Riyadh, October 29, 2024 – At the 8th Future Investment Initiative (FII8) Conference in Riyadh, the King Abdullah Financial District Development and Management Company (KAFD DMC) announced a transformative agreement with CRRC (Hong Kong) Co. Limited, CRRC Nanjing Puzhen Co. Ltd, and Hassan Allam Construction Saudi to launch a state-of-the-art monorail system within the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD). This initiative is set to revolutionize urban mobility, offering sustainable transport solutions and enhancing pedestrian access throughout the district.
The new monorail system spans 3.6 kilometers and operates via driverless autopilot technology, emphasizing both safety and efficiency. Its elevated track features six trains circulating on a loop with six strategically positioned stations, connecting key areas across the district's offices, retail centers, and leisure spaces. As a crucial link in Riyadh's transit system, the monorail integrates seamlessly with the Riyadh Metro, aligning with KAFD’s “10-Minute City” concept by prioritizing convenience and accessibility.
KAFD, a vast mixed-use development at the heart of Riyadh, represents Saudi Arabia’s first vertical city. Spanning 1.6 million square meters, it consists of 95 interconnected buildings encompassing top-tier office spaces, luxury residences, retail and commercial hubs, as well as premium hospitality and entertainment venues. With its eco-conscious design, the monorail reduces reliance on private vehicles, aligning with KAFD's vision for a smart, connected city.
Stephen Thomas, Chief Operations Officer of KAFD DMC, emphasized the transformative impact of this project on urban mobility, noting the significant growth projected for the global public transportation market, from $6.11 billion in 2024 to $28.89 billion by 2034. He highlighted how the monorail system will enhance quality of life for KAFD’s residents and visitors while supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
The monorail is projected to accommodate up to 3,500 passengers per hour during peak times, positioning KAFD as a global leader in urban mobility. The district has also earned the distinction of being the first neighborhood in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) to receive WiredScore’s Global Smart Neighborhood Certification, further reflecting its commitment to sustainability. Notably, KAFD is the world’s largest LEED Platinum-certified business and lifestyle district, with over 40 Silver and Gold LEED-certified buildings, including the world’s first LEED Platinum v4-certified fire station.