Riyadh Metro Red Line Extension Contract Awarded

The Royal Commission for Riyadh City has awarded a contract in January 2026 to design, construct, and complete an extension of the Riyadh Metro Red Line (Line 2), adding 8.4 km to the existing line. The extension runs from King Saud University to the Diriyah Gate Development and includes 5 new stations.

The new section comprises 7.1 km of deep underground tunnels and 1.3 km of elevated viaduct track. Once complete, the Red Line will reach a total length of about 33.7 km with 20 stations. The project is planned for completion in roughly six years from the award, with construction and commissioning targeted around 2032.

The client is the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, with execution by a consortium led by Webuild alongside L&T of India, NESMA of Saudi Arabia, and Alstom of France. The total contract value is about USD 2.75 billion — roughly SAR 10.3 billion — with the consortium leader's share around USD 830 million, or about SAR 3.1 billion.

The extension will be a fully automated, driverless line, using driverless train technology with multiple service classes (First, Family, Single) matching the current Red Line. It is designed to improve connectivity between vital areas, residential neighborhoods, and educational, cultural, and healthcare centers across the capital, while integrating the Diriyah Gate Development into Riyadh's public transport network.

The project forms part of the King Abdulaziz Project for Riyadh Public Transport, which aims to deliver a modern, integrated, and intelligent transport network for the city. For residents and expats, the extension promises easier, faster travel between key destinations and better access to one of the capital's major cultural and heritage sites.

---

Stay updated with the latest news, events, sports updates, business insights, real estate and lifestyle stories on Saudi Living — the leading online platform for residents, expats, and visitors in Saudi Arabia.

Follow Saudi Living for daily updates:

• Instagram - @saudiliving
• X - @saudiliving
• Facebook - @saudiliving
• YouTube - @saudiliving