Hidden Marina: The First Step in THE LINE’s Visionary Future

THE LINE, an ambitious urban development within NEOM, is redefining the future of sustainable, high-tech living. This revolutionary linear city aims to be car-free, AI-driven, and eco-conscious, offering a model for future urban developments. The first phase of this groundbreaking project is Hidden Marina, a crucial segment setting the foundation for the entire city. Hidden Marina will showcase next-gen construction technology, smart city infrastructure, and cutting-edge urban planning. A key enabler of this vision is Building Information Modeling (BIM), which plays a central role in its planning, execution, and long-term management.

Introducing Hidden Marina

NEOM, Saudi Arabia’s visionary $1 trillion mega-project, takes a major step forward with Hidden Marina, the first phase of its ambitious urban development known as THE LINE. As the first physical manifestation of THE LINE, Hidden Marina represents NEOM’s commitment to redefining urban living for the 21st century and beyond.

Key Highlights:

· Location & Scale: Strategically placed within THE LINE, Hidden Marina acts as a gateway for innovation.

· Purpose: Serves as a testing ground for sustainable infrastructure, advanced construction techniques, and AI-driven city planning.

· Vision: To lay the foundation for a hyper-connected, efficient, and sustainable city.

· Built-Up Area: Exceeding 21 million square meters, surpassing global landmarks like Burj Khalifa.

· Residential Capacity: Over 200,000 residents, with 80,000+ residential units.

· Hospitality Facilities: 9,000 hotel rooms integrated seamlessly into the urban fabric.

· Essential Services: Schools, fire stations, security services, and commercial hubs embedded within the city.

Hidden Marina’s Modular Design

The development introduces a fully integrated, vertical city built in modular 800-meter sections. This approach maximizes land use efficiency while incorporating diverse urban functions vertically rather than horizontally. Three interconnected modules form the core of Hidden Marina, facilitating easy movement and interaction between different areas.

Height and Scale

· Height: 500 meters, redefining the skyline.

· Structure: Vertical orientation integrates various urban functions within a compact footprint.

· Commercial & Retail Spaces: Catering to businesses from small enterprises to global corporations.

Innovative Features of Hidden Marina

1. Automated Rebar Production & Smart Construction

· BIM-driven workflows guide automated rebar production, optimizing efficiency and minimizing material waste.

· Digital fabrication methods ensure precision engineering and faster construction timelines.

2. Sustainable Infrastructure & Smart City Tech

· Eco-friendly design powered by renewable energy and intelligent water management.

· BIM-powered energy modeling optimizes thermal efficiency and sustainable building practices.

· AI-driven infrastructure enhances urban mobility, smart waste management, and energy efficiency.

· Green Spaces & Vertical Gardens improve air quality and provide natural cooling.

3. Hyper-Connected & AI-Driven Urban Planning

· Car-free, pedestrian-first design optimizing walkability and connectivity.

· BIM-integrated urban modeling ensures real-time infrastructure management.

· Digital twin technology enables real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance of urban functions.

The Role of NEOM in Redefining Urban Spaces

NEOM’s vision for THE LINE represents a radical shift in urban design:

· No roads, no cars — AI-driven transport systems replace traditional road networks.

· Sustainable architecture — reducing the carbon footprint while maximizing efficiency.

· BIM as the backbone — integrating architecture, engineering, and city operations into a dynamic system.

By leveraging BIM & digital twin technology, NEOM ensures every aspect of Hidden Marina is efficiently designed, executed, and maintained within its broader smart city ecosystem.

Construction Progress of Hidden Marina

· Workforce: Over 140,000 workers engaged, with 5,000+ dedicated to Hidden Marina.

· Diversity: Over 100 nationalities involved, with 40% comprising local Saudi talent.

· Construction Milestones: Foundational infrastructure and initial modules progressing rapidly.

The Future of THE LINE: What Comes Next?

Beyond Hidden Marina, future phases will focus on:

· Expanding AI-driven city services for ultra-efficient living.

· Advanced sustainable construction powered by prefabrication & robotics.

· BIM-enabled real-time monitoring of urban infrastructure for long-term maintenance.

THE LINE is not just a city—it’s a blueprint for the future of global urban planning, setting a precedent for hyper-connected, efficient, and sustainable cities worldwide.

Other Exciting Developments at NEOM

Luxury Hospitality Ventures

· Hyatt’s Two Luxury Hotels: Park Hyatt Jaumur & Andaz Jaumur Marina in the Gulf of Aqaba.

· Zannier Zardun Eco-Resort: Sustainable luxury retreat in NEOM’s Magna region.

· Capella at Elanan: A holistic wellness retreat along NEOM’s coastline.

· The Ritz-Carlton Reserve Trojena: Exclusive Mountain resort featuring 60 luxury villas.

· Raffles Trojena: Ring-shaped hotel with 105 guestrooms, set at 2,300m altitude.

Sindalah: A New Red Sea Destination

· The Luxury Collection & Autograph Collection Hotels: High-end accommodations with premier marina access.

· Four Seasons at Sindalah: 225 luxury accommodations, 52 villas with private pools, and exclusive amenities.

Trojena: The Ultimate Mountain Escape

· W Hotel Trojena: 236 guest rooms and 47 suites overlooking mountains and freshwater lakes.

· JW Marriott Hotel Trojena: 500 lavish rooms with advanced aquatic paradise.

· Anantara Resort Trojena: Situated around an artificial lake with premium experiences.

· 25-Hours Trojena: Futuristic eco-friendly hotel with a rooftop restaurant and cinema.

Want to know everything about the NEOM project, read this neom megacity guide.

FAQs

1. What is Hidden Marina?

Hidden Marina is the first phase of THE LINE, a futuristic, sustainable megacity within NEOM. It is a 2.5 km-long, 500-meter-tall structure designed to house over 200,000 residents with cutting-edge technology and green infrastructure.

2. Why is Hidden Marina significant?

Hidden Marina serves as a model for future segments of THE LINE, showcasing innovations in automation, sustainable energy, and urban planning. It is crucial in NEOM’s vision of creating a bright, car-free city.

3. How does Hidden Marina contribute to sustainability?

The project runs entirely on renewable energy, promotes zero-carbon transportation, and integrates smart city solutions to reduce environmental impact while improving residents’ quality of life.

4. What advanced construction techniques are being used?

To enhance efficiency, safety, and sustainability, NEOM has invested in robotics and AI-driven automation, particularly in rebar production and construction processes.

5. When will Hidden Marina be completed?

While an official completion date has not been announced, construction is actively progressing, and future updates will provide more details on the timeline.

6. How does Hidden Marina fit into THE LINE’s larger vision?

Hidden Marina is just the beginning of THE LINE’s phased development. It sets the foundation for the larger city, which will eventually span 170 km and revolutionize urban living with AI-driven governance, sustainable infrastructure, and vertical urban planning.

Conclusion

Hidden Marina is more than just the first phase of THE LINE—it’s a living prototype for futuristic urban living. By integrating BIM, AI, and sustainable construction, NEOM is proving that smart, eco-friendly cities are no longer a dream but a reality in the making.