Riyadh Metro to Open in Early 2025

The Riyadh Metro is set to open in early 2025, marking a key milestone in Saudi Arabia’s urban transformation. It will revolutionize the city’s transportation, easing traffic congestion and providing residents with a sustainable alternative to driving. Furthermore, with a $22.5 billion budget, it will be one of the largest metro systems built in a single phase.

Key details about the Riyadh Metro

The Riyadh Metro will span six lines stretching across 176 kilometers, featuring 84 stations. Hence, it will connect major parts of the city, making commuting faster and more efficient. Correspondingly, the six lines will serve key areas, offering residents and visitors easier access to different parts of Riyadh. Specifically, these include the Al Olaya, King Khalid International Airport, and King Abdullah Road. As it can handle 3.6 million passengers per day, the metro will become a game-changer for a city. Currently, 90% of trips in the metropolis are made by car​.

One of the metro’s standout features is its commitment to sustainability. As such, stations must meet certification in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), a global standard for eco-friendly buildings. This will help reduce the city’s carbon footprint, contributing to a greener future. Additionally, the metro will reduce traffic congestion and air pollution, offering a cleaner, more efficient way to navigate the city. Overall, it’s a key component of Riyadh’s push toward becoming a more environmentally responsible metropolis.​

Delays and what’s ahead for the Riyadh Metro

However, the journey to completion hasn’t been without challenges. The project faced several delays since its planned 2018 completion, including construction disputes and disruptions because of COVID-19. Despite these setbacks, the Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC) confirmed the metro will be fully operational by early 2025. These challenges have only heightened anticipation for what will surely be a world-class metro system​.

Looking ahead, the Riyadh Metro will play an important role in the upcoming Riyadh Expo 2030. The system will be crucial in managing the influx of visitors expected for this global event. As Saudi Arabia positions itself on the world stage, the metro will be a shining example of its modernization efforts. It aligns with the broader goals of Vision 2030, which aims to make Riyadh a dynamic and sustainable city.

Riyadh’s urban transformation

In July, the Savills Resilient Cities: Growth Hubs Index projected Riyadh to be among the top fastest-growing cities by 2033. Apart from the Riyadh Metro, the RCRC has also embarked on a major plan to develop Riyadh’s road network. These fall under the King Abdulaziz Project for Riyadh Public Transport, encompassing metro lines and bus routes across 2,860 stops.

In summary, the Riyadh Metro’s launch in early 2025 will be a transformative event for the city. It promises to reduce traffic, lower carbon emissions, and enhance the daily lives of millions of residents. As part of the country’s broader ambitions, the metro symbolizes Saudi Arabia’s commitment to sustainability and modernity. With its opening just months away, Riyadh residents can look forward to a new era of efficient, eco-friendly transportation.

Photo: X/_RiyadhMetro