Riyadh to build new metro track, food district in 2026
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Riyadh’s 2026 development program reveals a new metro track linking Diriyah Gate with Qiddiya and a dedicated street-food district. It also features wider mobility, environmental and infrastructure projects across the capital.
The seventh metro track, running from Diriyah in the northwest to Qiddiya in the southwest, will enter its initial implementation phase in 2026. The extension supports the city’s plan to expand its transport network and meet rising mobility needs driven by rapid urban growth and major new developments.
Riyadh Food Street will provide a dedicated area for global and local street-food operators, offering an affordable dining space that supports small businesses and contributes to the city’s cultural development. The project is designed as a pedestrian-focused district that aids neighborhood renewal and expands Riyadh’s profile as a regional tourism and lifestyle centre.
Work on large-scale road upgrades will also continue next year. The Main and Ring Roads Axes Development Program will advance new routes and improve existing corridors across more than 500 kilometers. Key projects include the Second Southern Ring Road, Al-Thumama Road and Taif Road in Laban, aimed at easing congestion and improving links between districts.
Environmental plans remain central. The Green Riyadh program will proceed with the planting of about 7.5 million trees across parks, streets and public areas, raising per-capita green space from 1.7 square meters to 28 square meters. All new areas will use treated water for irrigation.
Riyadh’s entertainment and sports calendar is set for further growth. The 2025/2026 Riyadh Season will continue adding large-scale events across multiple zones, while more than 13 international sporting events are scheduled for next year. Redevelopment work at King Fahd Stadium is also ongoing.
