Riyadh is redefining the future of urban mobility with the launch of the Q-Express Metro, also known as “Line 7” — a bold, high-capacity transit corridor designed to shape the Kingdom’s next chapter of urban development. With an estimated investment scope of $5 billion, this opportunity is now open for global infrastructure players, private investors, and public-private partnerships.
Connecting the Capital’s Future: Strategic Purpose of Q-Express
Q-Express Metro is more than a transportation project — it’s a strategic spine connecting Riyadh’s most dynamic destinations:
- King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD)
- Qiddiya entertainment city
- New Murabba downtown project
- King Salman Park — the world’s largest urban park
- King Khalid International Airport
This east-west artery will serve as a backbone for tourism, commerce, and sustainable mobility, supporting Riyadh’s aim to become one of the world’s top 10 city economies under Vision 2030.
Engineering Scale: Technical Overview of Line 7
The Q-Express Metro will be built in two ambitious phases:
- Phase 1: 70 km stretch from King Khalid International Airport to KAFD and Qiddiya
- Phase 2: 45 km extension linking North Riyadh, New Murabba, and King Salman Park
Key technical highlights:
- Total length: 115 km, fully integrated into Riyadh Metro’s existing 176 km network — the longest driverless metro system in the world (as of Dec 2024)
- 19 stations: 14 underground, 5 elevated
- Fully automated (GoA Level 4) with advanced control systems
- Energy-efficient, desert-adapted design
- Dedicated maintenance depot for long-term operational excellence
This design enables high-speed, low-emission transit, boosting urban accessibility and economic inclusion.
$5B Investment Opportunity: PPP Model Opens Doors
In a major shift, the delivery model for Q-Express Metro has moved from traditional EPC (Engineering, Procurement, Construction) to a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) structure — opening up scalable investment channels for global infrastructure funds.
Investment details:
- Estimated cost: ~$5 billion (finalized post-tender)
- EOI (Expression of Interest) process opening soon
- Tendering expected in Q4 2025
- Completion window: between 2027–2028
This PPP model allows foreign and domestic investors to co-own, co-develop, and operate future-ready transport infrastructure in one of the fastest-growing cities in the region.
Who’s Involved: Advisors & Interest from Global Players
The project is already backed by leading advisory firms and attracting international attention:
- Egis Group – Technical Advisor
- Ernst & Young (EY) – Financial Advisor
- Growing interest from European and Asian investors, including companies from Italy, and strategic partners like Alstom, already involved in earlier Riyadh Metro phases.
With international momentum building, Q-Express is positioned to become a model PPP transit project in the MENA region.
National Impact: Tied to Vision 2030 & Mega-Projects
Q-Express is strategically aligned with Vision 2030, offering direct links to national giga-projects such as:
- Qiddiya (projected to host over 9 million residents/visitors annually)
- New Murabba – The future downtown of Riyadh
- North Pole Development – A new urban frontier
- King Salman Park – Transforming Riyadh’s green landscape
This metro line doesn’t just move people — it drives tourism, real estate value, and socioeconomic transformation.
Conclusion: A Global-Scale Opportunity in the Heart of Riyadh
As urban infrastructure demand rises and cities seek climate-smart solutions, Q-Express Metro stands as a symbol of future-focused mobility and investment. With its doors now open to the global market, this $5 billion project invites world-class investors to be part of Riyadh’s transformation into a smart, sustainable megacity.
📌 The future of transit is under construction — and investment begins now.
