Transforming Urban Transit for Riyadh Metro

In 2024, Saudi Arabia launched Riyadh Metro, the Kingdom’s first fully automated and driverless metro network. Spanning six lines and 85 stations, this network was designed to reshape daily commuting across the capital. Within the first 10 weeks of operation, Riyadh Metro facilitated over 162,000 trips and carried more than 18 million passengers, including 10 million on its Blue Line alone.

Our Urban Solutions’ Mobility team was responsible for delivering and integrating the AGIL® Platform Screen Doors (PSDs) and AGIL® Passenger Information Systems (PIS) for Riyadh Metro, serving as technology partner to Alstom and Siemens Mobility which were leading the project. Our team’s scope included integrating over 1,600 PSDs across five metro lines and installing the PIS in 138 train cars across three metro lines.

The Challenge

Environmental and technical challenges

This project presented several challenges that shaped our delivery approach. Riyadh’s arid climate and frequent dust exposure demanded durable and highly resilient systems, while the diversity of Riyadh Metro’s station platform architecture required customised PSDs configurations to ensure both safety and operational reliability.

Additionally, the PSD and PIS had to be tightly integrated with external systems, such as signalling, train control and communications systems, which increased the technical complexity of the work.

These demands were further compounded by compressed project timelines that required rigorous project management and careful coordination across every project stage.

The Solution

A focused strategy of localisation, customisation and collaboration

To ensure successful implementation, our delivery approach was built on three core pillars: tailored solutions, a strong local presence backed by global experience, and close collaboration with key stakeholders - Alstom , Siemens Mobility and the Riyadh Metro Authority.

1. Tailored solutions
This project presented challenges that required customised and flexible engineering solutions:

• Harsh environmental conditions: To withstand Riyadh’s desert climate, the weather-proof PSDs were fitted with reinforced sealing mechanisms to minimise sand ingress and reduce maintenance demands. The PIS onboard displays and speaker systems were engineered to endure high temperatures, vibrations and shocks, ensuring reliable, long-term functionality.
• Architectural diversity: With station platforms differing in width, curvature and structure design, we customised the PSDs to achieve a seamless fit in every station without compromising safety or operational reliability.
• Complex systems integration: The PSDs were synchronised with train control and door management systems to ensure safe, automated operation, while the PIS was integrated with Alstom’s train management platform to deliver accurate, real-time passenger information.
• Compressed timelines: With numerous systems to deploy under tight schedules, disciplined project management and clear coordination were essential from design through manufacturing to final implementation.

The PSDs were designed to withstand harsh environmental conditions, improving durability and reducing maintenance frequency.

2. Local presence, global experience

We were on the ground to provide direct, real-time support throughout the project. This strengthened coordination, accelerated decision-making and ensured responsiveness and continuity needed to meet tight timelines and high-performance standards.

We also drew on our prior experience in deploying integrated rail systems across diverse urban environments. With a proven track record working with Siemens and Alstom on similar PSD and PIS implementations, we not only brought trusted technical expertise but also global best practices, contributing to smooth execution and on-schedule delivery despite the project’s scale and complexity.

3. Collaboration
We collaborated closely with Siemens, Alstom, and the Riyadh Metro Authority to ensure consistency throughout the design, installation and operational phases.

• Joint Design Reviews: We held technical workshops, joint design reviews and regular alignment meetings to ensure all systems were fully in alignment with station layouts, train architectures and project requirements.
• Customised Solutions: We tailored PSD dimensions, control systems and materials to meet the unique needs of each station.
• Rigorous Testing: We conducted Joint Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT) and Site Acceptance Tests (SAT) to ensure all systems met stringent safety, functionality, and integration standards.
• Training and Handover: We also conducted comprehensive on-site and classroom training programmes for local operations and maintenance staff to ensure long-term sustainability of the systems under local ownership and easy maintenance.

The Result

Delivering safer journeys with reliable and efficient operations

The implementation of the full-height PSDs had significantly enhanced platform safety and operational reliability across the Riyadh Metro network. Built for harsh desert conditions, the PSDs maintained reliable operation with minimal downtime, low maintenance, and seamless integration with train control systems, supporting smoother and more punctual services.

The PIS enhanced operational efficiency and the commuting experience with real-time updates on journeys and wayfinding.

Integrated with Alstom’s trains and train management systems, the PIS improved operational efficiency and commuter experience through real-time updates on journeys, service changes and wayfinding. Engineered to meet industry standards for rail communication, the PIS ensured interoperability with onboard control, signalling, and diagnostics systems.

We completed all PSD and PIS installations ahead of schedule and achieved over three million man-hours without a single Lost Time Incident. This achievement earned us Siemens’ Environment, Health and Safety Champion award. We were also the first contractor to complete system installations between transit lots, demonstrating our disciplined execution and strong site coordination.

Together, these outcomes supported the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of Saudi Arabia’s first fully automated metro network and laid the foundation for long-term service excellence.

Future Plans

Scaling Smart Mobility Solutions for Future Cities

The Riyadh Metro is now a vital part of the city’s infrastructure and a cornerstone of the Kingdom’s smart city vision. Our Urban Solutions role in this project demonstrates our ability to deliver complex, high-impact smart metro solutions remain resilient, even in challenging environments

As cities around the world continue to invest in safer, smarter and more sustainable public transit systems, we remain focused on strengthening its collaboration with global partners to support the development of efficient, reliable and future-proof metro systems that deliver positive outcomes for transport operators and improve quality of life for communities.