Riyadh Metro: The Backbone of Riyadh Economy
As everyone is following the news of several entertainment and business events in Riyadh City, eyes should turn to the official inauguration of Riyadh Metro. Why? Let’s dive into the details…
Diversifying the Kingdom's economy is one of the major goals of Vision2030, but quality of life is just as important. In fact, just one year after the announcement of Vision2030, the Quality of Life Program (QOLP) was launched to improve the ‘lifestyle’ and ‘livability’ of individuals, families, and communities. Riyadh Metro is expected to play an important role in the success of both goals, diversifying the economy and improving the quality of life.
Quality of Life:
Several studies suggest a strong link between the city’s transit quality, quality of life, and residents' life satisfaction. In Riyadh, where 90% of the population relies on cars or taxis for their mobility needs, this heavy dependence has concerning consequences such as air pollution, traffic congestion, time-wasting, stress, personal safety, etc.
As a Riyadh resident, you may have asked yourself: How many times have I decided not to visit a friend or family member—or even stay home because of the anticipated traffic congestion? It’s evident that these conditions promote “social isolation,” while having reliable access via a metro system to social activities and other kinds of activities significantly reduces the risk of social isolation and improves the quality of life.
According to the UN’s 2023 Sustainable Development Goals report, only 50 percent of the world’s urban population had convenient access to public transport. The good news is that in 2024, Riyadh’s 8 million residents are expected to add to this figure.
Mobility & Economic Diversification
Effective solutions like metros have proven to have outstanding positive results beyond the simple cost-benefit analysis; in many countries, the Wider Economic Impact (WEI) studies demonstrate a correlation between transport and employment, considering that employment is the primary tool for people to improve their financial status. It’s obvious that reducing the cost and time between destinations can increase the “matching” between employers and job seekers, and finding the right candidates can increase the productivity and attractiveness of specific commercial locations and, as a result, boost the economy.
The Positive Impact of Mega Projects
The existing Riyadh Metro will have future expansions that match the city's projected rapid growth. Also, these projects attract major international and national corporations, enhancing Riyadh’s position as a central business hub in the region.
Generally, Investment in mega projects like metros is coupled with a surge in investment in different sectors. These investments will lead to significant economic and productivity benefits.
In essence, metro transportation systems are more than infrastructure projects; they are transformative agents that align with and advance the goals of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. Metros are integral to the Kingdom’s journey towards a diversified, modern, and prosperous future by enhancing the overall economy, livability, and quality of life. As Saudi Arabia continues to build and expand its metro networks, these systems will undoubtedly serve as a testament to the nation’s commitment to innovation and progress, helping to turn the visionary goals of Vision 2030 into a tangible reality.
I believe that Riyadh Metro is just the beginning of a more significant movement towards modern and inclusive urban development.
