Saudi Arabia is ready to launch the first phase of its Riyadh metro system, a project that will transform public transport in the city.
The partial opening is scheduled for Wednesday, November 27, with trains running on three of the six planned lines. The remaining lines are expected to open by mid-December.
This metro is part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, aiming to reduce car dependency, ease traffic congestion, and position Riyadh as a global trade and business hub. It is also recognized as the world’s longest driverless metro system.
The initial three lines will connect key routes, including Al Orouba to Batha, King Khalid International Airport Road, and Abdulrahman Bin Auf Street to Sheikh Hassan Bin Hussein Street. By mid-December, additional lines will link King Abdullah Road, Al Madina, and King Abdulaziz Road.
The $22.5 billion project, approved in 2012, faced delays due to logistical issues and the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite this, its opening is a major milestone in modernizing Riyadh’s infrastructure.
Sustainability is central to the metro’s design. Solar panels at stations will provide 20% of the energy needed for critical systems. Trains with regenerative braking will lower power use, and eventually, all six lines will run entirely on renewable energy.
Authorities will soon announce ticket prices and special discount packages.