Energy & Economics
Neom: economic perspectives and its mobility pillar

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Energy & Economics
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First Published in: Oct.01,2025
Oct.01, 2025
Saudi Vision 2030
First announced on April 25th, 2016, by Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Saudi Vision 2030 became the roadmap and goals the Saudi government was expecting to achieve within the next 15 years.
The Saudi Vision 2030 is a wide government program which aims to achieve and increase an economic diversification, including also a social and cultural transformation, all in line with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s vision of Saudi Arabia for the future.
Presented as an “ambitious yet achievable blueprint” the Saudi Vision 2030 is based on three pillars: 1) The first one is to make Saudi Arabia the “heart of the Arab and Islamic worlds”; 2) Become a global investment powerhouse and 3) transform the Kingdom into a global hub connecting Asia, Europe and Africa.
Moreover, Saudi Vision 2030 is centered in three specific themes, which includes specific objectives and goals to be achieved by 2030:
1) A vibrant society: focus on society - citizens and residents – by prioritizing physical, psychological and social wellbeing in order to create a society that can enjoy a high quality of life, a healthy lifestyle and an attractive living environment.
2) A thriving economy: create an environment that supports economic growth and job creation for Saudis, focusing on young, skilled and talented people, but also attracting the best global talents. The Kingdom is aiming to become a leading and competitive global economy, open to business and investments, and looking for innovations, diversifications and ensuring sustainability.
3) An ambitious nation: No matter the role – citizens, businesses, non-profit organizations - everyone contributes to the development of Saudi Arabia. This should be complemented with an effectively governed country.
After 10 years from its inauguration, Saudi Vision 2030 has already been working on different projects and initiatives. Including tourism, heritage, medical, sports, cultural, environmental, energy and business, among other key projects, the Saudi Vision 2030 therefore has become a unique and ambitious long-term project for the Kingdom.
NEOM
A highlight from the Saudi Vision 2030 is NEOM, a futuristic and planned region located in the northwest part of the country, next to the Red Sea, which aims to be powered fully by renewable energy and led by the Public Investment Fund.
The area considered for NEOM is 26,500 km2 and it includes industrial complexes, floating ports and a global trade hub (Oxagon), sustainable tourist and luxury resorts (Magna, Trojena and Sindalah) and a futuristic linear city (The Line), among others… Overall it is “gigaproject”, itself.
Figure 1: Map of NEOM region and its subprojects. Source: Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc./Refugio Mariscal. https://www.britannica.com/place/Neom#/media/1/2270136/340484
NEOM pillars
In line with the Saudi Vision 2030, NEOM also has defined 15 sectors as their pillars: biotech, design & construction, education and R&D, energy, entertainment & culture, financial services, food, health & well-being, manufacturing, media, mobility, sports, technology & digital, tourism and water.
Mobility
Focusing only on the mobility pillar, NEOM seeks to lead in innovation and integration of autonomous solutions in the mobility area, while creating smart and sustainable solutions (powered by renewable energy) to connect and provide a multi-modal regional mobility system.
The proposed mobility system is important as it would be the link between people and the services provided in the region. Moreover, as a futuristic and smart project, it seeks to change the traditional car-centered approach into a shared, on-demand, intelligent and active approach, in which short walks, the use of bicycles, as well as shared and on-demand multi-modal public transportations would be prioritized, increasing health and people’s wellbeing.
In addition, the Kingdom has used this opportunity to help it fight against climate change and global warming and achieve its 2030 and 2050 goals of reducing emission by 45% and reaching net zero emissions, respectively. Somehow mentioned already, the proposals and challenges include the promotion of low-carbon transport systems, green spaces and resilient infrastructure integrated into a seamless environment.
Going a bit more in detail, the mobility plan in NEOM focuses on 6 main areas: rail mobility, urban mobility, roads and infrastructure, advanced air mobility, water mobility and digital mobility.
Smart transportation systems and investments
To manage the urban and intercity transportation efficiently and sustainably, NEOM is investing heavily in smart logistics, automation, and zero-emission mobility. Modern transport vehicles, integrated rail systems, and innovative water and air mobility solutions are central to this vision.
Land Transportation and Logistics
Autonomous Transfer Vehicles (ATVs)
These are designed for high-capacity horizontal transport in large construction sites, warehouses, and port terminals. They reduce operator requirements with autonomous navigation supported by laser and ultrasonic sensors; they are managed centrally through remote control and fleet management software. With customizable dimensions, ATVs, save time, reduce costs, and integrate logistics data.
Straddle Carrier Systems
Used mainly in port terminals and storage areas (NEOM’s port area), these carries handle containers and heavy loads of 5 to 100 tons. They reach speeds of up to 80 m/min, have 360° turning capability, and operate with lithium batteries, optimizing high-frequency logistics operations.
Electric Town Tractors and Platform Trucks
Electric town tractors provide a silent, emission-free and cost-effective solution for NEOM’s urban logistics, with fast-charging technology, long range and a modular design. In addition, electric platform trucks support high-capacity internal logistics solutions in NEOM’s factories, construction sites and warehouses.
