Prime Highlights
- The Qiddiya Bullet Train will reduce travel time between Qiddiya, King Salman International Airport and King Abdullah Financial District to just 30 minutes, strengthening connectivity across Riyadh.
- The Red Line extension of the Riyadh Metro to Diriyah is expected to ease congestion, support tourism hubs, and drive long-term real estate demand.
Key Facts
- Trains on the Qiddiya line are expected to operate at speeds of up to 250 km per hour, cutting commuting time by around 75 percent.
- Land prices near Qiddiya have already increased by 30 to 40 percent since 2023, reflecting rising investor interest ahead of operations.
Background:
The improved network will help visitors travel more easily to places like Bujairi Terrace and Wadi Safar, and encourage cleaner transport options. The high-speed rail line will link Qiddiya with King Salman International Airport and the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD), cutting travel time to around 30 minutes. Officials say the journey currently takes nearly two hours by other transport options.
The Royal Commission for Riyadh City stated that trains are expected to operate at speeds of up to 250 km per hour. The project forms part of a wider transport strategy to improve mobility across the capital, particularly in western and southwestern Riyadh, where urban expansion continues to accelerate.
In a related announcement, the commission awarded the Red Line extension of the Riyadh Metro to Diriyah. The expansion will add 7.1 kilometres of tunnel and 1.3 kilometres of elevated track, with stations planned at King Saud University and Diriyah. Diriyah is also expected to become an interchange point for the future Line 7.
Officials estimate that the metro extension could remove around 150,000 cars from daily traffic. The improved network will make it easier for visitors to reach places like Bujairi Terrace and Wadi Safar, while also promoting more eco-friendly travel.
Business leaders say the infrastructure push will drive long-term economic growth. Bandar Al-Saadoun, vice chairman of Khaleejiah Holding, described the Diriyah development as one of the largest projects under Vision 2030. He said the rail links will connect major projects like Expo 2030 Riyadh, New Murabba and The Avenues, which is likely to increase demand for real estate in nearby areas.
Analysts said land prices near Qiddiya have already gone up by 30 to 40 percent since 2023. They expect prices to grow steadily once the project starts, as faster travel between the airport, KAFD and Qiddiya attracts more buyers and supports housing and tourism projects.
