RIYADH, November 2025 — Saudi Arabia's ambitious Qiddiya high-speed rail project, also known as Q-Express, has generated substantial interest from over 145 local and international companies, signaling robust global engagement in the Kingdom's burgeoning rail infrastructure development. This significant response underscores the project's strategic importance within the region's evolving transportation landscape.

The expressions of interest were submitted on October 12 to the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, Qiddiya Investment Company, and the National Centre for Privatisation & PPP. The diverse pool of interested parties includes 68 contracting firms, 23 design and project management consultants, 16 investment firms, 12 rail operators, 10 rolling stock providers, and 16 other service providers. Notable participants span major global players from India, China, France, Spain, South Korea, Japan, Germany, Italy, and the UK, alongside numerous Saudi Arabian companies.

This widespread interest highlights the project's potential to drive significant economic activity and technological advancement within the rail sector. As a public-private partnership (PPP) initiative, it aligns with Saudi Arabia's broader economic diversification goals under Vision 2030. The Q-Express line is set to connect key urban and entertainment hubs, including King Salman International Airport, King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD), and Qiddiya City, promising to reshape regional connectivity.

The Qiddiya high-speed rail is designed to operate at speeds of up to 250 kilometers per hour, reducing travel time between Riyadh and Qiddiya City to approximately 30 minutes. The project is planned in two phases, with the first connecting Qiddiya to KAFD and King Khalid International Airport. French consultant Egis has been appointed as the technical advisor, with Ernst & Young serving as the transaction adviser and Latham & Watkins as the legal adviser.

The strong turnout of potential partners for the Qiddiya high-speed rail project positions it as a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia's infrastructure expansion. It reflects a growing global confidence in the Kingdom's development projects and its commitment to establishing world-class transportation networks.

Source: MEED