalah Island will be constructed as Saudi Arabia’s luxury island destination in the Red Sea. Sindalah will offer a golf course, a marina, three exclusive hotels, and expects to host 2,400 visitors every day by 2028. It will be perfect for the sun chasers and those who love water activities.

Trojena will offer an alternative adventure for tourists with hiking trails and mountainous views. The region will be made of natural wonders to cater to experiential seasons throughout the year. These will include wellness season, winter season, adventure season, and lake season.

OXAGON will be where Saudi Arabia explores the circular economy, with an emphasis on exploring how industry and technology can co-exist with the natural environment. It will also double as the largest cruise port in the Red Sea.

Mountainous Oxagan promotes manufacturing, port trade with skiing in the winter and outdoor activities year-round

AI and Smart Buildings: The Heart of NEOM

AI will be the brain of NEOM, managing everything from energy distribution to security and transportation. Smart buildings in NEOM will be equipped with advanced AI systems that monitor and optimize energy usage, ensuring that each building operates at peak efficiency. These buildings will also feature smart sensors that can detect everything from occupancy to air quality, adjusting systems like HVAC and lighting in real time to provide the best possible environment for residents and workers. (Sounds like Smart Flooring would be a great fit in many areas here.)

Energy Efficiency: NEOM is committed to being powered entirely by renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and hydrogen. AI will play a crucial role in managing these energy systems, predicting demand, and optimizing the distribution of energy to ensure that the city’s needs are met without wasting resources. By integrating AI with smart grids, NEOM aims to reduce energy consumption by up to 30%, setting a new standard for energy-efficient urban living. (Scanalytics offers that our product has been proven by the DOE/ARPA-E to reduce energy consumption by 35%.)
Security: Security is another area where AI will have a significant impact in NEOM. AI-driven surveillance systems will monitor public spaces, detecting unusual activity and responding instantly to potential threats. These systems will be integrated with the city’s infrastructure, allowing for a coordinated response to emergencies. Additionally, smart buildings will be equipped with biometric access control systems, ensuring that only authorized individuals can enter sensitive areas.

The Budget and Ambition of NEOM

This massive investment reflects the ambition of the project, which aims to create a new standard for urban living that can be replicated around the world. NEOM hopes to contribute $100 billion to Saudi Arabia’s GDP by 2030, with the potential to create hundreds of thousands of jobs in industries like technology, energy, and tourism and to help the country evolve multiple revenue sources beyond its currently prosperous dependence on oil.

The Role of Technology in NEOM

Technology is at the core of NEOM’s development, with AI, robotics, and advanced materials playing key roles in the construction and operation of the city. NEOM will be a testbed for new technologies, offering companies and researchers a unique environment in which to develop and deploy innovative solutions. The city’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in its use of clean energy, with solar and wind power being the primary sources of electricity. NEOM is also exploring the use of hydrogen as a clean fuel, with plans to develop one of the world’s largest green hydrogen plants.

Glass-bottomed hotels and the world’s longest infinity pool are amongst the proposals

Challenges and Opportunities

While NEOM’s vision is undeniably ambitious, it also faces significant challenges. The scale of the project means that it will require unprecedented levels of coordination and collaboration between governments, businesses, and researchers. Additionally, the harsh desert environment and politically unstable broader region present unique challenges for construction, sustainability, and human resources. However, these challenges also present opportunities for innovation, as NEOM’s developers will need to find new ways to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals.

Conclusion: NEOM’s Impact on the Future

Here at Scanalytics, we salute the ambition to turn a dream of an advanced, efficient, eco-friendly and fun city into a reality. In key ways, major milestones are already in place: an idea hatched, a hefty budget, and a detailed plan and the sheer human will to build it. With its focus on AI, smart buildings, and renewable energy, NEOM has the potential to redefine what it means to live in a city.

As NEOM continues to develop, it will serve as a proving ground for the technologies and ideas that will shape the cities of the future. Whether it’s the use of AI to optimize energy usage, the integration of smart sensors to improve security and efficiency, or the creation of a new urban environment that prioritizes sustainability, we’ve got our popcorn ready to watch NEOM reinvent what it means to live this human built experience.

NEOM: Science Fiction Smart City Becoming a Reality in Saudi Arabia