New Roads, Metro, and Rail to Improve Access to Qiddiya City
Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC) is speeding up efforts to improve access to Qiddiya City through multiple road and public transport projects. The Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC) is collaborating with QIC Managing Director Abdullah Al-Dawood to develop these projects.
Speaking on the Fi Alsurah (“In the Picture”) program, Al-Dawood said several infrastructure projects are planned for 2026 to reduce traffic congestion and improve connectivity to Qiddiya, which is a major entertainment and cultural destination.
One key project involves the construction of a new road by the RCRC that will directly connect Al Taif Road in Riyadh’s Laban neighborhood to Qiddiya City. Recommend: Big changes to Saudi visa rules, Here is what expats should know.
In addition, Al Taif Road will be widened, along with Prince Mishal Road in Irqah, to help traffic move faster. These roads will be linked through the Western Ring Road.
Adding an extra lane to Jeddah Road is another big project. This project is now in the process of awarding contracts, and it is projected to greatly ease traffic.
A similar project is under way to widen the Second Southern Ring Road, also at the contract-awarding stage. This upgrade will improve access for residents traveling from eastern and southern Riyadh.
Public transportation is also part of the access plan. Al-Dawood said frequent bus services from four areas of Riyadh, including the south and east of the city, are expected to start operating in 2026.
Metro expansion plans are also progressing. Al-Dawood said the proposed Riyadh Metro Line 7, which is currently in the final stage of proposal evaluation, will include two tracks running across Qiddiya City’s upper and lower plateaus.
The metro line will enter from Prince Mohammed bin Salman Road, pass through Diriyah, and continue to Qiddiya City. Most Viewed: Riyadh's Road Network development begins with 13 billion riyals contracts
He also discussed the Qiddiya High-Speed Rail Project, announcing its launch in September 2025 after soliciting interest from construction companies. This project will further strengthen access to Qiddiya.
According to Al-Dawood, the high-speed rail line will start at King Khalid International Airport, stop at the King Abdulaziz Financial District, and then continue to Qiddiya City.
Separately, the RCRC has announced major infrastructure projects as part of the third phase of the Circular and Major Roads Development Program to improve traffic flow in northern Riyadh.
These projects include the 4.3-kilometer Uthman ibn Affan Road, which will feature seven bridges and handle more than 500,000 vehicles per day. The King Abdulaziz Road Development Project (Northern Section) is another project. It is 4.7 kilometers long and has four bridges and a tunnel that can handle more than 450,000 vehicles a day. See Also: Saudi Arabia opens its stock market fully for foreign investors
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