Imagine waking up to a view of the Red Sea, walking to work through a climate-controlled corridor, and never needing a car again. That’s everyday life in NEOM — Saudi Arabia’s futuristic city project set to redefine what “smart living” means by 2026. For the first residents moving in, this isn’t science fiction anymore; it’s home.
The Vision Behind NEOM’s Smart Living
NEOM, part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, is more than a mega-project. It’s an entirely new urban blueprint — powered by renewable energy, built around artificial intelligence, and designed for zero emissions. The Line, Trojena, Oxagon, and Sindalah make up the four pillars of this next-generation region, each engineered to serve a distinct lifestyle: residential, industrial, touristic, and ecological.
By 2026, the first residential zones along The Line are expected to welcome citizens, engineers, and innovators — people eager to live in a place where sustainability is built into every detail.
“NEOM isn’t about building the future; it’s about living in it,” said a city planner during the 2025 Smart Region Forum.
How Smart Living Works in NEOM
Every building in NEOM is connected through a single digital infrastructure. Sensors monitor air quality, traffic flow, and even food supply levels in real time. Homes come with AI-assisted energy systems that adjust lighting and temperature automatically. Delivery drones and underground transport pods replace cars and roads entirely.
Energy That Powers the Future
NEOM is built to operate entirely on renewable energy — solar, wind, and hydrogen. Smart grids predict usage peaks and redirect power instantly, ensuring zero blackout risk. It’s a living experiment in clean energy management, setting benchmarks for future Saudi smart cities like those covered in Saudi Arabia’s Smart Cities.
AI in Everyday Life
AI isn’t hidden in NEOM — it’s everywhere. From security systems to digital healthcare, every resident interacts with machine learning daily. Your building knows your schedule, your fridge orders groceries, and your wearable device syncs with medical services in real time. The system is designed for comfort, but also for balance — human-centered, not machine-dominated.
Work and Business Opportunities
NEOM is also becoming the Gulf’s newest economic engine. Startups in robotics, biotech, and energy innovation find a home here, supported by tax-friendly policies and access to global investors. The early wave of entrepreneurs reflects the new business optimism seen across the Kingdom’s economy, similar to what drives growth in Saudi Youth and startup programs in Riyadh.
Mobility Without Cars
In NEOM, transport feels invisible. A high-speed rail system runs through The Line, connecting districts within minutes. Underground logistics pods carry supplies while drones deliver smaller items door-to-door. For longer routes, electric air taxis and smart mobility hubs replace traditional traffic networks, following the sustainability model introduced by Riyadh Metro 2026.
Life, Leisure, and Balance
NEOM residents can expect parks that light up through kinetic energy, cafés run by robots, and entertainment powered by renewable grids. Schools teach AI coding alongside Arabic literature. Restaurants feature lab-grown seafood from the Red Sea project. It’s luxury grounded in sustainability — clean air, walkable spaces, and zero waste.
“It’s not just a place to live,” one NEOM architect said. “It’s a new rhythm of life.”
Community and Culture
Despite its futuristic setup, NEOM emphasizes culture and inclusion. Public art installations, green amphitheaters, and virtual cultural hubs are designed to host Saudi traditions alongside global performances. Locals call it “a city built for collaboration,” where lifestyle meets technology without losing identity.
Challenges and Adaptation
Like any mega-project, NEOM faces logistical and social challenges — from desert climate adaptation to ensuring affordability. But planners argue that the model will evolve gradually, scaling as technology matures. Early residents are part of that experiment, testing the boundaries of what a “smart city” can truly be.
Looking Toward 2026
By late 2026, NEOM expects to host thousands of residents in smart modular housing. Businesses, schools, and research centers will follow. What makes it powerful isn’t the tech itself — it’s the belief that a city can be sustainable, efficient, and still deeply human.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is NEOM?
NEOM is Saudi Arabia’s $500 billion smart city project designed for renewable energy, innovation, and high-tech living under Vision 2030.
When will residents move into NEOM?
The first phase of residential areas within The Line is expected to open by late 2026 for early settlers and project staff.
How is NEOM different from other smart cities?
NEOM integrates renewable energy, AI infrastructure, and human-centered design — no cars, no pollution, and fully digital city management.
