NEOM is Not Vision 2030: Unpacking the Bigger Picture of Saudi Arabia's Transformation

NEOM. The name alone conjures images of futuristic skylines, flying taxis, mirrored megastructures, and artificial intelligence woven into the very fabric of daily life. But here’s the catch: NEOM is not Vision 2030. It’s a project within it—an important one, yes—but it does not define the vision. In fact, reducing Vision 2030 to NEOM is not just inaccurate—it risks overlooking the true breadth of Saudi Arabia’s unprecedented transformation.

Vision 2030: A National Blueprint, Not a Construction Project

Vision 2030 is the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s comprehensive strategy for economic diversification, social reform, and national empowerment. Introduced in 2016 by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, this framework outlines a bold plan to reduce dependency on oil, elevate the quality of life, and position Saudi Arabia as a global hub in investment, tourism, innovation, and culture.

It’s a national mindset shift that touches everything—from empowering Saudi women to enter new industries, to building a thriving cultural scene, to digitizing government services and fostering a vibrant private sector.

NEOM: A Symbol of Innovation, Not the Whole Story

NEOM is one of many giga-projects launched to reflect and support Vision 2030. Positioned along the Red Sea in the northwest of the Kingdom, NEOM is a $500 billion smart city designed to redefine urban living through sustainability, advanced tech, and disruptive thinking.

Yet, NEOM—while captivating in its scale—is just one of the many engines powering Vision 2030’s ambitions. Others include Qiddiya (entertainment), Diriyah Gate (heritage), the Red Sea Project (tourism), and countless initiatives in education, health, mining, and finance.

NEOM's Plan and Timeline: A Long-Term Bet

The scope of NEOM is massive, and so is its timeline. Here’s a closer look at its core components:

• The Line: A 170-km linear city with no cars or roads, housing 9 million residents.
  • 2021: Announced.
  • 2024: Initial construction of a 2.4 km segment.
  • 2030: Completion of this first segment (~300,000 residents).
  • 2045: Full project realization.
• Oxagon: A floating industrial city designed to lead in advanced manufacturing and clean energy.
  • 2025: First port terminal completion.
• Trojena: A mountain destination that will offer year-round outdoor skiing and wellness.
  • 2026: Initial opening.
  • 2029: Hosts the Asian Winter Games.
• Sindalah: A luxury Red Sea island resort.
  • 2024: Opened to visitors.

Recalibrations and Realism

As 2030 approaches, reports have suggested that the Kingdom is reassessing timelines for some NEOM elements. Originally designed to house millions by 2030, only a small segment of The Line is now planned to be completed by then. This is not failure—it's strategic recalibration. But it underscores an important point: Vision 2030 was never only about NEOM. It was always about systemic, widespread reform.

Real Vision 2030 Wins Are Happening All Around Us

• Over 1.5 million Saudi women joined the workforce in new sectors.
• Saudi Arabia became one of the fastest-growing G20 economies.
• The entertainment sector exploded with music festivals, film production, and global partnerships.
• Tech startups and AI innovation hubs are rising across Riyadh and Jeddah.
• New visa systems brought millions of first-time visitors to the Kingdom.

None of these came from NEOM. They came from deliberate reforms, leadership, and the resilience of the Saudi people.

Let’s Stop the Confusion

Equating Vision 2030 with NEOM narrows our understanding of a much broader transformation. NEOM is a chapter—perhaps even a flagship—in the story. But the real magic is happening in classrooms, boardrooms, public policy offices, and living rooms across the nation.

Conclusion: The Vision Is Bigger Than a City

NEOM is futuristic. Vision 2030 is foundational. One is a stage for innovation; the other is the blueprint for national rebirth. As we move toward 2030 and beyond, let’s celebrate NEOM as a bold experiment—but keep our eyes on the bigger picture: the rise of a vibrant, empowered, and future-ready Saudi Arabia.

Talk to your colleagues. Post about the policy wins. Visit the heritage sites. Support local startups. Let’s all take part in Vision 2030—not just watch it happen through the lens of a single mega-city.

This article is published in The Vision Gazette, a platform for stories shaping Saudi Arabia’s future.