Driving the news: Riyadh Metro has actually signed up with the world’s leading 4 transportation tasks. The honour came at the 2026 World Smart City Awards in Barcelona.
The Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC) supervises the task. Riyadh Metro reached the last 4 of the Mobility Award, and the contest drew 533 entries from 68 nations. The event happened on 4 November, throughout the Smart City Expo World Congress.
Why it matters: The outcome reveals that Riyadh’s transportation design now satisfies international criteria. It likewise shows that Saudi Arabia’s heavy costs on rail, roadways and logistics is making global acknowledgment.
Riyadh Metro Reaches the Global Mobility Shortlist
The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) stated the ranking shows the task’s scale and advanced innovation. The city stands amongst the biggest and most modern-day public transportation plans worldwide. It anchors a sustainable, environmentally friendly metropolitan transportation system. The network cuts carbon emissions, enhances traffic circulation and equals the capital’s quick population development.
King Salman inaugurated the city on 27 November, 2024, and traveler service started on 1 December. Ever since, ridership has actually climbed up quick. RCRC Chief Executive Ibrahim Al Sultan stated the city has actually brought more than 300 million guests. Typical ridership increased 25% in between January and September 2026 compared to a year previously.
Riyadh gathered even more honours in Barcelona. The Real Estate Balance Program (Tawazoun) won the Infrastructure & & Building Award. In addition, the Riyadh Infrastructure Projects Center reached the finals of the Governance & & Economy Award with its “Infrastructure in One Source” effort.
The congress ran under the style “Urban Solutions, Tangible Impact.” More than 600 global speakers signed up with the program. They talked about digital improvement, movement, energy, real estate and facilities.
Information, AI and Digital Twins Shape the Capital
Focus: RCRC utilized its structure to demonstrate how information drives city preparation. It provided the Riyadh City Data Platform, digital twin applications and expert system tools. It highlighted the capital’s public transportation network, its traffic management systems and the Green Riyadh program.
Dr. Maher Shirah, Director General of the Smart Cities General Department at RCRC, connected these tools to life. He informed Asharq Al-Awsat that a wise city’s worth depends on its impact on homeowners’ lives. Real estate, access to chances, effective services and rely on metropolitan management matter most, he included.
Shirah likewise discussed that information assists authorities compare areas and match real estate supply with future need. Authorities can direct land, facilities and real estate choices with higher accuracy.
By the Numbers:
- 533 entries from 68 nations: the field at the 2026 World Smart City Awards.
- 176 km, 6 lines, 85 stations: the size of Riyadh Metro’s driverless network.
- SAR 84.4 billion ($22.5 billion): the approximated expense of the city.
- 300 million+: guests brought given that launch, with 83% of riders utilizing the network daily.
- SAR 5.5 billion ($1.47 billion): the 94-train growth, which raises the fleet from 183 to 277 trains and capability by 60% from 2028.
- SAR 100 billion ($26.7 billion): the approximated worth of the 1,500-km Landbridge train.
- SAR 200 billion+ ($53.3 billion): logistics financial investment because the nationwide technique introduced, according to the transportation minister.
- SAR 10 billion+ ($2.67 billion): the financial investment in 18 brand-new logistics zones.
- 6% to 10%: the targeted increase in the sector’s share of GDP.
- SAR 562.5 billion ($150 billion): Total nationwide capital allotment committed to updating transportation and logistics facilities under Vision 2030.
- 6 million: the network’s everyday style capability, sized for a city heading towards 15 million citizens.
Saudi Arabia Bets Big on Rail and Roads
The huge photo: Riyadh Metro forms simply one piece of a nationwide overhaul. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman introduced the National Transport and Logistics Strategy in 2021. The strategy covers 92 efforts and 378 tasks. It intends to raise the sector’s share of GDP from 6% to 10%.
Costs has actually followed. Transportation and Logistics Minister Saleh Al-Jasser stated the Kingdom has actually invested more than SAR 200 billion ($53.3 billion) in logistics given that the technique started. Saudi Arabia is establishing 18 brand-new logistics zones worth more than SAR 10 billion ($2.67 billion).
Rail takes spotlight. The Landbridge task covers more than 1,500 km of brand-new and updated track at approximately SAR 100 billion ($26.7 billion). Saudi Arabia Railways has actually detailed prepare for a Riyadh– Jeddah train by 2034. Authorities likewise target a 30% rail share of nationwide transportation. Jeddah has actually rebooted its city program with a January 2026 tender for Blue Line style services.
Back in Riyadh, the commission is advancing a roadway program. The 700-km strategy covers more than 330 crossways, over 300 bridges and 80 tunnels. RCRC is likewise updating signals at 720 crossways, and Green Riyadh has actually planted more than 4.5 million trees.
More Trains, Longer Lines
What’s next: Riyadh Metro will grow rapidly. RCRC granted agreements to Siemens and Alstom for 94 brand-new trains worth SAR 5.5 billion ($1.47 billion). Shipments start in stages in 2028. Capability will increase 60% throughout the network. The Red Line will see the most significant dive, at 142%.
The Red Line will extend from King Saud University to Diriyah, including 5 stations. These upgrades show up as the capital prepares to host Expo 2030 and the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
Bottom line: Barcelona’s spotlight verifies years of preparation. For Gulf readers and global financiers alike, Riyadh now provides a working design template for clever, sustainable city movement.
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