Saudi Arabia:
Pioneering the Future of Mobility

Saudi Arabia stands at a historic inflection point—transforming not just its economy but the very way people live, move, and connect. At the heart of this evolution is mobility. Under Vision 2030, the Kingdom is investing in world-class transport infrastructure to diversify its economy, reduce oil dependency, and emerge as a global leader in technology, innovation, and sustainability.
One of the most ambitious objectives? Raising public transport usage in urban centers from just 1% to 15% by 2030. Backed by over $50 billion in investments, Saudi Arabia is building metro systems, high-speed rail, and intelligent mobility solutions that represent more than engineering—they signal a complete reimagining of urban life.
Urban Mobility:
Riyadh Metro and Beyond
At the forefront of this transformation is the Riyadh Metro—the largest single-phase metro project in the world. Purpose-built to reduce congestion and shift commuters from cars to public transport, the project features:
- 6 lines spanning 176 km
- 85 stations, including intermodal transport hubs
- A capacity of 3.6 million passengers daily
This system is expected to help alleviate congestion, drastically reduce CO₂ emissions, and improve daily life for millions.
Riyadh’s system is complemented by a vast bus network and integrated ticketing, setting a new standard for smart urban mobility. Similar projects are underway in Jeddah, Dammam, and Mecca, including light rail, electric buses, and autonomous transit—all aligned with the Kingdom’s green and digital transformation goals.
High-Speed Rail:
Linking Cities, Cultures, and Commerce
Saudi Arabia’s investment in intercity mobility is equally transformative. The Haramain High-Speed Rail connects the holy cities of Mecca and Medina with Jeddah and KAEC, offering:
- 300 km/h operating speed
- 450 km of track
- Capacity of 60 million passengers annually
- Travel time from Mecca to Medina: approximately 2.5 hours
Already serving over 20 million passengers, the Haramain Rail provides a fast, sustainable, and comfortable alternative to road travel—vital for both pilgrims and the growing population.
The Land Bridge Project:
Connecting Coasts, Powering Trade
The Saudi Land Bridge Project is set to revolutionize logistics. This 1,300 km rail corridor will connect the Red Sea (Jeddah) to the Arabian Gulf (Dammam), delivering major strategic and economic benefits:
- Freight time reduced from days to hours
- Substantial Logistics costs reductions
- Boost to regional and international trade
- Fast intercity travel for passengers
Integrated with ports, airports, and logistics hubs, the Land Bridge will cement Saudi Arabia’s role as a global logistics powerhouse.
Smart Mobility:
AI, Predictive Maintenance, and Digital Innovation
As networks expand, technology will be key to ensuring reliability and performance. To that end, plans are underway to launch Alstom’s HealthHub Digital Centre in Riyadh. This facility will support real-time monitoring of aprox. 700 railcars across the Kingdom’s networks, including:
- Riyadh Metro
- Jeddah Airport People Mover
- Haramain High-Speed Rail
Using AI-powered analytics, the system will collect data every 30 seconds across over 200 parameters—from speed and GPS location to temperature and component health. The goal is to enable predictive maintenance, identifying potential faults before they lead to service disruptions—ultimately reducing downtime, improving cost efficiency, and enhancing the passenger experience.
Green Mobility:
Hydrogen-Powered Rail and Sustainable Innovation
Saudi Arabia is also exploring zero-emission transport technologies as part of its long-term sustainability goals. In a landmark step, the Kingdom conducted a successful demonstration of the Coradia iLint—the world’s first hydrogen-powered passenger train.
While not yet commercially deployed, the trial provided critical data to support the Kingdom’s ambition to integrate green mobility solutions into its rail strategy.
The iLint produces:
- Zero CO₂ emissions
- Only water vapor as exhaust
- Low noise levels and extended range
This trial reflects Saudi Arabia’s broader commitment to clean energy, as it positions itself as a future global hub for green hydrogen and a leader in decarbonized transport.
Empowering the Next Generation:
Local Talent, Global Impact
Infrastructure alone isn’t enough. Saudi Arabia is investing in human capital, ensuring that tomorrow’s railways are designed, operated, and maintained by local expertise. Through institutions like the Saudi Railway Polytechnic (SRP), young Saudis are gaining hands-on skills in:
- Rail engineering and operations
- AI and digital mobility
- Green and hydrogen technologies
This isn’t just about jobs—it’s about building a knowledge-based economy, where Saudi talent leads the future of mobility.

ALSTOM TRANSPORT S.A.
King Abdullah Financial District – Zone 05
Discovery Street 2, Tower 5.05, Unit 1 - Level 13
Al-Aqiq District, Riyadh | KSA