The first phase of the driverless Riyadh metro will open on Wednesday, with three of its six lines available for commuters, the project's official page on social media platform X announced on Saturday.
In October, Saudi Arabia's Minister of Transport and Logistics, Saleh bin Nasser AI Jasser, said the project was in its "final phases" and was undergoing tests.
Once fully operational, the Riyadh metro is expected to be the largest in the world to be completed in a single phase and is expected to boost the value of commercial and residential real estate in the Saudi capital, especially in areas where it is immediately accessible.
In its first phase, the metro will cater for up to 1.2 million passengers a day, and more than twice that figure once completed, spanning a total of 176km and 84 stations.
"The metro network will cover most of the densely populated areas, public facilities, and the educational, commercial and medical institutions," the project's website reads.
"The network will be connected to King Khalid International Airport and King Abdullah Financial District, the main universities, downtown Riyadh, and the public transport centre."
It will also include 80 bus routes and pass through 2,860 stops with 842 buses.
The transport network aims to keep up with Riyadh's growing population, which is expected to reach 15 to 20 million by 2030, from 7.5 million in 2023.
TV: World Cup Qualifier 2018 matches will be aired on on OSN Sports HD Cricket channel
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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The National's picks
4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
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List of alleged parties
May 15 2020: PM and Carrie attend 'work meeting' with at
least 17 staff members
May 20 2020: PM and Carrie attend 'bring your own booze'
party
Nov 27 2020: PM gives speech at leaving do for his staff
Dec 10 2020: Staff party held by then-education secretary
Gavin Williamson
Dec 13 2020: PM and Carrie throw a flat party
Dec 14 2020: London mayor candidate Shaun Bailey holds staff party at Conservative
Party headquarters
Dec 15 2020: PM takes part in a staff quiz
Dec 18 2020: Downing Street Christmas party
The Bio
Favourite place in UAE: Al Rams pearling village
What one book should everyone read: Any book written before electricity was invented. When a writer willingly worked under candlelight, you know he/she had a real passion for their craft
Your favourite type of pearl: All of them. No pearl looks the same and each carries its own unique characteristics, like humans
Best time to swim in the sea: When there is enough light to see beneath the surface
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