Arriyadh Development Authority (ADA) has taken delivery of the first Alstom Metropolis trainset for the Riyadh metro.
It is the first of the 69 metro trainsets for Riyadh that will circulate on the lines 4, 5 and 6. The production of the metro trainsets is on track and Alstom, a part of FAST consortium, is set to meet its deadline and deliver all the metro trainsets by the end of 2018.
ADA launched in 2013 a project to build a metro network that would be 176-km-long and include six lines and 85 stations.
Alstom is in charge of supplying a full integrated metro system for lines 4, 5 and 6 (or Yellow, Green and Purple lines).
Composed of two cars each, the Riyadh metro trainset is 36-meter-long and is able to accommodate up to 231 passengers.
Each train features three classes — first, family and single class separated by a glass partition.
The trains will offer passengers a high level of comfort, ergonomic seating, LED lightning and advanced passenger information systems.
The interior and exterior design has been developed as per ADA’s specific aesthetic requirements.
The exterior car body features painted stripes that indicate the color of the line the metro trainset will circulate on.
The metro trains are 100 percent motorized, allowing them to run on gradients of up to a 6 percent slope.
They have been designed with the region’s climate in mind. One such feature is its powerful airconditioning system, capable of delivering sufficient cooling capacity even in extreme heat. “We are pleased to hand over on time the first Metropolis trainset to ADA. This landmark project will allow Riyadh residents and visitors to commute aboard a reliable, comfortable and environmentally friendly means of transport,” said Gian Luca Erbacci, senior vice president for Middle East & Africa, Alstom.
He added: “Furthermore, Alstom is committed to be a close and long-time partner of the Kingdom to efficiently address its mobility needs.”
The metro trainsets are produced in Alstom’s factory in Katowice, Poland. Metropolis is part of Alstom’s metro range. More than 5,000 Metropolis cars have been sold worldwide to cities such as, Panama, Singapore, Sydney, Sao Paulo, Shanghai and Amsterdam.
Alstom delivers first metro trainset to Riyadh
Alstom delivers first metro trainset to Riyadh
Dubai Shopping Festival’s sporting events turn city into hub for outdoor action
The Dubai Shopping Festival is raising the bar this winter with a high-impact sporting calendar that runs throughout December and January, transforming the city into a hub for elite competition, community fitness and outdoor action.
From professional basketball to baseball games, polo tournaments, half marathons, and horse racing, the festival brings together athletes, families and spectators for a dynamic winter season of sport. The diverse lineup of events strengthens DSF’s role in supporting Dubai’s active lifestyle, showcasing world-class sporting venues and encouraging community engagement during the city’s peak outdoor season.
Key sporting events taking place during DSF:
Dubai Racing Carnival
- Race days: Jan. 2, Jan. 9 and ongoing dates until March 13.
- Location: Meydan Racecourse
The flagship winter racing season features international horses and top jockeys.
More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/dubai-racing-carnivaland https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/dubai-racing-carnival-festive-friday
Silver Cup
- Date: Jan. 10-Jan.24
- Location: Al-Habtoor Polo Resort and Club
Silver Cup, part of Dubai’s prestigious polo calendar, sees six of the world’s best teams go head-to-head in a 20-goal handicap.
- More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/silver-cup
Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge — Build-Up Ride 4
- Date: Jan. 4
- Location: Al-Qudra Cycle Track
The last of the Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge Build-Up Rides is designed to help cyclists build their stamina ahead of the ultimate challenge.
- More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/spinneys-dubai-92-cycle-challenge-build-up-ride-4
Hood to Coast Dubai 2026
- Date: Jan. 10
- Location: Al-Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve
Hood to Coast Dubai challenges teams to conquer a series of relay segments through expansive desert trails, with each runner taking on their leg before passing the baton.
- More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/hood-to-coast
Skechers Performance Run — Race 4 (16k/10k/5k/3k)
- Date: Jan. 10
- Location: Meydan
Enjoy a fun day out for the whole family at this popular community race offering various distances, where participants can run along the traffic-free roads of Meydan.
- More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/skechers-performance-run
Marina Home Dubai Creek Striders Half Marathon 2026
- Date: Jan. 11
- Location: Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club
One of the largest races of its kind in the UAE and the Middle East, this half marathon will mark its 23rd edition in 2026.
- More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/dubai-creek-striders-half-marathon
A citywide sporting season
With events spanning elite international fixtures, community runs, polo tournaments, multi-distance races, trail challenges and recurring racing nights at Meydan, DSF strengthens Dubai’s winter season for sport, well-being and outdoor experiences.
