Riyadh is gearing up for another major upgrade to its transport system, and the biggest highlight is the announcement of Riyadh Metro Line 7. Set to roll out its initial implementation phase in 2026, the new line is designed to support the city’s rapid growth and its evolving lifestyle.
For residents across the Gulf—especially those familiar with Dubai’s seamless metro access—the addition of Line 7 is a step toward the same ease and reliability that many people experience daily in the UAE. Riyadh’s current network is already impressive, but this new extension is expected to shift how people move across the capital.
The project will connect some of the city’s most talked-about destinations, including Qiddiya Entertainment City, Diriyah Gate, Misk City and major parks. With several large-scale developments picking up pace, the extension comes at the right time.
A New Line Built for the Next Phase of Riyadh
Line 7 has been in discussion since 2024, but the latest update now confirms that work will officially begin in 2026. Once completed, the line will stretch 65 kilometres, with a route built for both convenience and capacity.
What stands out is how the track has been designed. Around 47 kilometres will run below ground, cutting through busy zones with minimal disruption. The remaining 19 kilometres will be above ground, passing through areas that offer ample space for elevated tracks.
Residents can expect 19 new stations, including 14 underground and five overground, making this extension one of the more balanced networks within the system.
By connecting Qiddiya, Diriyah and other high-growth districts, the line brings some of the country’s biggest mega-projects onto one accessible route. For day-to-day commuters, this means shorter travel times and fewer traffic-heavy journeys.
Connecting the City’s Most Iconic Destinations
Line 7 is built around a simple idea—easy access to places shaping the future of Riyadh.
Here are the key areas the new route will cover:
Qiddiya Entertainment City
Qiddiya continues to attract global attention, with theme parks, sports complexes and leisure attractions coming up in phases. Line 7 will link residents directly to the heart of Qiddiya’s entertainment district, cutting down the long drive and offering a reliable alternative during peak seasons.
Diriyah Gate
One of the most celebrated cultural districts in the GCC, Diriyah combines heritage with modern entertainment. At-Turaif, Bujairi Terrace and a growing list of dining spots make it a popular choice. The new line aims to boost accessibility, especially for visitors who prefer public transport.
Misk City
This new district is coming up as a hub for education, arts and community-led development. Improved metro access will support its growing population of students, families and young professionals.
King Salman Park & King Abdullah International Gardens
Both destinations are set to become major lifestyle hubs, offering green spaces, cultural programming and attractions designed for residents of all ages.
The expansion reflects a wider shift happening across the region. Cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi have shown how strong public transport systems reduce road congestion and add more convenience to everyday life. Riyadh is now heading in the same direction, and Line 7 has a central role in that transition.
A Snapshot of Riyadh’s Metro Network Today
Riyadh Metro became fully operational earlier this year and now operates through six colour-coded lines. Many GCC residents were quick to compare it to Dubai’s system, but Riyadh managed to carve its own milestone. The network spans 176 kilometres, officially earning the title of the world’s longest fully automated, driverless metro system.
Here’s a quick summary of the existing lines:
- Blue Line (Line 1): Al-Olaya to Al-Batha
- Red Line (Line 2): Covers the King Abdullah Road corridor
- Orange Line (Line 3): Runs from Al Madina Al Monawara to Prince Saad bin Abdul Rahman Al Awal Road
- Yellow Line (Line 4): Serves King Khalid International Airport
- Green Line (Line 5): Built along King Abdulaziz Road
- Purple Line (Line 6): Extends across Abdulrahman Bin Aouf Road to Sheikh Hassan bin Hussain bin Ali Road
Together, these lines make up the backbone of Riyadh’s public transport network. The introduction of Line 7 will push the system’s capacity even further, giving residents more flexibility and helping the city align with its long-term growth goals.
A More Accessible City for Residents and Visitors
Ticketing has also been made simple. Commuters can purchase rides through the Darb app, available in English and Arabic, or by using ticket machines at metro stations. Riders who prefer quick access can tap their credit or debit cards directly at the gates.
This system mirrors the contactless, fast-paced experience people in Dubai are familiar with, where tapping a card is often easier than buying a ticket. With Line 7 on the way, passengers can expect the same level of convenience across the entire metro network.
For the daily commute
Riyadh is growing quickly. New residential districts, entertainment attractions and economic hubs continue to open every year. With that comes more traffic, longer commutes and higher demand for reliable public transport.
Line 7 is designed to ease that pressure. It will offer a practical route for office workers, students, tourists and residents heading to major leisure zones. It also supports the long-term sustainability goals of the city by encouraging people to choose public transport over private vehicles.
For those who frequently travel between Dubai and Riyadh, this upgrade mirrors the kind of urban planning that has shaped the UAE’s transport system for years—easy, predictable and built around everyday needs.
The launch of Riyadh Metro Line 7 marks a significant step in the city’s development. By connecting cultural hubs, major parks and entertainment projects, the new line is designed to improve daily movement and support long-term expansion. As Riyadh continues to evolve, this upgrade brings its public transport system closer to the efficiency residents in Dubai and other Gulf cities are used to.
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