Saudi Arabia is entering a new phase of transport infrastructure development as railways and urban transit projects regain momentum after years of recalibration.
With economic diversification, logistics efficiency, and quality-of-life improvements high on the national agenda, authorities are repositioning rail and metro systems as critical enablers of growth rather than standalone transport assets.
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Across intercity corridors, freight networks, and urban centers, a series of coordinated initiatives is reshaping how people and goods move across the kingdom. These efforts reflect a broader shift toward long-term infrastructure planning under Saudi Vision 2030, as policymakers seek to unlock productivity gains, reduce congestion, and integrate transport systems with airports, industrial zones, and population centers.
At the center of this transformation is Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR), which is overseeing major upgrades to passenger capacity, operational efficiency, and regional connectivity, while urban authorities move to revive long-delayed metro developments. Together, these projects illustrate how transport investment is increasingly viewed as a strategic economic lever, one that supports trade, tourism, labor mobility, and urban competitiveness.
Riyadh–Jeddah land bridge to be delivered in phases
One of the most strategically significant projects remains the Riyadh–Jeddah Land Bridge, designed to connect the capital with the Red Sea coast through a high-capacity rail corridor. Speaking on the television program Fi Al Surah (“In the Picture”), SAR CEO Bashar bin Khalid Al-Malik said the project will be delivered through a new phased mechanism, with completion expected before 2034.
Al Malik confirmed that no agreement has been reached with a Chinese alliance previously linked to the project, citing the consortium’s failure to meet local content requirements. The shift highlights SAR’s emphasis on localization, domestic value creation, and compliance with national procurement standards as it advances large-scale infrastructure initiatives, a Saudi Gazette report said.
Despite the revised delivery approach, the land bridge remains a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s rail strategy, expected to enhance freight movement between industrial hubs and ports while supporting faster passenger travel between two of the kingdom’s most economically significant cities.
Freight realignment and community considerations
Beyond megaprojects, SAR has also implemented targeted operational changes to mitigate the social impact of expanding rail activity. Al Malik said freight train operations were relocated away from Hofuf to improve residents’ quality of life, with the project completed last year.
The move reflects a growing emphasis on integrating community considerations into infrastructure planning, particularly as rail networks expand into densely populated areas. Managing noise, safety, and land-use concerns has become an increasingly important aspect of network optimisation.
Addressing station placement in the northern regions, Al Malik explained that the Al Jouf station’s distance from Sakaka city stems from the railway’s original purpose of serving the mining sector, with passenger services incorporated later into the design.
Expanding capacity on the northern railway network
As passenger demand grows, SAR is moving to significantly expand capacity across its networks. The company has issued a tender for the manufacturing of 10 new passenger trains for the Northern Network, covering design, manufacturing, supply, and fleet maintenance services.
The tender, with bids due by May 11, 2026, aligns with the National Transport and Logistics Strategy and the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. According to SAR CEO Dr Bashar Al Malik, expanding the passenger train fleet is a strategic priority to support rising intercity travel, a Saudi Press Agency report said.
Once operational, the new trains are expected to increase the Northern Network’s capacity to nearly three times its current level, raising total seating capacity to more than 2.4 million seats annually. The network spans approximately 2,700 kilometers, connecting Riyadh, Al Majmaah, Qassim, Hail, Al Jouf, and Al Qurayyat, with plans to add new passenger stations, including Al Zulfi.
The initiative follows the ongoing manufacturing of 10 new passenger trains for the Eastern Line, reflecting SAR’s phased approach to modernizing rolling stock and improving service reliability across the national rail system.
High-speed regional connectivity and airport integration
Saudi Arabia’s rail ambitions extend beyond domestic travel to regional connectivity. Al-Malik highlighted the Riyadh–Doha train as the first high-speed rail service in the region linking two countries. Operating over a 785-kilometer network, the line serves Hofuf and Dammam and reaches speeds of up to 300 kilometers per hour.
The project connects King Salman International Airport in Riyadh with Hamad International Airport in Doha, strengthening integration between air and rail transport and reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s role as a regional mobility hub. The corridor is designed to support passenger flows between major cities while enhancing broader economic ties.
Workforce development and operational scale
SAR’s operational responsibilities also extend to seasonal transport demands. Al Malik said the company was tasked by a Council of Ministers decision with operating the Mashaaer Train during Hajj, noting that the service was delivered during the most recent season with 100 percent Saudi manpower.
Described as among the largest train systems in the world, the Mashaaer Train can carry around 3,000 passengers per trip, underscoring SAR’s ability to manage high-volume, time-sensitive transport operations.
Al-Malik also highlighted the expanding role of women in the rail sector, noting their strong performance in operating the Haramain High Speed Railway. SAR has launched training programs for Saudi women to operate high-speed trains, with participation exceeding expectations.
Jeddah Metro revival signals urban transport push
Parallel to national rail expansion, Saudi Arabia has revived plans for the long-awaited Jeddah Metro, signaling renewed focus on urban public transport. Authorities have issued a preliminary design consultancy tender for the project’s Blue Line, with proposals due by March.
The Blue Line will extend approximately 35 kilometres, linking King Abdulaziz International Airport with the Haramain High-Speed Railway station through 15 stations. The project is being led by the Jeddah Development Authority and aims to strengthen connectivity between air travel, intercity rail, and key urban areas.
A project reawakened after years of review
Plans for the Jeddah Metro date back to the early 2010s and were incorporated into a broader public transport program around 2013–2014. Early progress included preliminary engineering by Systra, a SAR276m consultancy contract awarded to Aecom, and station design by Foster + Partners in 2015.
However, the project slowed as government spending priorities were reassessed following oil price declines. Subsequent reviews of scope, cost, and delivery models led to a prolonged pause.
Early designs envisioned a four-line network spanning more than 161 kilometers, with 81 stations and 197 trains. In addition to the Blue Line, the system includes the Orange, Green, and Red lines, integrating metro services with wider urban mobility plans.
Taken together, the revival of the Jeddah Metro, expansion of passenger rail fleets, and phased delivery of flagship projects such as the Riyadh–Jeddah Land Bridge reflect a coordinated shift in Saudi Arabia’s transport strategy. By aligning infrastructure investment with localization goals, operational efficiency, and urban livability, the kingdom is positioning rail and metro systems as foundational assets in its long-term economic transformation.
