On the busy streets of Jeddah, millions of residents endure long commuting congestion every day. This second largest city in Saudi Arabia has been carrying a modern subway dream since the early 2010s, aiming to unblock the increasingly paralyzed transportation network. However, the fluctuations in global oil prices have put this dream dormant for nearly a decade. Until early 2026, a tender announcement was quietly released, and the Jeddah Metro - especially the blue line connecting the airport and high-speed rail stations - finally woke up from its long freeze and knocked on the door to the future of the city again.

From soaring to sudden freeze

The story of Jeddah Metro began in the early 2010s. In response to the severe challenges of rapid population growth and traffic congestion, the Saudi government included subway projects in a broader public transportation plan between 2013 and 2014. In 2014, the project had a strong momentum: French engineering company Systra was commissioned to carry out preliminary engineering design, and American company Aecom was also awarded a pre project management consulting contract worth 276 million Saudi riyals to assist in the early planning of network multi-element. In 2015, the renowned British architectural design firm Foster+Partners was selected to be responsible for the design of subway stations, injecting an international design perspective into the project.

However, the same year also became a turning point for the project. The significant drop in global oil prices has forced the Saudi government to reassess all major spending priorities. The scope, cost, and implementation mode of the subway project are under strict scrutiny, project funding is tightened, and the progress of work has almost come to a complete halt. This pause has lasted for nearly ten years.

35 kilometers connecting to transportation arteries

In early January 2026, the Jeddah Development Authority officially released the preliminary design consultation tender for the Jeddah Metro Blue Line, marking a substantial restart of the project. According to the bidding requirements, the consulting company needs to submit a bidding proposal before March.

The Blue Line is a key link in the Jeddah Metro network, with a planned total length of approximately 35 kilometers, aimed at connecting King Abdulaziz International Airport with the Haramain High Speed Railway Station, thereby strengthening the connection between air transportation, intercity railways, and major urban areas. The line is expected to have 15 stations, which will greatly improve passenger transfer efficiency, alleviate road pressure along the route, and activate the urban economic corridor after completion.

Infrastructure recovery and diversified development

The restart of the Jeddah Metro is seen as a clear signal of Saudi Arabia's renewed efforts in infrastructure construction under the current international energy situation and economic diversification strategy. The project is supervised and implemented by the Jeddah Development Authority, and its promotion will directly drive multiple industries such as engineering, design, and building materials, create employment opportunities, and enhance the long-term competitiveness of the city. Keywords: infrastructure engineering news, transportation information, Jeddah Metro

The analysis points out that this move also echoes Saudi Arabia's "2030 Vision" goals of improving quality of life and developing non oil economies. The improvement of transportation network will promote the integration of commerce, tourism, and urban service industries, injecting new impetus into the economic transformation of Jeddah and even Saudi Arabia.Editor/Yang Meiling