黑料社区

Riyadh Metro records more than 18 million passengers in just over two months

Riyadh Metro records more than 18 million passengers in just over two months
A train is pictured on the Riyadh Metro. (AN Photo)
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Updated 14 February 2025

Riyadh Metro records more than 18 million passengers in just over two months

Riyadh Metro records more than 18 million passengers in just over two months

RIYADH: More than 18 million passengers have used the Riyadh Metro since its launch on Dec. 1, 2024, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Friday.

The metro has now completed more than 162,000 trips across its six-line network, covering about 4.5 million km.

The Royal Commission for Riyadh City revealed that the Blue Line running north-south parallel to Olaya street has been the most popular, serving nearly 10 million passengers in only two months.

This line runs through some of Riyadh鈥檚 most commercially active and densely populated areas, making it popular with commuters.

The King Abdullah Financial District station recorded the highest number of users, exceeding three million passengers.

The Riyadh Metro was designed to address the capital鈥檚 rapid expansion and increasing traffic congestion.

The system spans 176 km and is equipped with driverless trains, air-conditioned cabins, designated seating for different passenger groups and state-of-the-art automation.

The metro is integrated with the Riyadh Bus network, forming a comprehensive public transport system that can be accessed with wireless card payments or tickets that can be purchased at stations or through the Darb application.

The Riyadh Metro is a key component of the broader King Abdulaziz Project for Riyadh Public Transport and plays a crucial role in 黑料社区鈥檚 Vision 2030.

The system is designed to have a maximum capacity of 3.6 million passengers a day.

As well as the north-south Blue Line, the system has an Orange Line that stretches for 41 km, connecting Jeddah Road in the west to the Second Eastern Ring Road in the east, running parallel to Khashm Al-Aan in the east.

The Red Line runs 25.1 km east to west along King Abdullah Road, connecting King Fahd Sports City, King Saud University and the Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center.

The 13.3 km Green Line runs from King Abdullah Road near the Ministry of Education to the National Museum, serving the Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Finance, and Ministry of Commerce.

The Violet Line runs between Abdurrahman bin Awf Road and Sheikh Hassan bin Hussain bin Ali Road, at a length of 29.7 km, and the Yellow Line connects the KAFD Station with King Khalid International Airport Road.

The project aims to reduce congestion, lower carbon emissions and promote environment-friendly transportation.

With 85 stations spread strategically across the city, the metro contributes significantly to Riyadh鈥檚 urban landscape.

Some stations stand out as architectural landmarks, including the King Abdullah Financial District Metro Station, designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, and STC Station, designed by Germany鈥檚 Gerber Architekten.

The rapid success of the Riyadh Metro, as reported by SPA, highlights a fundamental shift in how residents and visitors move around the city.


Riyadh鈥檚 coolest ride this summer is the metro

Riyadh鈥檚 coolest ride this summer is the metro
Updated 9 sec ago

Riyadh鈥檚 coolest ride this summer is the metro

Riyadh鈥檚 coolest ride this summer is the metro
  • Designed for over 1m passengers a day, the system is impressing locals as temperatures soar

RIYADH: As Riyadh sizzles under peak summer heat, residents are turning to the city鈥檚 new metro system for a faster, cooler way to get around, proving that public transport can thrive, even when temperatures soar.

Arab News spoke to Riyadh residents about why the summer sun is no issue when it comes to commuting.

For the past couple of months, Rashid Alikhan has opted to use the metro to get to work, hopping on at SABIC Station and getting off at King Abdullah Financial District.

Commuters say the Riyadh Metro has significantly reduced travel times compared to navigating the city鈥檚 increasingly congested roads. (AN photo by Huda Bashatah)

鈥淭he most challenging aspect has been getting to the station and back home in a way that made sense. I鈥檇 say parking is an issue if you don鈥檛 go early,鈥 he said.

鈥淚 go before it gets too hot to walk from the parking to the station 鈥 The stations are well AC鈥檇 鈥 but it does get hot, so you just have to bear it.鈥

He recommends that passengers take a seat during the transit, whenever they are available, to minimize the burden of the trip.

HIGHLIGHTS

鈥 Riyadh Metro features driverless trains and air-conditioned cabins with designated seating areas.

鈥 The system is also integrated with the Riyadh Bus network, creating a unified public transport solution.

鈥 Riders can pay via contactless cards, station kiosks, or the Darb app.

鈥淕etting first class is worth it, and avoiding the rush and the sun. If you鈥檙e walking from the car to the station, I see a lot of people taking umbrellas, so that helps.鈥

Commuters say the Riyadh Metro has significantly reduced travel times compared to navigating the city鈥檚 increasingly congested roads. (AN photo by Huda Bashatah)

Commuters say the Riyadh Metro has significantly reduced travel times compared to navigating the city鈥檚 increasingly congested roads.

