Webuild Celebrates Opening of Qasr Al Hokm Downtown Station in Riyadh, Blending Tradition with Modern Innovation

Riyadh Metro, Orange Line (Line 3), Saudi Arabia

(IN BRIEF) The Qasr Al Hokm Downtown Station, a key component of Riyadh’s metro network, opened to the public today, showcasing a blend of modern architecture, traditional design, and sustainable technologies. This iconic station, located in the heart of the capital, symbolizes Saudi Arabia’s urban growth and commitment to innovation.

(PRESS RELEASE) RIYADH, 26-Feb-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Marking a significant milestone in Riyadh’s ongoing urban transformation, the Qasr Al Hokm Downtown Station welcomed its first passengers today. A focal point in the city’s rapidly expanding transportation network, the station serves as a testament to both the Kingdom’s rich history and its forward-looking ambitions. Part of the Orange Line (Line 3), the longest fully driverless metro line in the city, the station was constructed by Webuild on behalf of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC). The Orange Line was inaugurated last November and is a cornerstone of the city’s metro network.

Spanning an impressive 20,000 square meters and reaching a depth of 40 meters, Qasr Al Hokm Downtown Station is a remarkable engineering feat. The construction process involved the use of two tunnel boring machines working at different levels, ensuring minimal disruption to the capital’s busy center. One of the station’s most striking features is its 70-meter-diameter stainless steel cone-shaped roof, which serves as a periscope, reflecting the historic district above while offering views of the modern, open spaces inside. The design of the station incorporates a large conical wall, which is inspired by traditional Arabian architecture, creating a unique visual connection to local culture. The station, which spans across eight levels, also boasts a serene glass-enclosed garden on its lowest level, providing passengers with a peaceful retreat during their travels.

Qasr Al Hokm Downtown Station © Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC)

The design of Qasr Al Hokm Downtown Station prioritizes both functionality and sustainability, featuring energy-efficient LED lighting and high-performance ventilation systems to reduce energy consumption. In addition, the station has been designed with accessibility in mind, offering ramps, elevators, and tactile signage to ensure ease of access for individuals with disabilities.

As part of Riyadh’s ambitious metro network, which stretches across 176 kilometers, the Qasr Al Hokm Downtown Station contributes to a transportation system capable of handling up to 3.6 million passengers per day. The Orange Line, which is being opened in coordinated phases, currently offers 14 stations to the public, with more to follow as the network expands.

Downtown Station_Webuild Image Library – Riyadh Metro Project

Webuild, a longstanding presence in Saudi Arabia since 1966, continues to play a key role in the Kingdom’s infrastructure development. The company is involved in several major projects, including the high-speed Connector rail line, a system of three dams, and a freshwater lake for the Trojena city part of the NEOM project. Additionally, Webuild is constructing an underground parking facility in Riyadh with a capacity of 10,500 spaces, and the Sang Villas Urbanization Plan. Among the company’s completed projects is the Riyadh Kingdom Center, which won the ‘Emporis Skyscraper Award’ in 2002, as well as over 70 healthcare facilities and the Shuaibah-3 desalination plant, built by its subsidiary Fisia Italimpianti.

Media Relations

Francesca Romana Chiarano
Phone: +39 02 444 22 147
Email: f.chiarano@webuildgroup.com

SOURCE: Webuild S.p.A.