SAUDI ARABIA: The Royal Commission for Riyadh City has invited expressions of interest in bidding for a public-private partnership contract to build the Qiddiya High Speed Rail Project.
The proposed 250 km/h line would link Riyadh’s King Salman International Airport and King Abdullah Financial District with Qiddiya City, which is being developed by Qiddiya Investment Co as a ‘futuristic city comprising a mix of high-energy entertainment attractions, sports complexes, cultural landmarks and residential neighbourhoods’ with an envisaged population of 500 000 people.
Qiddiya City is 70 km from the airport and 45 km from central Riyadh; the railway is expected to offer a journey time of 30 min from the capital.
RCRC said the rail project announced on September 22 was intended to form a core element of Riyadh’s transport system. It would provide ‘an integrated urban mobility experience’, with seamless connections to the rest of the public transport network including the metro.
The overall goal is to improve the quality of life for residents and visitors and to enhance sustainable urban growth, in alignment with the objectives of the Saudi Vision 2030 strategy.
Specialised companies and investors are invited to express interest in participating in the Qiddiya High Speed Rail project by contacting RCRC no later than October 12.
