Riyadh is set to partially launch its metro system on Wednesday, November 27, according to a report by Al Eqtisadiah daily.

The first phase will include three lines: Al-Orouba to Batha, King Khalid International Airport Road, and Abdulrahman Bin Auf Street to Sheikh Hassan Bin Hussein Street. The remaining three lines will open in mid-December.

The Riyadh Metro is the world’s longest driverless metro system. It is designed to reduce vehicle reliance and support Riyadh’s growth as a global trade and business hub.

Sustainability is a key feature of the project. Solar panels installed at stations will generate 20% of the energy needed for critical systems. All six lines will be powered by renewable energy.

The project also includes energy-efficient trains and regenerative braking technology. These features aim to reduce energy consumption and make the metro more environmentally friendly.

The $22.5 billion (SR84.4 billion) project was first approved in 2012. It faced delays during construction, including disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Authorities are expected to announce ticket prices and discount packages in the coming days. They are being urged to set affordable and competitive rates to encourage more people to use the metro.

The metro’s launch is a major milestone in Riyadh’s public transport development. It comes 12 years after the project was first announced.

For a map of the Riyadh Metro, download the PDF here.