The $5bn Qiddiya high-speed rail in Riyadh has received PPP prequalifications from interested firms as deadline approaches. The Saudi Arabia’s Royal Commission for Riyadh City in collaboration with Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC) received the statements. Furthermore, the National Center for Privatization & PPP was also involved. The statements were submitted by firms on 30 April for the public-private partnership (PPP) package of the project in Riyadh.

This follows the submission of prequalification statements for the engineering, procurement, construction and financing (EPCF) package on 16 April. Moreover, the prequalification notice was issued on 19 January and a project briefing session held on 23 February.

This was done at the Qiddiya Entertainment City (QIC). Once complete, the rail project is expected to connect King Salman International airport and the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD)). The line will also operate at speeds of 250 kilometers an hour, reaching Qiddiya in 30 minutes. Other than rail projects, Riyadh is focused on a wholesome enhancement of its transport sector with roads also getting advancements. This includes Riyadh’s $1.6 billion road upgrades project that aims to improve roads in the region in time for the Expo 2030.

Outlook on the Qiddiya High-speed Rail in Riyadh

The Qiddiya high-speed rail in Riyadh is expected to be developed in two phases. The first phase will connect Qiddiya with KAFD and the King Khalid International airport. On the other hand, the second phase will start from a development known as the North Pole. It will then travel to the New Murabba development, King Salman Park, central Riyadh and Industrial City in the south of the city.

In November 2025, MEED noted that more than 145 local-based and international companies were interested in developing the project. These includes 68 contracting companies and also 23 design and project management consultants. Furthermore, 16 investment firms, 12 rail operators, 10 rolling stock providers and 16 other services firms also expressed interest. In 2023, French-based consultants Egis was appointed as the technical adviser for the project.

On the other hand, UK-based consultancy Ernst & Young is acting as the transaction adviser, and Ashurst is the legal adviser. Qiddiya is one of Saudi Arabia’s five official gigaprojects and covers a total area of 376 square kilometers.

Project Overview

• Project Name: Qiddiya High-Speed Rail (Q-Express)
• Project Type: High-speed rail infrastructure
• Value: ~$5 billion
• Speed: Up to 250 km/h
• Purpose: Connect Riyadh to Qiddiya City and key districts
• Status: PPP prequalification stage completed

Key Stakeholders

• Client: Royal Commission for Riyadh City
• Partner: Qiddiya Investment Company
• PPP Authority: National Center for Privatization & PPP
• Advisers: Egis, Ernst & Young, Ashurst

Location

• City: Riyadh
• Country: Saudi Arabia

Scope

• High-speed rail line linking key urban and entertainment zones
• Connections to King Salman International Airport and KAFD
• Multi-phase network expansion across Riyadh

Funding / Delivery Model

• Public-Private Partnership (PPP)
• EPCF (Engineering, Procurement, Construction & Financing) package
• Also competitive bidding with international participation

Status

• PPP prequalification submissions received (30 April)
• EPCF prequalification completed (16 April)
• Next phase: tendering and contractor selection

Key Risks & Challenges

• Complex multi-phase delivery
• Coordination across major urban developments
• Also high capital and execution requirements

Strategic Significance

• Key transport backbone for Qiddiya gigaproject
• Also enhances connectivity across Riyadh
• Supports tourism, entertainment, and urban expansion

Key Features

• Travel time to Qiddiya: ~30 minutes
• Two-phase development strategy
• Also strong international contractor interest (145+ firms)