Farming in NEOM and "The Line"
NEOM, a planned city in Saudi Arabia, aims to be a hub for innovation and sustainability, including food production. The project encompasses various regions, including "The Line," a linear city designed to be car-free and powered by renewable energy.
The integration of farming within NEOM, and particularly within "The Line," is a key aspect of its self-sustaining vision. The city plans to utilize vertical urban farms, solar-powered greenhouses, and seawater farming to provide fresh food supplies for its residents. This approach aligns with NEOM's broader goals of minimizing environmental impact and promoting food security in an arid region.
NEOM has partnered with Dutch greenhouse business Van Der Hoeven to bring blooming gardens to the desert. This collaboration involves designing, developing, and maintaining test facilities to establish a controlled climate for efficient and sustainable food production. The Dutch company has experience in the Middle East, having built a large-scale tomato nursery in the United Arab Emirates.
Topian, NEOM's food company, is also involved in establishing high-tech greenhouses in Oxagon, NEOM's industrial city. These greenhouses are designed to test sustainable food production methods, aiming to produce nearly 4,000 tones of fruits and vegetables annually. The project leverages advanced technologies and focuses on optimizing crop productivity and minimizing resource use, including water and energy.
The project also includes plans for 6,500 hectares (16,000 acres) of agricultural fields and reliance on genetically engineered crops.
Therefore, farming is planned to be integrated within NEOM, including "The Line," through various methods such as vertical farms, greenhouses, and seawater farming, aiming for self-sufficiency and sustainable food production.