Asharq Al-Awsat Tours Riyadh Metro on First Day of its Launch

Riyadh residents ride the Riyadh Metro on its launch day on Sunday. (Turky al-Agili)
Riyadh residents ride the Riyadh Metro on its launch day on Sunday. (Turky al-Agili)
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Asharq Al-Awsat Tours Riyadh Metro on First Day of its Launch

Riyadh residents ride the Riyadh Metro on its launch day on Sunday. (Turky al-Agili)
Riyadh residents ride the Riyadh Metro on its launch day on Sunday. (Turky al-Agili)

“Big achievements take time,” remarked university student Ahmed Al-Omari quoting a Saudi proverb as the Riyadh Metro officially began operations, opening three lines to passengers on Sunday morning. This long-anticipated mega-project is a significant milestone in advancing infrastructure to meet the needs of Riyadh’s rapidly growing population.

The proverb underscores that delays often reflect the scale and ambition of a project rather than inefficiency. After 11 years and a $22 billion investment, the Riyadh Metro, one of the largest transit systems in the Middle East, is now a reality, featuring six main lines spanning the city.

The metro boasts six lines extending 176 kilometers, making it the world’s longest driverless metro system. With 85 stations, including four major hubs, it has a daily capacity to serve 3.6 million passengers.

“I was worried about parking, but it turned out to be convenient and located right at the station,” said commuter Khuloud Al-Amri. The metro system provides 21 public parking facilities, each accommodating between 200 and 600 vehicles, to facilitate access. Additionally, 19 other parking sites with similar capacities are available across the network, along with seven maintenance and overnight facilities at its edges.

The Riyadh Metro offers the lowest transportation cost among G20 nations relative to daily income, according to Maher Shira, Director General of Smart Cities at the Royal Commission for Riyadh. Fares amount to just 0.5% of the average daily income of SAR 733 (approximately $195), compared to 0.9% in Türkiye and 1–3% in other G20 countries.

“My commute typically takes 30 to 45 minutes. I hope the metro will reduce this time,” said Hatem Al-Fawaz, one of the metro’s first passengers on launch day.

Environmentally, the metro aligns with Riyadh’s green initiatives. Existing city buses already use low-sulfur fuel, making them among the world’s most eco-friendly.

The metro further contributes by reducing carbon emissions and improving air quality, according to the Royal Commission. It also helps mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and urban heat through sustainable transport options.

The Riyadh Metro is expected to alleviate traffic congestion by 30%, marking a transformative step toward sustainable urban mobility and a better quality of life for residents.



Royal Commission for Riyadh City Announces 'Riyadh Creative District'

A night view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
A night view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
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Royal Commission for Riyadh City Announces 'Riyadh Creative District'

A night view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
A night view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (SPA)

The Board of Directors of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC) announced the launch of the “Riyadh Creative District,” a transformative initiative that aims to position the Saudi capital as a global creative and media hub while reinforcing the Kingdom’s leadership in the creative economy.

The new project is set to become a cornerstone in Riyadh’s evolution into a world-class metropolis, integrating seamlessly with the capital’s major development initiatives, reported the Saudi Press Agency on Thursday.

The project aims to foster a thriving ecosystem where creative minds, industry leaders, and emerging talent can collaborate to develop content and new ideas, drive cultural and technological advancements, and contribute to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

The Creative District aligns with Saudi Arabia’s long-term strategic vision by emphasizing the role of media, technology, culture and innovation in economic diversification and sustainable growth.

Minister of State, Member of the Council of Ministers, and CEO of RCRC Eng. Ibrahim bin Muhammad Al-Sultan expressed profound appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince, Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, for their continued support of the commission’s projects, which are pivotal in shaping the future of Riyadh and enhancing its global competitiveness.

“The Riyadh Creative District is designed to be a vital extension of the capital’s creative, cultural, and economic landscape, reinforcing the city’s status as a dynamic hub for content creation and innovation. Through this initiative, we are not only establishing an inspiring space for creative industries to thrive, but also providing a gateway for global talent to engage with the Kingdom’s creative economy,” he said.

“This initiative embodies Saudi Arabia’s forward-looking vision to cultivate a knowledge-based society, and develop a globally integrated creative sector that generates sustainable economic and social impact,” he added.

A key milestone in the project’s launch is the signing of a strategic partnership agreement between RCRC and the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD), ensuring a structured and integrated approach to its implementation. This collaboration is expected to catalyze the expansion of the creative industries in Saudi Arabia, bridging the gap between local and international expertise and fostering cross-sector innovation.

The Creative District is set to redefine the role of creativity in economic development, by offering a dynamic platform that connects designers, artists, entrepreneurs, and technology pioneers. It will serve as an incubator for new business models, cultural enterprises, and digital transformation projects, ultimately reinforcing Riyadh’s position as the regional epicenter for creative excellence.

Beyond GDP contributions, the district will play a crucial role in cultural exchange and community engagement by hosting interactive programs, industry events, and knowledge-sharing initiatives that empower emerging talent and facilitate the exchange of ideas. Its impact is expected to extend beyond Riyadh, influencing the broader Middle East creative ecosystem and elevating the Kingdom’s standing as a destination for investment in the creative economy.

Aligned with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, the Creative District underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to fostering a globally competitive creative sector, that not only boosts the quality of life but also drives innovation-led economic transformation. By offering a supportive environment for creatives, startups, and established enterprises, the district is poised to shape the future of creative industries in Saudi Arabia, offering new employment opportunities, accelerating digital adoption, and laying the groundwork for a knowledge-driven economy.

With a focus on sustainability and long-term impact, the Creative District will also contribute to Riyadh’s broader urban transformation, integrating smart infrastructure, cutting-edge technology, and sustainable design principles to create an environment where creativity and innovation can flourish. The Creative District will be instrumental in attracting both regional and international investment in the creative industries, ensuring that Saudi Arabia remains at the forefront of global creative and cultural advancements.

As Riyadh continues its journey toward becoming a premier global destination for business, culture, and innovation, the Creative District will serve as a testament to the Kingdom’s unwavering commitment to fostering talent, advancing creative industries, and building a prosperous future driven by ingenuity, collaboration, and forward-thinking policies.