Riyadh plans major transport upgrades to improve access to Qiddiya

Riyadh is preparing to roll out a series of road and public transport projects to improve access to Qiddiya City, as infrastructure investment accelerates ahead of further development of the entertainment and cultural destination.

The projects are being implemented by Qiddiya Investment Company in partnership with the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, according to Abdullah Al-Dawood, managing director of Qiddiya Investment Company.

Speaking on the Fi Alsurah programme “In the Picture”, Al-Dawood said several infrastructure schemes are scheduled to move forward in 2026 to ease traffic congestion and strengthen connectivity between Riyadh and Qiddiya.

Major road upgrades ease congestion

A new road is being constructed to link Al Taif Road in Riyadh’s Laban neighbourhood directly to Qiddiya. Al Taif Road itself will be widened, alongside Prince Mishal Road in Irqah, with the routes connected through the Western Ring Road to improve traffic flow.

Further upgrades include plans to widen Jeddah Road by adding an extra lane. This project is currently at the contract-awarding stage and is expected to significantly reduce congestion on one of the main access routes. Another scheme at the same stage involves widening the Second Southern Ring Road, improving access for residents travelling from eastern and southern Riyadh.

Public transport is also set to expand. Al-Dawood said frequent bus services from four areas of Riyadh, including the south and east of the city, are expected to begin operating in 2026, providing additional options for visitors travelling to Qiddiya.

Metro expansion forms another part of the plan. The proposed Riyadh Metro Line 7, currently in the final stages of proposal evaluation, will include two tracks running through Qiddiya City’s upper and lower plateaus. The line is expected to enter from Prince Mohammed bin Salman Road, pass through Diriyah and continue to Qiddiya.

High-speed rail links Qiddiya

In addition, the Qiddiya High-Speed Rail Project is expected to further strengthen access to the destination. The project was launched in September 2025 with an expression of interest issued to construction companies. According to Al-Dawood, the rail line will depart from King Khalid International Airport, stop at the King Abdulaziz Financial District and continue to Qiddiya.

Separately, the Royal Commission for Riyadh City has announced major road works under the third phase of the Circular and Major Roads Development Programme to improve traffic flow in northern Riyadh.

These include the 4.3-kilometre Uthman ibn Affan Road, featuring seven bridges and a capacity exceeding 500,000 vehicles per day, and the 4.7-kilometre King Abdulaziz Road Development Project in the northern section, which includes four bridges and a tunnel designed to handle more than 450,000 vehicles daily.