The system includes several sustainable features, such as energy-efficient trains and stations, and regenerative braking technology that helps cut energy use.

To boost accessibility, rideshare platforms such as Uber are offering free connections through the RPT Link service, which transports passengers to metro stations within a 3 km radius.

Commuters at Qasr Al Hokm Station in Riyadh. (AN Photo by Huda Bashatah) 

Nouf Al-Dossari, a content creator, said she relies on the metro for attending events and work-related outings. 鈥淚t has been cost-friendly to me and saves me lots of time,鈥 she said.

鈥淯sually I鈥檇 leave my house an hour before to just reach in time because of the traffic, but now I leave 15 to 20 minutes before the scheduled time. It鈥檚 been wonderful.鈥

She encourages others to use the metro during the hot months, but also advises staying hydrated and in the shade as much as possible.

Commuters at Qasr Al Hokm Station in Riyadh. (AN Photo by Huda Bashatah) 

鈥淚 believe the most challenging part is trying to find an available seat when coming back home, and even in the morning because everyone is heading to work,鈥 she said.

While she is used to the Riyadh heat, she still uses Uber to reach the stations for safety reasons.

鈥淪ome are located near highways or busy roads which makes it a bit difficult to safely walk to and from,鈥 she explained.

People purchase tickets at the King Abdullah Finance District "KAFD" metro station in the Saudi capital Riyadh on December 1, 2024. (AFP)

Noura Al-Dakhil has been using the metro for her daily commute for over a month and says that the transition has been relatively smooth.

鈥淭he stations I use have a big sidewalk next to it, safety measures, and comfortable access. Although the parking situation isn鈥檛 ideal 鈥 or, let鈥檚 say, nonexistent,鈥 she said.

While she used to walk to a nearby station in cooler months, the summer heat has forced her to adapt.

The metro is built to accommodate up to 1.2 million passengers daily. (Supplied)

鈥淚n the summer, I use my car and park next to the station,鈥 she said. For those without that option, she recommends preparing for the weather, such as using an umbrella.

鈥淚t鈥檚 a game changer. And wear airy fabrics. I switched to cold caffeinated beverages, which helped too.鈥

The metro is built to accommodate up to 1.2 million passengers daily. It features driverless trains and air-conditioned cabins with designated seating areas.

The system is also integrated with the Riyadh Bus network, creating a unified public transport solution. Riders can pay via contactless cards, station kiosks, or the Darb app.

 


Saudi traditional container keeps its cool 鈥 and makes a cultural comeback

For generations, Al-Samil  played a vital role in desert life as a simple storage container for food and water. (SPA)
For generations, Al-Samil played a vital role in desert life as a simple storage container for food and water. (SPA)
Updated 13 sec ago

Saudi traditional container keeps its cool 鈥 and makes a cultural comeback

For generations, Al-Samil  played a vital role in desert life as a simple storage container for food and water. (SPA)
  • Al-Samil is handmade from tanned livestock skin using time-honored methods, and can preserve the quality and taste of ghee, yogurt, and water for extended periods without the need for cooling

RIYADH: As part of 黑料社区鈥檚 Year of Handicrafts, a traditional handmade leather container used to store food before the advent of refrigeration is making a comeback in the Northern Borders region.

For generations, Al-Samil played a vital role in desert life as a simple storage container for food and water.

For generations, Al-Samil  played a vital role in desert life as a simple storage container for food and water. (SPA)

Now the traditional items are being celebrated as a lasting emblem of Bedouin heritage, Saudi Press Agency reported.

Al-Samil is handmade from tanned livestock skin using time-honored methods, and can preserve the quality and taste of ghee, yogurt, and water for extended periods without the need for cooling.

FASTFACT

At Arar鈥檚 traditional market, local artisans display Al-Samil alongside other crafts, including sadu weaving, spinning tools, and embroidered garments.

More than just functional, Al-Samil reflects a self-sufficient way of life and craftsmanship passed down through generations.

Today, interest in Al-Samil is being reived at heritage festivals and handicraft exhibitions held across cities and governorates in the region.

The container is still valued for storing wild ghee and fermented yogurt, with the leather adding a distinct flavor. Many rural homes and farms still use it.

At Arar鈥檚 traditional market, local artisans display Al-Samil alongside other crafts, including sadu weaving, spinning tools, and embroidered garments.

The market has become a key attraction for both residents and tourists looking to experience the region鈥檚 cultural heritage firsthand, the SPA reported.

