Although a precise debut date is yet to be revealed, Saudi Arabia's Minister of Transport and Logistics, Saleh Al-Jasser, has reiterated that the eagerly awaited Riyadh Metro is set to open "within a few weeks". Al-Jasser underlined the historic and transforming character of the metro project during an interview with Al-Arabiya Business at the Global Logistics Forum in Riyadh, stressing that present efforts are focused on test runs.

Al-Jasser called the Riyadh Metro project a massive undertaking representing the biggest simultaneous metro building project ever carried out. He underlined the possibility of the project to greatly improve Riyadh's infrastructure, therefore raising the standard of living for its citizens by means of a rapid, contemporary, reliable transit system. Al-Jasser remained hopeful about the project's ultimate completion even if this news reflects earlier remarks suggesting impending launches.

In his comments, the minister also underlined the larger development surge Saudi Arabia is experiencing and framed the transportation and logistics systems as basic elements of the National Strategy for Transport and Logistics. This approach seeks to establish Saudi Arabia as a worldwide logistics center by means of effective transportation and distribution systems, therefore enabling the nation's development.

Al-Jasser admitted that although there have been many updates on the expansion of the transportation industry, particular schedules for several significant projects are still unknown. This has caused some uncertainty on the estimated completion times and advancement of several projects connected to the national strategy.

Al-Jasser also highlighted the large sums of money that national agencies and organizations-including the Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones (MODON)-are investing. These expenditures constitute a component of the overall national plan to create a modern and interconnected logistics system all over the Kingdom.

Among the main initiatives underlined by Al-Jasser are those involving the proposed expansions for King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and King Salman International Airport in Riyadh. According to him, King Salman International Airport's development will help it to become among the biggest airports worldwide. This development is part of a larger attempt to improve the aviation industry in the Kingdom, which includes the recent founding of Riyadh Air, a new airline meant to increase the connectivity and tourism of the country.

Al-Jasser said on the first day of the Global Logistics Forum that 69 agreements at more than SR17 billion were signed. Coordinated by the Ministry of Transport and Logistics, this meeting provided a forum for world leaders in the logistics sector to gather and address new trends, issues, and joint projects.

Particularly the Riyadh Metro represents the Kingdom's aim to update its infrastructure and improve urban mobility rather than only a transportation project. The government's emphasis on building an effective public transportation system fits with its Vision 2030 objectives of promoting economic development, enhancing citizen quality of life, and lowering dependency on private vehicles as the metro's building gets almost finished.

Stakeholders from several fields are closely observing how the Riyadh Metro will turn out as its debut draws near. In one of the fastest-growing cities in the area, the metro is projected to reduce traffic congestion, therefore benefiting Riyadh's general urban development objectives.

Even if the Riyadh Metro's precise start date is yet unknown, the completion of the project is expected to significantly change the city's transportation scene. Saudi Arabia's will to become a major participant in world logistics and transportation is proven by the dedication displayed by the Ministry of Transport and Logistics to improve the infrastructure of the Kingdom by major investments and activities.