The metro station at King Abdullah Financial District. The Red Line is being extended west to Diriyah.
Riyadh's metro is heading to Diriyah, after a venture led by Parsons, the US engineering firm, was picked to manage construction of an 8.4-kilometer extension of the Red Line.
Riyadh Metro Transit Consultants, which pairs Parsons with French engineers Systra and Egis, was chosen by the Royal Commission for Riyadh City in March, Construction Week Saudi reported. The contract's value wasn't disclosed.
The route: the line runs on from King Saud University to five new stations: KSU Medical City, KSU West, Diriyah East, Diriyah Central and Diriyah South.
Mostly underground: 7.1 kilometers of the extension run below ground and 1.3 kilometers on a viaduct. Three stations are underground and two are elevated. It will also connect with Line 7.
Who builds it: a group led by Webuild, the Italian contractor, with Larsen & Toubro, Nesma and Alstom, won the construction contract in January.
How long: about six years. Once done, the Red Line will stretch about 34 kilometers with 20 stations.
Familiar hands: the venture has worked on the Riyadh Metro since 2013. The 176-kilometer network opened in late 2024.
"We are honoured to continue working on the Riyadh Metro," said Pierre Santoni, president of infrastructure for Europe, the Middle East and Africa at Parsons.
Why it matters: Diriyah is being rebuilt as a destination for tourists, shoppers and residents. A direct rail link plugs it into the capital's network, so visitors won't need a car to get there.
For more on how Riyadh is building for the crowds ahead, read Three Groups Race for Riyadh Airport Terminal as Expo 2030 Nears.