 


Saudi project clears 1,559 mines in Yemen

The project trains local demining engineers and provides them with modern equipment. (Supplied/Project Masam)
The project trains local demining engineers and provides them with modern equipment. (Supplied/Project Masam)
Updated 18 sec ago

Saudi project clears 1,559 mines in Yemen

The project trains local demining engineers and provides them with modern equipment. (Supplied/Project Masam)
  • The demining operations took place in Marib, Aden, Jouf, Shabwa, Taiz, Hodeidah, Lahij, Sanaa, Al-Bayda, Al-Dhale and Saada

RIYADH: Members of 黑料社区鈥檚 Project Masam removed 1,559 explosive devices from various regions of Yemen last week.

The total included 1,513 unexploded ordnances, 45 anti-tank mines and one anti-personnel mines, according to a recent report.

Ousama Al-Gosaibi, the initiative鈥檚 managing director, said that 504,295 mines have been cleared since the project began in 2018.

The explosives were planted indiscriminately and posed a threat to civilians, including children, women and the elderly.

The demining operations took place in Marib, Aden, Jouf, Shabwa, Taiz, Hodeidah, Lahij, Sanaa, Al-Bayda, Al-Dhale and Saada.

The project trains local demining engineers and provides them with modern equipment. It also offers support to Yemenis injured by the devices.

Teams are tasked with clearing villages, roads and schools to facilitate the safe movement of civilians and delivery of humanitarian aid.

 


Saudi deputy FM receives EU ambassador

Waleed Elkhereiji (R) and Christophe Farnaud in Riyadh. (Supplied)
Waleed Elkhereiji (R) and Christophe Farnaud in Riyadh. (Supplied)
Updated 29 sec ago

Saudi deputy FM receives EU ambassador

Waleed Elkhereiji (R) and Christophe Farnaud in Riyadh. (Supplied)
  • They reviewed relations between the Kingdom and the EU, as well as regional and international developments of common interest

RIYADH: Saudi Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed Elkhereiji received EU Ambassador to the Kingdom Christophe Farnaud in Riyadh on Monday.

During the meeting, they reviewed relations between the Kingdom and the EU, as well as regional and international developments of common interest, the Foreign Ministry said in a post on X.

Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for Economic and Development Affairs Abdullah bin Zarah received Dya-Eddine Bamakhrama, ambassador of Djibouti and dean of the diplomatic corps, in Riyadh on Monday. They discussed economic matters of mutual interest.

 

 


Documentary shines light on 黑料社区鈥檚 progress, development

New Konoz documentary highlight's Kingdoms advancements towards achieving 2030 goals. (SPA)
New Konoz documentary highlight's Kingdoms advancements towards achieving 2030 goals. (SPA)
Updated 07 July 2025

Documentary shines light on 黑料社区鈥檚 progress, development

New Konoz documentary highlight's Kingdoms advancements towards achieving 2030 goals. (SPA)
  • Movie celebrates political, economic, cultural, sporting advancements

RIYADH: 黑料社区鈥檚 transformation toward its Vision 2030 goals has been documented in a new film by the Ministry of Media.

Launched by the ministry鈥檚 Konoz initiative, 鈥淭he Destination鈥 highlights the progress made in the political, economic, medical, sporting, cultural, media and artistic fields.

Mirroring the film's title, 黑料社区 has become a global destination for investment, tourism, and much more. (Supplied)

Its title reflects the Kingdom鈥檚 path toward becoming a global destination for tourism and investment.

Konoz CEO Abdullah Al-Ahmari credited megaprojects and upcoming events such as the AFC Asian Cup 2027, Expo Riyadh 2030 and FIFA World Cup 2034.

HIGHLIGHT

鈥楾he Destination鈥 includes interviews with key figures from various fields as well as testimonies, quotes and historical records. It is part of a series of films produced by Konoz in cooperation with almost 90 organizations and more than 2,600 individuals.

鈥淭he Konoz initiative aims to document the Kingdom鈥檚 achievements through creative productions,鈥 he said, describing the country as a 鈥渕odel admired by the world.鈥

The film reflected the progress being made on the ground and highlighted the initiative鈥檚 focus on Saudi talent in shaping the Kingdom鈥檚 future, he said.

鈥淭he Destination鈥 includes interviews with key figures from various fields as well as testimonies, quotes and historical records. It is part of a series of films produced by Konoz in cooperation with almost 90 organizations and more than 2,600 individuals.

The Konoz initiative is part of the Human Capacity Development Program under Vision 2030. Its goal is to promote 黑料社区n culture around the world by highlighting the contributions and success stories of its citizens.