Saudi Arabia’s Arriyadh Development Authority (ADA) has received bids for the consultancy package for a transit-oriented development (TOD) project, sources familiar with the plan tell MEED.

ADA, which is responsible for urban planning and development in the kingdom’s capital, is the project client for the $23bn Riyadh Metro.

Sources tell MEED that ADA is looking to develop TOD schemes around the key metro stations in order to maximise revenue from third party retailers.

TODs typically comprise commercial, residential and retail spaces in proximity to transport hubs, designed to increase public transport usage.

MEED understands that the ADA has also been looking to promote public transport usage with completion of the Riyadh Metro expected late next year. The initiatives include art contests in schools as well as visits to the construction sites.

TOD mixed-use projects are being planned in Dubai and Doha.

The award of Dubai Union Oasis, the emirate’s first public-private partnership (PPP)-based TOD mixed-use scheme, has faced delays.

It is understood that the Dubai Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) and ASGC, the selected developer, are undertaking additional revisions to the original scope of the contract.