Riyadh is gearing up for a historic milestone in its public transportation journey with the partial launch of the Riyadh Metro on Wednesday, November 27
The first phase of operations will see three lines spring to life, offering the city’s residents a cleaner, quicker alternative to traditional road travel.
Dubbed the world’s longest driverless metro system, the Riyadh Metro is part of Saudi Arabia’s ambitious vision to transform its capital into a global trade and business hub
Boasting cutting-edge sustainability features, such as solar panels providing 20% of the energy for key systems and energy-efficient trains equipped with regenerative braking, the project aims to revolutionize urban mobility while caring for the environment.
The initial routes will cover major city corridors
Al-Orouba to Batha, King Khalid International Airport Road, and Abdulrahman Bin Auf Street intersecting with Sheikh Hassan Bin Hussein Street. Three additional lines—along King Abdullah Road, Al-Madina, and King Abdulaziz Road—are set to begin operation in mid-December, completing the city’s metro network.
First announced in 2012 and valued at $22.5 billion, the project faced significant delays, including those caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, with the finish line in sight, the metro is ready to connect Riyadh like never before. Authorities are expected to reveal ticket prices and rider packages soon, emphasizing affordability to encourage widespread adoption.
With its full six-line system powered entirely by renewable energy, the Riyadh Metro is more than a transport project—it’s a leap toward a greener, smarter future for Saudi Arabia’s capital.
So, mark your calendars, Riyadh: your commute is about to get a whole lot smoother, and more sustainable.