An international consortium led by Parsons has been appointed to manage the implementation of an 8.4-kilometer extension of the Red Line, connecting King Saud University to Diriyah through five new stations, in a move that strengthens the integration of the public transport network with one of Saudi Arabia’s leading cultural and tourism destinations.

Riyadh | BETH

November 7, 2026

Plans to expand the Riyadh Metro network are advancing with the appointment of an international consortium led by Parsons, alongside SYSTRA and Egis, to manage the implementation of the Red Line extension from King Saud University to Diriyah.

The 8.4-kilometer project will include five new stations.

The consortium will oversee all stages of the project, from design and construction to testing and preparations for the start of operations, ensuring coordination between the engineering and operational systems of the new extension and the existing network.

The project is particularly significant because it will connect Diriyah to Riyadh’s public transport network, providing residents and visitors with additional mobility options and improving access to cultural and tourism destinations, business districts, and educational institutions.

BETH Analysis | Expansion Beyond Transportation

The Red Line extension represents another step in strengthening the relationship between transport infrastructure and urban development in Riyadh.

Its importance goes beyond adding new stations. It will support mobility between King Saud University and Diriyah while connecting major destinations through an integrated mass transit network.

The project's operational impact will become clearer once station locations, construction and operational schedules, and integration with buses and other transport services are finalized.

The strategic value of the extension lies in transforming access to Diriyah from a journey primarily dependent on roads into an option directly connected to Riyadh’s metro network.