Driverless Monorail to Redefine Connectivity in King Abdullah Financial District

During the eighth Future Investment Initiative (FII) held at the King Abdul Aziz International Conference Center in Riyadh, the King Abdullah Financial District Development & Management Company (KAFD DMC) entered into a landmark agreement with CRRC (Hong Kong) Co. Limited and CRRC Nanjing Puzhen Co. Ltd, alongside Hassan Allam Construction Saudi, to launch its groundbreaking driverless monorail project. 

Once operational, the project will establish KAFD as a model for future urban mobility developments globally. There is no specified date for when the monorail will be completed, but some sources say it is due to be ready by 2026. 

Goals Behind The Project 

The KAFD monorail project is a key initiative expected to redefine urban mobility, connectivity, and improve pedestrian movement within the district. This highly anticipated transport system is also designed to reflect the KAFD's vision of creating a smart and connected city that upholds eco-friendly, sustainable, and efficient mobility across the city by reducing reliance on private vehicles. 

The project is another initiative that underscores Riyadh's commitment to pioneering urban solutions that redefine and improve the residents’ quality of life, while balancing environmental responsibility. 

Globally, there have been many transformations towards enhancing urban mobility. The global public transportation is forecasted to grow from US$ $6.11 billion in 2024 to US$ $28.89 billion by 2034, at a CAGR of 16.81% over the decade. 

The proposal of the KAFD driverless monorail will not only enhance the quality of life for its residents and visitors, but also contribute significantly to the long-term sustainability of Riyadh. 

All in all, the KAFD monorail, when completed, will mark a clear symbol of progress towards seamless connectivity of the district while supporting the goals behind Vision 2030. 

What to Expect 

The project will feature a 3.6-kilometer monorail with a driverless autopilot operation, setting a new standard for safety and efficiency in the transportation system surrounding KAFD. It will feature six trains traveling on an elevated circular track strategically placed throughout the city to connect to the towers within KAFD and other active areas, such as office buildings, leisure facilities, and retail spaces. The monorail is expected to handle up to 3,500 passengers an hour during peak times. 

This impressive driverless monorail will also integrate with the Riyadh Metro, further enhancing connectivity, allowing smooth transfers, and accessibility throughout the city. It aligns perfectly with KAFD’s vision to create a 10-minute city. 

About  KAFD 

Located in the heart of the Saudi Capital, Riyadh, KAFD is a 1.6 million square metres, mixed-use development that combines the worlds of modern business and lifestyle. The $10 billion KAFD development sets new benchmarks that redefine urban living, smart city solutions, and most importantly, sustainable development. In short, it brings a new meaning to how urban communities live, work, and engage in entertainment. 

King Abdullah Financial District is Saudi Arabia’s first vertical city, featuring 95 buildings across five asset classes:

• Grade A office spaces

• Upscale residences

• Diverse commercial and retail areas

• Luxury hospitality

• Vibrant entertainment venues

All these buildings are interconnected and walkable within 10 minutes.

KAFD is the first neighborhood in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) to achieve WiredScore's Global Smart Neighborhood Certification. It is achieved in recognition of its first-class digital infrastructure that offers efficient connectivity across the district, excellent sustainability, and a seamless experience to live, work, and play. 

Besides this, as a green district, King Abdullah Financial District is also the world’s largest 

LEED platinum-certified business and lifestyle destination. It homes over 40 Silver and Gold LEED-certified buildings amongst its expansive portfolio. This includes the world's first LEED Platinum v4-certified fire station.  

Saudi Rail Track Network Continues to Expand 

Over the last decade, Saudi Arabia has proposed numerous initiatives to expand its railway network, making a serious effort to reduce traffic in major cities, including the capital, to improve safety and reduce carbon emissions from private vehicle use. 

The KAFD Metro station is one such project underway, expected to prove beneficial in many ways, especially as a game-changer for businesses in the area. 

Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) said that, on average, 5.1 million passengers used their trains in the first half of 2024, showing a 17% increase compared to the same period last year. 

On the other hand, cargo carried by rail exceeded 13.26 million tonnes in the first six months, up 9% from 2023. 

In February 2024, Saudi Arabia Railway signed a $690 million contract with Stadler, a Swiss manufacturer of rail infrastructure and trains, for 10 “next-generation” passenger trains. The agreement was also extended with an option for ten more in the future. 

There have also been ongoing plans for metro projects for the holy city of Mecca and the eastern port city of Dammam.