🚆 Riyadh Metro Journey | Inside the Most Modern Underground Train in Saudi Arabia

Описание: The Riyadh Metro is part of the larger King Abdulaziz Project for Riyadh Public Transport, initiated by the Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC) to provide a modern, integrated public transport network for Riyadh — including both metro and bus systems.
The goal: reduce congestion, lower emissions, improve mobility and support the city’s growth in alignment with Vision 2030.

Planning & Contracts

The project was officially approved by the Saudi Council of Ministers on 23 April 2012.

In June 2013 three major international consortia were shortlisted, and contracts were awarded in July 2013.

Construction broke ground on 4 April 2014.

The total network would consist of 6 metro lines, spanning about 176 km with 85 stations (metro part alone) for the initial network.

Contract value around USD 22–23 billion.


Construction & Features

The system is fully automated (driverless) and includes underground tunnels (depths between ~20-35 m) in many sections.

The network is planned to connect major hubs: downtown Riyadh, King Khalid International Airport, King Abdullah Financial District, universities, hospitals, etc.

It integrates with buses, park-and-ride facilities, and aims to shift commuters from cars to public transport.


Opening & Operation

The Riyadh Metro was officially inaugurated by King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud on 27 November 2024.

The first phase (lines 1, 4, 6) opened on 1 December 2024; subsequent lines (2, 5) on 15 December 2024; line 3 on 5 January 2025.

By August 2025, the metro had already carried its 100 millionth passenger in less than 9 months.

Performance: punctuality rate reported around 99.78%.


Impact & Significance

The metro is considered the backbone of Riyadh’s public transport, designed to serve up to ~3.6 million passengers daily when fully matured.

It plays a critical role in reducing traffic congestion, lowering carbon emissions, and raising urban mobility standards.

The project underscores Saudi Arabia’s ambitions for sustainable infrastructure and raising the quality of life in its capital.


Interesting Facts

One of the stations – KAFD Station in the King Abdullah Financial District – was designed by the renowned Zaha Hadid Architects and includes six tracks.

The project includes “park-and-ride” facilities and is fully integrated with a bus network (2,860 bus stops, 842 buses).


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