RIYADH: The Riyadh Metro project is 54 percent complete and on schedule, Riyadh Gov. Prince Faisal bin Bandar, chairman of the High Commission for the Development of Arriyadh, said Thursday following the second meeting of the commission at its headquarters in the capital.
The metro network will constitute the backbone of the public transport system in Riyadh. It will comprise six lines at a total length of 176km, plus 85 stations.
It will connect King Khalid International Airport, King Abdullah Financial District, main universities, downtown and the public transport center.
The meeting reviewed the results of a population satisfaction survey on the quality of life in Riyadh to monitor residents’ concerns on a wide range of services and urban and development issues, said Ibrahim Al-Sultan, chairman of the Center for Projects and Planning in Riyadh.
It was conducted to reveal and understand the attitudes and future needs of the population, he added.
The study revealed that 76 percent of respondents consider life in Riyadh “better than five years ago,” and are very satisfied with their lives; 88 percent are confident in their future and expect the best in the next five years; and 98 percent feel safe in public places and on the roads.
The survey showed that population satisfaction has increased on issues such as improving public transport, parks and recreational facilities.
The meeting discussed the outcomes of the comprehensive plan to achieve Riyadh Smart City, which aims to expand the use of technical solutions to systems in various aspects of the city.
It reviewed progress in implementing the Traffic Signal Management and Control Project in Riyadh, which includes implementation of the latest intelligent transport systems and programming of traffic signals to increase road network efficiency and improve traffic flow.
Contracts were given to implement a project to reduce groundwater levels in the neighborhoods of Laban, Tuwaiq and Darul Beidha, as well as in Mansouriya district.
Riyadh Metro 54% complete, on schedule
Riyadh Metro 54% complete, on schedule
Saudi Arabia expresses concern over UAE pressure on STC, warns against threats to its security
- Saudi Arabia stressed that any threat to its national security constituted a “red line”
- Riyadh further emphasized the importance of the UAE responding to Yemen’s request to withdraw its military forces within 24 hours
Riyadh: Saudi Arabia on Tuesday expressed regret over what it described as pressure by the United Arab Emirates on Southern Transitional Council (STC) forces to carry out military operations in Yemen’s Hadramout and Al-Mahra governorates, warning that such actions pose a direct threat to the Kingdom’s national security and regional stability.
In a statement, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the reported moves were inconsistent with the principles of the Arab Coalition that supports the internationally recognised government of Yemen and undermined ongoing efforts to achieve security and stability in the country.
#Statement | Pursuant to the statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 25/12/2025 corresponding to 5/7/1447 regarding the Kingdom’s concerted efforts, working with the brotherly United Arab Emirates, to end and contain the escalatory steps taken by the Southern… pic.twitter.com/lTyU0gLgpf
— Foreign Ministry (@KSAmofaEN) December 30, 2025
The ministry referred to earlier statements by the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council and the coalition leadership concerning the movement of ships carrying weapons and heavy vehicles from Fujairah port to Mukalla without official authorization.
Saudi Arabia stressed that any threat to its national security constituted a “red line,” adding that it would not hesitate to take all necessary measures to confront and neutralize such risks.
The Kingdom reaffirmed its support for Yemen’s security, stability, and sovereignty, as well as its full backing of the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council and its government. It also reiterated that the southern issue is a just cause that can only be addressed through dialogue as part of a comprehensive political solution involving all Yemeni parties, including the STC.
Riyadh further emphasized the importance of the UAE responding to Yemen’s request to withdraw its military forces within 24 hours and to halt military or financial support to any Yemeni faction.
The statement called for wisdom to prevail in order to preserve Gulf unity, bilateral relations, and the shared goal of regional stability and development.
