The King Abdullah Financial District Development & Management Company (KAFD DMC) signed a contract for the construction of Riyadh monorail with CRRC (Hong Kong) and CRRC Nanjing Puzhen, and Hassan Allam Construction Saudi (HACS).
The driverless elevated monorail line spans 3.6 km and will be operated by six trains travelling along a circular track with six stations strategically placed across the district to connect key areas, encompassing office buildings, retail spaces, and leisure facilities. The line features driverless autopilot operation. The monorail also offers seamless connectivity by integrating with the Riyadh Metro, making transfers smooth with enhanced accessibility throughout the city. Its design aligns with KAFD’s vision of a “10-Minute City”.
“Globally, urban mobility is undergoing a transformation, with the global public transport market size projected to grow from USD 6.11 billion in 2024 to USD 28.89 billion by 2034, at a CAGR of 16.81% over the decade. With this project, we are not only enhancing the quality of life for KAFD’s residents and visitors but also contributing to the long-term sustainability of Riyadh. The Monorail is a symbol of progress, seamlessly connecting the district while supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030,” Stephen Thomas, Chief Operations Officer of KAFD DMC, said.
The maintenance centre and workshop will be adjacent to the centralised control station, which will be fully automated.
The project is expected to be completed in 2026.
“We are excited to join forces with KAFD DMC and Hassan Allam to bring this visionary initiative of the KAFD Monorail Project to life. (…) This project is set to deliver an advanced transportation network that not only enhances connectivity in KAFD but also sets a new benchmark for urban innovation and mobility in Saudi Arabia and beyond,” Wu Yuqing, Investment Director at CRRC (Hong Kong) and Xu Haida, Vice President at CRRC Nanjing Puzhen said during the signing ceremony.
The monorail, expected to handle up to 3,500 passengers per hour during peak times, underscores KAFD’s commitment to pioneering urban solutions that improve residents’ quality of life while championing environmental responsibility. Once operational, the project will establish KAFD as a model for future urban mobility developments globally.
Riyadh monorail line is designed to be both a sustainable and efficient solution that will redefine urban mobility and improve pedestrian movement within the district.
“We are proud to partner with KAFD DMC and CRRC and are honored to play a pivotal role in the KAFD Monorail project, a landmark development in Riyadh that signifies a significant milestone in our mission to enhance transport networks and drive sustainable economic growth,” Hassan Allam, CEO of Hassan Allam Holding, said.
Systra has been supporting the project since 2022 by providing technical and supervision services, for both the systems and the civil engineering.
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