Electric Cars and EV Industry
Ceer, the first Saudi electric vehicle brand, will design, manufacture and sell sedans and SUVs, with a target market focus on the Kingdom and in the MENA region. In addition, companies like Lucid Group Inc. (focused on long-range and fast-charging electric cars) is building a factory with an expected peak production of 155,000 vehicles per year, encouraging, along with Ceer, to shift towards the EV, while promoting the development of EV infrastructures and zero-emissions environments. Companies like REDEX also support this shift by developing systems to monitor energy, EV integration, and green hydrogen production data.
Shared and micro mobility
Motorcycles, scooters and bicycles are gaining popularity in the Kingdom and companies like UAE-based Udrive has seen a potential market and has launched projects for shared mobility and vehicles rentals, aiming to grow this sector further in the Kingdom.
Public Transport and Buses
Following a 2024 MoU with Hyundai Motors, NEOM tested the Hyundai Universe Fuel Cell Bus in Trojena as a VIP service. This hydrogen-powered bus marks a milestone for zero-emission mobility. Supporting infrastructure is growing, with Enowa (NEOM’s energy and water subsidiary) installing the first hydrogen refueling station in the area.
Figure 2: Hyundai’s Fuel Cell Bus Diagram. Source: Hyundai UNIVERSE Fuel Cell. https://ecv.hyundai.com/global/en/products/universe-fuel-cell-fcev
Rail Transportation
SYSTRA has led NEOM’s integrated electric rail project since 2021, conducting feasibility studies, technology benchmark and pre-design. The system includes:
- The Spine: a $1.5 billion, 75 km backbone with high-speed, metro and freight lines. It features 14 viaducts, 7 roads, 9 overpasses, and 152 culverts, connecting The Line, Nea, City Station, Neom Bay Mansions, Neom Bay Airport, and Oxagon. It is designed to minimize environmental impact and connect the region.
- Industrial City Connector: metro and freight lines serving NEOM’s industrial zone.
- Tourism: a funicular line in the touristic mountainous area.
Future solutions like the Hyperloop are also under consideration.
Figure 3: Oxagon’s development area. Source: NEOM. https://www.neom.com/en-us/regions/oxagon
Water Transportation System
IDOM is designing a sustainable waterborne transportation system along NEOM’s 650 km of coastline and islands. This system will ensure safe, high-quality, and accessible services for all users. Additionally, REGENT plans to establish a regional R&D and training hub in NEOM to develop its flagship electric Seaglider vessel for passenger transport, tourism, and other uses.
Figure 4: REGENT Seaglider. Source: Regent. https://www.regentcraft.com/seagliders/viceroy
Air Mobility
NEOM is partnering with Volocopter (investment of 175 million EUR) to develop eVTOL air taxis and emergency response vehicles. An initial fleet of 15 aircraft has been launched, with testing of an unmanned traffic management (UTM) system underway. Future plans include connecting NEOM cities with eVTOLs.
Figure 5: Volocopeter VoloCity (prototype). Source: Electric VTOL News / Volocopter. https://evtol.news/volocopter-volocity/
Principles and Green Infrastructure
Across all modes, NEOM emphasizes on-demand and connected services, active and micro mobility, electric and zero-emission vehicles powered by renewable energy, and autonomous public transport. Green infrastructure initiatives include over 160 EV charging points, mobile solar charging, systems, and shared EV and micromobility program, as well as the mentioned hydrogen station.
NEOM is collaborating with Pony.ai to develop autonomous vehicles and introduce the first robotaxis in Saudi Arabia, supported by a $100 million investment.
Oxagon, Trojena and The Line Subprojects
Oxagon, Trojena and The Line are part of NEOM, and they will rely on, promote and develop certain mobility strategies according to their proper characteristics, these are as follow:
- Oxagon: it is a purpose-built coastal city, located on the Red Sea. It aims to become a hub that works under a circular economy with efficient, sustainable and profitable gains, the port city will rely on embedded robotics, automatization, AI and IoT. Due to its characteristics, therefore, the city transportation links must ensure connectivity (within and outside the city) and it will be integrating transport corridors, as well as a well designed sustainable mass transit system for the industrial area itself.
- Trojena: calling to become a world-class center for winter sports and adventures Trojena is moving into the inclusion of Advanced Air Mobility, autonomous electric pods, a funicular and an urban ropeway, balancing the adventurous experience with a car-free and natural environment.
- The Line: A futuristic city fueled only by renewable energy, which will prioritize people and nature, enhancing the urban living conditions and the urban sustainability. The idea behind The Line is to prioritize health and wellbeing over transportation and infrastructure. It would be home to up to 9 million people, who would live in an urban-nature environment, with ideal climate all-year-round and with 5 min-walk access to all facilities and 20 min maximum commuting times. A city without cars but connected with other systems such as a high-speed transit system, an ART (autonomous rapid transit), a PRT (premium rapid transit), shuttles, pods, bicycles, scooters and elevators.
