Saudi Arabia: Qiddiya high-speed rail project moves into a pivotal stage
The Qiddiya High-Speed Rail Project, also known
as Q-Express, has moved into a pivotal stage as multiple firms have submitted expressions
of interest (EOI) following the official call released in September. The new
rail line will connect King Salman International Airport and King Abdullah
Financial District (KAFD) to Qiddiya City, cutting travel time to just 30
minutes from central Riyadh.
Spearheaded by the Royal Commission for Riyadh
City, in partnership with Qiddiya Investment Company and the National Centre
for Privatisation & PPP (NCP), the project represents a major step toward
integrating advanced mobility solutions within the Kingdom’s expanding urban
network.
Read More Saudi
Arabia opens bidding for Qiddiya high-speed rail project
Travelling at speeds of up to 250 km/h, the
Q-Express is now being developed under a public-private partnership (PPP) model
— shifting from its initial conventional structure. This model aims to attract
private sector investment and expertise to ensure efficient delivery and
long-term operational sustainability.
Two-Phase development plan
The project will unfold in two key phases:
·
Phase One: Connects Qiddiya with KAFD
and King
Khalid International Airport, laying the groundwork for
enhanced regional connectivity and economic integration.
·
Phase Two: Extends the route from the planned North Pole
District—home to the Public Investment Fund’s (PIF)
proposed 2-kilometre-tall tower—through New Murabba, King Salman Park,
central
Riyadh, and the Industrial City in southern Riyadh.
This phase will interlink major urban and cultural destinations across the
capital, strengthening Qiddiya’s role within Riyadh’s evolving cityscape.
Global expertise driving progress
A consortium of leading international advisers
has been appointed to guide the project’s development:
·
Egis (France) as technical adviser
·
Ernst & Young (EY) as transaction adviser
·
Latham
& Watkins as legal adviser
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of the Desert: Final designs of Saudi Arabia’s first luxury train revealed
A core element of Vision 2030’s Qiddiya gigaproject
Part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and one of
the Kingdom’s five official gigaprojects, Qiddiya spans 376 square kilometres,
with 223 sq km designated for development. Envisioned as a global hub for
entertainment, sports, and culture, the project aims to redefine lifestyle and
leisure in Saudi Arabia.
The Q-Express
will be a cornerstone of this vision — improving accessibility to Qiddiya,
enhancing visitor experiences, and supporting Riyadh’s transformation into a vibrant,
sustainable global metropolis.
Source: https://www.cbnme.com/
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