Riyadh’s transport plan energizes the economy and community life

How do you redefine transportation for a thriving capital with several million vehicles navigating its streets every day? This is the question that prompted the Royal Commission for Riyadh City to envision a new approach to transportation.

Their answer began with a whole new perspective for the capital: a city not just moving but thriving, where transportation integrates seamlessly with urban life.

The result? A bold initiative that combines technology and sustainable practices that reflect an understanding of the unique rhythms of Riyadh. This vision has taken shape in the form of the Riyadh Metro, a transit system spanning six lines, designed to serve millions while reducing congestion and pollution.

Complementing this is the King Abdulaziz Bus Network, connecting communities with efficiency and accessibility, ensuring no part of the city feels out of reach.

Riyadh’s transformation underscores a fundamental principle: mobility is not just about getting from point A to point B — it is about enhancing quality of life, fostering connections, and paving the way for a sustainable future.

It is no wonder that such projects have been surrounded by so much anticipation for the past several years. Now, we can witness the plans we had in our minds come to life.

The idea that brought the metro and other projects to life is not only the fact that Riyadh is a big city that accommodates over 7 million residents but also the understanding that every initiative under Vision 2030 works in harmony.

Sustainability has always been at the top of the checklist for all Saudi Arabia’s initiatives because if we want change, we have to make sure it is aligned with all the overarching goals. The idea all along has been to reduce carbon emissions from transportation.

Nonetheless, transportation systems do more than connect cities — they energize economies. By enabling efficient movement of people and goods, they create new opportunities for businesses, attract investments, and contribute to sustainable urban growth.

By enabling efficient movement of people and goods, they create new opportunities for businesses, attract investments, and contribute to sustainable urban growth.

The Riyadh Metro reflects this synergy, showing how infrastructure can enhance both community life and economic vitality. Bringing a project of this scale to life required more than just ambition; it demanded deep planning and an unwavering commitment to perfection.

From the beginning, the Kingdom set high standards to ensure that the Riyadh Metro not only met expectations but redefined them. Every aspect of the metro — its design, functionality, and integration into Riyadh’s urban fabric — was carefully considered to reflect the vision of a modern, sustainable capital.

At the heart of this achievement lies the metro’s striking architectural design, a collaboration with renowned firms including Zaha Hadid Architects. These stations are more than transit hubs; they are landmarks of innovation, symbolizing progress and harmony with the city’s evolving skyline.

The flowing, futuristic forms echo Riyadh’s ambition to lead in modern urban development, while the seamless integration of technology and sustainability gives the metro its distinctive identity, setting a new benchmark in global transit design.

Although I have not had the chance to experience it personally, I admire how the architects have turned a practical necessity into something so iconic and inspiring.

The day King Salman announced the Riyadh Metro’s completion marked more than just a milestone — it was a call to dream bigger. It was not just about building a transit system; it was about setting the wheels in motion for a future where transportation reshapes how the city thrives. The announcement carried with it a sense of ambition and urgency, a bold step toward redefining Riyadh’s identity.

The journey to bring this vision to life was not without its challenges. Tunneling through bustling streets, synchronizing urban design with technological innovation, and balancing the demands of a growing city — all required a blend of creativity and resilience. Yet, each hurdle transformed into an opportunity to push boundaries and innovate.

For the new generation, the Riyadh Metro stands as a vivid example of how vision and determination can reshape a city. As someone who will grow up alongside this transformation, I feel immense pride in seeing such ambitious ideas materialize.

It is a powerful reminder that our future is being built today, and we have a role to play — not just in appreciating these advancements but in continuing the journey of innovation and progress they represent.

• Ritaj Hussain Al-Hazmi is a young columnist and Guinness world record holder. She believes in empowering the new generation to reach their full potential.