The Royal Commission for Riyadh City has awarded a contract for the design, construction, and completion of an 8.4-kilometre extension to the Red Line of the Riyadh Metro.
The extension will connect King Saud University to the Diriyah Gate Development project through five stations.
The project forms part of plans to complete the capital’s public transport network and improve connectivity between areas, residential communities, and educational, cultural, and healthcare centres.
Riyadh Metro Red Line to connect King Saud University with Diriyah in extension project
According to a statement by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the development continues under the leadership of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, with support from His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince, Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City.
The project follows the inauguration of the Riyadh Public Transport Project by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques in November 2024. The metro operates as the backbone of the capital’s public transport network.
Minister of State, Cabinet Member, and CEO of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City Eng. Ibrahim Al-Sultan said the extension “enhances the city’s public transport network and completes the commission’s efforts to develop a sustainable urban transport ecosystem linking Riyadh’s key centres, residential communities, and cultural and educational landmarks.”
He said the project responds to demand among residents and visitors for public transport since operations began in late 2024. Total ridership has exceeded 173 million passengers since inauguration.
8.4-kilometre Riyadh Metro Red Line extension includes underground tunnels, elevated tracks
“Reflecting public confidence in its efficiency and service quality,” Al-Sultan said of the ridership figures.
The extension includes construction of 7.1 kilometres of deep underground tunnels and 1.3 kilometres of elevated tracks. Two stations will serve King Saud University, with one serving the medical city and health colleges and the other serving the university concourse.
Three stations will be located in Diriyah, including one planned as an interchange with Line 7.
The project is scheduled for completion in six years.
