Saudi Arabia launches EOI for Qiddiya High-Speed Rail Project to link KSIA, KAFD and Qiddiya City

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (Metro Rail Today): In a bold move to redefine the future of mobility in the Middle East, the Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC) has officially launched the Expression of Interest (EOI) phase for the highly anticipated Qiddiya High-Speed Rail (HSR) Project. Developed in strategic partnership with the National Center for Privatization & PPP and Qiddiya Investment Company, the project aims to accelerate Saudi Arabia’s transport infrastructure and economic diversification under Vision 2030.

Designed to run at speeds of 250 km/h, the Qiddiya HSR will dramatically cut travel time between King Salman International Airport (KSIA), the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD), and Qiddiya City to just 30 minutes. This transformative rail corridor will be developed under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, inviting global rail and mobility companies to participate in one of the most forward-looking infrastructure initiatives in the Gulf region.

Speaking on the importance of this project, Mrs. Mamta Shah, Managing Director & CEO of Urban Infra Group, stated:

“The Qiddiya High-Speed Rail project is more than a transport corridor—it is a bold symbol of Saudi Arabia’s smart infrastructure ambitions. By integrating world-class connectivity with futuristic urban zones, it sets a new benchmark in regional mobility and showcases the potential of high-speed rail as a driver of economic growth, tourism, and sustainability.”

The Qiddiya HSR line will connect some of Saudi Arabia’s most high-profile mega-developments:

• King Salman International Airport (KSIA): Set to be among the world’s largest airports, replacing King Khalid International Airport and positioning Riyadh as a global aviation hub.

• King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD): A LEED Platinum-certified, mixed-use financial hub envisioned as the Middle East’s Wall Street.

• Qiddiya City: A sprawling entertainment, sports, and cultural city designed to be the epicenter of Saudi Arabia’s leisure economy.

The project is being seen as a strategic backbone for Riyadh’s multimodal transport integration, complementing the capital’s newly launched Riyadh Public Transport Network, which includes metro and bus systems. Seamless connectivity is a key feature of the project, enabling residents and tourists to transition effortlessly between air, rail, and city transport.

The PPP model will allow private sector participation in design, financing, construction, and operations—ensuring innovation and long-term value creation. It also reflects Saudi Arabia’s intent to position itself as a hub for international investment and infrastructure leadership.

Industry observers say the Qiddiya HSR is a major milestone under Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia’s national development plan that emphasizes sustainability, economic diversification, and global competitiveness. It will also help support domestic tourism, generate employment, and reduce dependence on cars in a region traditionally reliant on road-based transport.

Interested companies must submit their EOI by 12 October 2025, 6:00 PM Saudi time, marking the start of what promises to be one of the most globally competitive bidding rounds in the high-speed rail sector.

As Saudi Arabia pushes forward on its journey to become a smart and sustainable transport leader, the Qiddiya High-Speed Rail project is set to become a flagship example of next-generation urban connectivity in the Middle East.