Figure 6: The Line living and architectural concept.
Countries reactions and current situation
When the Saudi Vision 2030 was launched many countries reacted positively, including the UAE, Bahrain and the US, while others like China or India showed some pragmatic interest. Still, reactions could be said to be positive overall. Diversification, trade, economic alliances and opportunities, investments, cooperation, jobs creation and openness to the world seemed to be positive points. Nonetheless, there were certain concerns regardless the society and the economy of the country (specifically the financial viability for the “gigaprojects” involved)
Now, after 9 years from being launched, Saudi Vision 2030 still seems a far and ambitious vision difficult to achieve, considering that 2030 is 5 years from now, yet it is possible to see that there is advance and a plan that has been paved already. At different levels, there has been an improvement, and more is coming.
In recent years, the Kingdom has been in the eyes of the world due to its ambitious plans and on-site constructions have already started, it will be a matter of time to see the results. On the other hand, in terms of innovation and R&D, there has been a boost in different strategic areas, and money seems to be flowing into the Kingdom.
Clear examples are shown in the mobility area where companies like REGENT, Volocopter and Pony.ai have invested huge amounts of money, have established and have worked together within the future transportation for the NEOM region and the country itself. In the same line, Ceer, the first Saudi automotive brand, is aiming to impact not only in the region but in the whole region.
Conclusión
NEOM’s mobility pillar is more than a transport strategy – it is a testbed for new technologies, from hydrogen buses to seagliders and eVTOLs. If successful, it will not only modernize Saudi Arabia’s infrastructure but also position the Kingdom as a global leader in sustainable and innovative mobility.
Still, challenges remain: large-scale financing, infrastructure delivery, and societal adaptation. For now, we will have to wait some years until we can see radical or real changes, after all, Saudi Arabia seems to be working hard and in line with its Saudi Vision 2030.
References
https://english.alarabiya.net/perspective/features/2016/04/26/Full-text-of-Saudi-Arabia-s-Vision-2030 (Consulted 11/09/2025)
https://www.vision2030.gov.sa/en/explore/projects/neom (Consulted 11/09/2025)
https://www.vision2030.gov.sa/en/explore/projects/the-line (Consulted 12/09/2025)
https://www.volocopter.com/en (Consulted 12/09/2025)
https://www.regentcraft.com/seagliders/viceroy (Consulted 12/09/2025)
https://ceermotors.com/about-us/ (Consulted 12/09/2025)
https://english.alarabiya.net/News/middle-east/2016/04/26/Global-reactions-to-Saudi-Vision-2030-announcement (Consulted 12/09/2025)
https://boltflight.com/saudi-arabias-jaw-dropping-reputation-surge-how-vision-2030-is-transforming-the-kingdom-into-a-global-powerhouse/ (Consulted 12/09/2025)
https://www.pif.gov.sa/en/our-investments/giga-projects/neom/ (Consulted 12/09/2025)
https://www.fada.com.tr/en/blogs/en-the-role-of-smart-transportation-systems-in-saudi-arabia-s-neom-project/ (Consulted 19/09/2025 and 20/09/2025)
https://www.idom.com/en/project/water-mobility-strategy-design-water-mobility-project-management-office-pmo-for-neom/ (Consulted 19/09/2025 and 20/09/2025)
https://www.idom.com/en/new/defining-the-water-public-transport-system-of-the-future/ (Consulted 19/09/2025 and 20/09/2025)
https://www.htwo.hyundai.com/en/worldwide/press-releases/article/Hyundai_Motor_Group_Pioneers_Hydrogen_Mobility_in_NEOM_to_Drive_Sustainable_Transport (Consulted 19/09/2025 and 20/09/2025)
https://futuretransport-news.com/saudi-arabia-hyundai-trials-hydrogen-bus-in-neoms-mountainous-terrain/ (Consulted 19/09/2025 and 20/09/2025)
https://www.constructionweeksaudi.com/news/neom-hyundai-hydrogen-bus (Consulted 19/09/2025 and 20/09/2025)
https://redex.eco/news/redex-signs-mou-with-neoms-mobility-sector-to-support-its-sustainable-transport-ambitions/ (Consulted 19/09/2025 and 20/09/2025)
https://www.systra.com/uk/project/neom-oxagon-creating-an-integrated-transport-system-for-a-city-of-the-future/ (Consulted 19/09/2025 and 20/09/2025)
https://www.leapforward.onegiantleap.com/the-future-of-mobility-is-here/ (Consulted 19/09/2025 and 20/09/2025)
https://lucidmotors.com/?ref=leapforward.onegiantleap.com (Consulted 19/09/2025 and 20/09/2025)
https://www.spa.gov.sa/en/w2369040 (Consulted 19/09/2025 and 20/09/2025)
https://www.urbantransportnews.com/news/unveiling-the-spine-project-a-deep-dive-into-railway-construction-tunnelling-at-neom (Consulted 19/09/2025 and 20/09/2025)
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