SAUDI ARABIA: The first trains are set to roll out on Wednesday, November 27, connecting key areas of the city and ushering in a new era of urban mobility.

This landmark project, valued at $22.5 billion (SR84.4 billion), will initially see trains operating on three of six planned lines: routes linking Al Orouba to Batha, King Khalid International Airport Road, and the intersection of Abdulrahman Bin Auf Street with Sheikh Hassan Bin Hussein Street. The remaining lines, including coverage of King Abdullah Road, Al Madina, and King Abdulaziz Road, will follow in mid-December, expanding the network and increasing capacity.

As a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, the Riyadh Metro aims to reduce traffic congestion, cut car dependency, and establish the capital as a global trade and commerce hub. Delayed by logistical hurdles and the COVID-19 pandemic, the long-awaited project is finally set to transform urban life in Riyadh.

Solar panels at stations and depots will generate 20% of the energy needed for critical systems, while energy-efficient trains with regenerative braking technology will further reduce power consumption. Authorities aim for all six lines to eventually operate entirely on renewable energy.

Ticket pricing and discount packages are expected to be announced in the coming days.