On the sidelines of the 8th edition of Future Investment Initiative (FII8) Conference held at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center in Riyadh, the King Abdullah Financial District Development and Management Company (KAFD DMC) inked a landmark agreement with CRRC (Hong Kong) Co. Limited and CRRC Nanjing Puzhen Co. Ltd, alongside Hassan Allam Construction Saudi, to launch its groundbreaking monorail. This key initiative is set to redefine urban mobility and improve pedestrian movement within the district.
This highly anticipated transport system is designed to be both a sustainable and efficient solution, contributing to KAFD’s vision of creating a smart, connected city with eco-friendly mobility by reducing reliance on private vehicles.
The monorail spans 3.6 kilometers and features a driverless autopilot operation, setting new standards in safety and efficiency. The sleek, elevated system will consist of six trains travelling along a circular track with six stations strategically placed across
the district to connect key areas, encompassing office buildings, retail spaces, and leisure facilities.
The monorail also offers seamless connectivity by integrating with the Riyadh Metro, making transfers smooth and enhancing accessibility throughout the city. Its design aligns with KAFD’s vision of a “10-Minute City.”
Located in the heart of the Saudi capital, Riyadh, KAFD is a transformative mixed-use development that merges the worlds of business and lifestyle and sets new benchmarks in urban living, smart city technologies, and sustainable development, designed to transform how urban communities live, work, and play. Spanning 1.6 million square meters, Saudi Arabia’s first vertical city is home to 95 buildings across five asset classes, featuring Grade A office spaces, upscale residences, diverse commercial and retail areas, luxury hospitality, and vibrant entertainment venues, all interconnected and walkable within 10 minutes.
Chief Operations Officer of KAFD DMC Stephen Thomas said: “Globally, urba
n mobility is undergoing a transformation, with the global public transportation market size projected to grow from $6.11 billion in 2024 to $28.89 billion by 2034, at a CAGR of 16.81% over the decade. With this project, we are not only enhancing the quality of life for KAFD’s residents and visitors but also contributing to the long-term sustainability of Riyadh. The monorail is a symbol of progress, seamlessly connecting the district while supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.”
The monorail, expected to handle up to 3,500 passengers per hour during peak times, underscores KAFD’s commitment to pioneering urban solutions that improve residents’ quality of life while championing environmental responsibility. Once operational, the project will establish KAFD as a global model for future urban mobility developments.
In recognition of its first-class digital infrastructure that delivers robust connectivity, sustainability, and a seamless live, work, and play experience, KAFD is the first neighbourhood in the Mi
ddle East and North Africa (MENA) to achieve WiredScore’s Global Smart Neighborhood Certification. A green district, KAFD is the world’s largest LEED platinum-certified business and lifestyle destination, with over 40 Silver and Gold LEED-certified buildings amongst its expansive portfolio, including the world’s first LEED Platinum v4-certified fire station.
Source: Saudi Press Agency
