Saudi Arabia’s Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC) has awarded a contract to design, construct, and complete an 8.4-kilometre extension of the Riyadh Metro’s Red Line to Diriyah.
According to Saudi Gazette, the extension will connect King Saud University with the Diriyah Gate Development project and include five new stations. The move is part of wider efforts to complete Riyadh’s public transport network and improve connectivity between key districts, residential areas, and educational, cultural, and healthcare centres.
The project involves the construction of 7.1 kilometres of deep underground tunnels and 1.3 kilometres of elevated tracks, along with new stations. Two stations will be located at King Saud University, serving the medical city, health colleges, and the university concourse. Three additional stations will be built in Diriyah, one of which is planned as a future interchange with Line 7.
The extension is expected to be completed within approximately six years.
The initiative forms part of Riyadh’s ongoing development under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman, with continued support from Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, who also chairs the RCRC Board.
The project builds on the success of the Riyadh Public Transport Project, inaugurated by King Salman in November 2024, which established the metro as the backbone of the capital’s transport system.
Eng. Ibrahim Al-Sultan, Minister of State, Cabinet Member, and CEO of the RCRC, said the Red Line extension will further strengthen Riyadh’s public transport network and support the creation of a sustainable urban transport ecosystem linking major centres, residential areas, and cultural and educational landmarks.
He added that the project responds to growing demand for public transport since operations began in late 2024, noting that total ridership has surpassed 173 million passengers, demonstrating strong public confidence in the system’s efficiency and service quality.
