Riyadh is preparing for another significant leap forward in its urban transformation, with a new metro track and a dedicated street-food district scheduled to open in 2026. These projects form part of the capital’s broader effort to enhance mobility, diversify lifestyle offerings and shape a more dynamic, liveable city for residents and visitors alike.
The new metro link is set to connect the rapidly developing Diriyah Gate district in the northwest with Qiddiya in the southwest, two anchor destinations in Riyadh’s long-term urban and tourism vision. By creating a direct public-transport corridor between cultural heritage, residential neighbourhoods and major entertainment zones, the extension is expected to ease congestion and provide a more sustainable alternative to car travel. For travellers arriving in the capital, the new service will also streamline journeys between key attractions, making Riyadh more navigable and better aligned with international standards for urban mobility.
Alongside the metro expansion, the city will debut a new street-food hub designed to celebrate accessible dining, small-business entrepreneurship and pedestrian-friendly social spaces. Riyadh Food Street, as the district is currently known, aims to bring together local and international street-food vendors in an open, lively environment that encourages exploration and community interaction. The initiative reflects the city’s ongoing effort to balance ambitious, high-end developments with more inclusive public spaces that appeal to a broad spectrum of residents and tourists.
Together, these two projects illustrate a continued shift in Riyadh toward a more holistic model of urban development. The metro extension underscores the city’s intention to place efficient public transport at the heart of its growth strategy, responding to rising mobility demands as the population expands. Meanwhile, the street-food hub highlights an evolving focus on lifestyle amenities, cultural expression and walkable neighbourhoods—elements that are increasingly essential for cities positioning themselves as global destinations.
As Riyadh moves through its 2026 development cycle, the success of these initiatives will depend on how effectively they integrate with the city’s existing urban fabric. The metro’s value will hinge on seamless connections with surrounding districts and last-mile transport options, while the street-food hub will need to balance vibrancy with inclusivity to ensure that it remains accessible to all. If delivered as envisioned, both developments have the potential to enhance everyday life in the capital, enrich its tourism offer and bring Riyadh closer to its long-term ambition of becoming one of the world’s most liveable, forward-thinking cities.
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Photo rights: SPA
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