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Saudi Arabia’s Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) has announced that France’s Alstom will provide rolling stock and systems for the Al-Ula tram scheme.

The first phase of the tram scheme is a 22.4-kilometre-long line with 17 stations, operated by 20 trams. It will link Al-Ula International airport to five of the area’s historical regions. The system is scheduled to start running in 2027.

France’s Systra is the consultant.

MEED reported in May that RCU was in advanced discussions with Alstom for the project after technical requirements meant other potential bidders withdrew interest in the scheme.

In April 2021, the RCU unveiled an investment plan worth SR57bn ($15bn) to regenerate Al-Ula. About $3.2bn has been allocated for infrastructure development, including the tram and renewable power generation.

Oil production cuts trim public sector growth, but private sector thrives

*=Year-to-date | Sources: IMF, MEED Projects, MEED

MEED’s October 2023 special report on Saudi Arabia includes: 

> COMMENT: Riyadh reshapes its global role
> POLITICS: Saudi Arabia looks both east and west
> SPORT: Saudi Arabia’s football vision goes global
> ECONOMY: Riyadh prioritises stability over headline growth
> BANKS: Saudi banks track more modest growth path
> UPSTREAM: Aramco focuses on upstream capacity building
> DOWNSTREAM: Saudi chemical and downstream projects in motion
> POWER: Riyadh rides power projects surge
> WATER: Saudi water projects momentum holds steady
> GIGAPROJECTS: Gigaproject activity enters full swing
> TRANSPORT: Infrastructure projects support Riyadh’s logistics ambitions
> JEDDAH TOWER: Jeddah developer restarts world’s tallest tower