Saudi Arabia has already noted its plans to launch the Riyadh driverless monorail project before the end of this year. These remarks are based according to a company executive close to the project. The scope of implementation entails its launch this year followed by a testing in early 2027. Once done, the rail will be fully commissioned in the same year. Faddy Al-Aql, chief asset delivery officer at King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) which signed the contract for the monorail in late 2024. Al-Aql also noted that that the monorail would have a capacity of 3,500 passengers per hour.
He said the monorail will support the ’10-minute city’ concept, where every destination is within a 10-minute walk. The project aims to achieve this using suspended pedestrian bridges that connect all buildings to each other, including the metro station within KAFD. “The monorail project is in the design stage and we hope that construction work will begin in the last quarter of this year,” Al-Aql said.
Project Factsheet
Significance:
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Supports Saudi Arabia’s 10-minute city concept, ensuring all destinations are within walking distance.
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Enhances connectivity and mobility within the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD).
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Strengthens Riyadh’s reputation as home to the world’s largest green district.
Infrastructure:
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3.6-kilometer elevated circular track within KAFD.
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Six driverless, autopilot-operated trains with a capacity of 3,500 passengers per hour.
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Features suspended pedestrian bridges linking buildings, metro stations, and public spaces.
Developer:
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Project led by King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD).
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Contract signed in late 2024, with project design currently underway.
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Chief Asset Delivery Officer Faddy Al-Aql oversees planning and delivery.
Funding:
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Backed by KAFD’s investment strategy to expand urban transport.
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Public-private collaboration aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 sustainability goals.
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Financing structured to support integration with the Riyadh Metro system.
Implementation Timeline:
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Launch announced for late 2025.
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Construction to begin Q4 2025.
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Testing scheduled for early 2027, with full commissioning in the same year
The State of Affairs Regarding the Riyadh Driverless Monorail Project
The implementation of the Riyadh driverless monorail project is one that is expected to feature 3.6-kilometer monorail across Riyadh. Furthermore, it will contain a driverless autopilot operation that will improve safety and efficiency. The monumental project will also feature six trains travelling on an elevated circular track strategically placed throughout the city. This will connect to the towers within KAFD and other areas such as office buildings and retail spaces.
The monorail is expected to handle up to 3,500 passengers an hour during peak times. The impressive driverless monorail will also integrate with the Riyadh Metro. Through this, it will further enhance connectivity, allowing smooth transfers, and accessibility throughout the city. It aligns perfectly with KAFD’s vision to create a 10-minute city. The King Abdullah Financial District is one that has a major significance in redefining lifestyle and modern business. One of its significance is that the district, located at the heart of Saudi’s capital, is the world’s largest green district. A consortium led by CRRC Nanjing Puzhen, Hassan Allam Construction Saudi and CRRC (Hong Kong) is responsible for the construction of the 3.6-kilometre monorail project.
