Saudi Arabia’s urban transformation is in full swing, with new facilities, state-of-the-art stadiums for the 2034 FIFA World Cup, and expanded airports all in the works. Among these changes, Jeddah is also seeing some huge progress. The long-forgotten Jeddah Metro project has been revived and given the green light after years of delays.
What was once just an idea is now on track to become a reality, with new details finally emerging about what’s to come.
Jeddah Metro: First Details about Lines and Stations
The idea for metro in the city first emerged in the early 2010s. After years of planning and some delays, it was included in the city’s public transport program. In 2015, Foster + Partners created the initial design for the metro stations (you see it in the images), though the final concept could change.
The long-term plan for the Jeddah Metro project includes a four-line network covering more than 160 km, with 81 stations in total:
- Blue Line: from King Abdulaziz International Airport to Haramain High-Speed Railway station
- Orange Line along Al Madinah Road and Old Makkah Road
- Green Line: from downtown Jeddah to the Haramain railway station
- Red Line: from King Abdullah Stadium to Old Makkah Street
Blue Line is the first to be built. It will stretch 35 km and consist of 15 stations, offering a more convenient way to travel between key points in the city, including the airport and railway station.
When Will Jeddah Metro Open?
While an official launch date hasn’t been set yet, Jeddah Metro is expected to be operational in time for the 2034 FIFA World Cup. As the city undergoes major transformations, this new public transport network will play a key role in making it more connected and accessible.
This is just one of the big projects changing the city, and there’s a lot more to come. The city’s skyline will soon include Trump Plaza Jeddah, built at King Abdulaziz Road. On top of that, Jeddah will soon be home to ultra-luxury resorts by Atlantis and One&Only, which will raise the bar for its hospitality level.
