Assistant Deputy Minister of Transport to (Maaal): Riyadh Metro to Launch Next Month, Investments in Logistics hit 400 bln SAR by 2024

By Fahad Al-Talal and Mamdouh Al-Maliki

In an exclusive statement to (Maaal), Nouf Alfares, Assistant Deputy Minister at the Saudi Ministry of Transport and Logistics Services, announced that the Riyadh Metro project will launch in November, with the six lines expected to be gradually at service.

She noted that there is a slight delay in Line 3, but the project remains under the supervision of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, and efforts are ongoing to ensure that all lines are ready by the end of the year.

Regarding investments in the transport and logistics sector, Alfares explained that the National Transport and Logistics Strategy, launched in mid-2021, aims to position the Kingdom as a global logistics hub by 2030.

So far, investments have reached approximately 400 billion riyals out of the targeted 1 trillion riyals by 2030, she added.

Alfares highlighted major projects such as the Land Bridge, which will connect the east and west of the Kingdom at a cost exceeding 50 billion dollars. This project is one of the largest currently underway and aims to enhance connectivity between Gulf countries and regional capitals.

She also emphasized the critical role of the private sector in delivering these large-scale projects, with ongoing discussions with both local and international companies, including the Chinese government.

Furthermore, Alfares discussed the rapid development of the tourism sector in the Kingdom and the significant increase in tourist numbers, which necessitates strong infrastructure, including land, sea, and air transport, to provide a premium experience for visitors. She stressed the importance of developing maritime transport, including launching ferries in the Arabian Gulf and the Red Sea, to facilitate movement between coastal cities and neighboring countries.

Alfares concluded by affirming that the Kingdom is working to achieve logistics integration with Gulf countries, focusing on rail and maritime connections, and expects full integration to be completed by 2034.