Saudi Forces ‘Permitted to Kill’ for New Eco-City   

The Line: Saudi Arabia’s Futuristic Eco-City and the Lethal Cost of Progress

In the vast expanse of the Saudi Arabian desert, a bold vision is taking shape: “The Line”. This ambitious project, part of the larger Neom eco-region, aims to redefine urban living by creating a car-free, linear city that stretches 170 kilometers (106 miles) across the arid landscape. However, behind the glossy brochures and promises of sustainability lies a darker truth: the use of lethal force to clear land for this futuristic city.

The Line and Neom: A Vision of Tomorrow

Neom, with an estimated cost of $500 billion, is Saudi Arabia’s grand endeavor to diversify its economy beyond oil. The centerpiece of this mega-project is The Line, a narrow strip of urban development that promises to be a haven for innovation, technology, and environmental consciousness. Imagine a city where cars are obsolete, green spaces abound, and cutting-edge infrastructure seamlessly connects residents. It’s a utopian dream—one that has attracted global companies, including several from the UK, to participate in its construction.

The Dark Side of Progress

But progress comes at a price. More than 6,000 people have been displaced to make way for The Line, according to the Saudi government. Human rights organizations, however, estimate the figure to be even higher. Among those affected are the Huwaitat tribe, who have inhabited the Tabuk region for generations. Their homes, schools, and hospitals have been wiped off the map to create this blank canvas for development.

Enter Colonel Rabih Alenezi, an ex-intelligence officer who fled to the UK last year. He reveals a chilling truth: Saudi authorities have permitted the use of lethal force to evict villagers from their ancestral lands. Alenezi was ordered to enact the clearance mission for al-Khuraybah, a village 4.5 kilometers south of The Line. The Huwaitat tribe, labeled as “rebels,” faced a grim choice: surrender their homes or face death.

Abdul Rahim al-Huwaiti: A Tragic End

Abdul Rahim al-Huwaiti, a defiant villager, refused to allow a land registry committee to value his property. His protest videos on social media caught the attention of authorities. On the day of the clearance mission, he was shot dead. The Saudi state security claimed he had opened fire on them, justifying their lethal retaliation. But human rights advocates and the UN see it differently: al-Huwaiti was killed for resisting eviction.

The Silence and the Satellite Images

The Saudi government and Neom management remain tight-lipped about these events. Satellite images reveal the stark reality: villages razed to the ground, lives disrupted, and dissent silenced. The Line’s promise of a sustainable future clashes with the blood-soaked sands of the present.

Conclusion: Balancing Progress and Humanity

As we marvel at the architectural marvels of tomorrow, we must not forget the human cost. The Line may reshape our cities, but it should not trample on the dignity and rights of its inhabitants. Abdul Rahim al-Huwaiti’s tragic fate serves as a haunting reminder: progress should never come at the expense of life itself.

In the pursuit of a brighter future, let us not lose sight of our shared humanity. The Line may be straight, but our path forward must be guided by compassion, justice, and respect for all.

What are the environmental features of The Line? 

The Line, Saudi Arabia’s futuristic eco-city, boasts several groundbreaking environmental features:

1. Zero Emissions Living: The entire city will operate with zero carbon dioxide emissions. Energy will be sourced entirely from renewable sources ¹².
2. 100% Renewable Energy: The Line’s power supply will come from 100% renewable energy, ensuring sustainability and reducing reliance on fossil fuels ¹².
3. Car-Free Environment: Unlike traditional cities, The Line will have no roads or cars. Instead, residents will rely on walking, cycling, and efficient public transport ¹³.
4. Smart City Technologies: The Line will incorporate the latest in smart city infrastructure, optimizing energy usage, waste management, and urban planning ³.
5. Mixed-Use Buildings: The city will feature mixed-use buildings, promoting efficient land use and reducing sprawl ³.
6. Vertical Living: With a higher-density footprint, The Line aims to create a richer human experience while minimizing land consumption ¹.
7. Reduced Commutes: Eliminating car ownership will lead to reduced commutes, allowing more leisure time for residents ¹.
8. Environmental Harmony: 95% of the land within The Line will be preserved for nature, ensuring a harmonious coexistence with the environment ¹.