Riyadh is preparing to launch the Riyadh driverless monorail in the heart of the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD). Construction is scheduled to begin before the end of the year, marking a significant milestone in the capital’s innovative mobility plans.
Faddy Al Aql, Chief Asset Delivery Officer at KAFD, told Saudi daily Al Eqtisadiah that the system will transport up to 3,500 passengers per hour. The project is central to the “10-minute city” strategy, where every destination within KAFD can be reached on foot in under 10 minutes, supported by bridges connecting towers.
A 10-minute city brought to life
The Riyadh driverless monorail will span 3.6 kilometers on a circular elevated track. It will feature six modern stations and six fully autonomous trains. A direct interchange with the KAFD metro station will provide effortless links to the wider Riyadh Metro network, reducing reliance on cars for daily commutes.
The project remains in the design stage, and officials plan to conduct trial runs in early 2027, followed by a full public opening later that year.
The system represents more than transportation, as it demonstrates Riyadh’s ambition to merge smart mobility with cutting-edge urban planning. By delivering efficient and sustainable travel, KAFD positions itself as a global model where business, lifestyle, and innovation converge.
Global vision, local ambition
The monorail is part of KAFD’s $10 billion mega-project, which already includes 95 completed buildings offering offices, residences, retail, hotels, and entertainment venues. The rail loop will serve as the backbone of this ecosystem, connecting the district’s destinations while setting new standards for convenience and sustainability.
The construction contract, awarded in late 2023, brings together CRRC (Hong Kong), CRRC Nanjing Puzhen, and Hassan Allam Construction Saudi Arabia—a collaboration combining global expertise with local delivery.
As Al Aql emphasized, the Riyadh driverless monorail underscores the city’s determination to integrate modern transit with world-class design, reinforcing its role as a rising global financial hub.
Why the Riyadh driverless monorail matters
KAFD is one of Riyadh’s most important business districts. The monorail will reduce car trips, free up curb space, and alleviate pressure from drop-offs and pick-ups.
Its direct link with the Riyadh Metro will extend the reach of every journey, making multimodal trips smoother and reducing car dependency.
Frequent, reliable transit will support pedestrian-friendly streets and enhance productivity within the 10-minute city.
Success in KAFD can set a template for other dense urban districts across Saudi Arabia, accelerating the adoption of sustainable public transport.
What riders can expect
Passengers can look forward to short waits, quick transfers, and a comfortable experience. With six stations around the loop, most trips will take only a few minutes.
The elevated line and automated systems provide reliable service, enabling riders to travel without needing to check schedules. Modern stations offer accessibility upgrades with elevators, level boarding, and clear signage. Strong air conditioning and integrated ticketing keep the Riyadh driverless monorail convenient for both daily commuters and visitors.
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