Riyadh is in the midst of a transformation unlike anything it has seen before. Though it’s winter, the Saudi capital is hot right now, driven by an ambitious vision that is turning it into a hub for culture, innovation, and world-class infrastructure. What was once a city defined by its quiet modernity is now a booming metropolis bursting with art and entertainment. At the core of this evolution is Vision 2030, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s master plan to diversify the country’s economy away from oil and make it a hub for tourism and culture.
The excitement reached a fever pitch today with the launch of the first phase of the $22.5 billion Riyadh Metro (“so exciting!” exclaims one MILLE staffer based in the Saudi capital). The only train to serve the city until now was the legendary Hejaz Railway, built on the order of Ottoman Sultan Abdulhamid II in 1909 CE, meaning it’s been more than a century since Riyadh saw the dawn of another major rail project.
As the first metro system in Riyadh, its significance goes far beyond convenience. In a city where cars have long reigned supreme, the metro marks the dawn of a new era of connectivity, sustainability, and modern urban living. The Crown Prince himself inaugurated the launch by taking a ride, an act symbolic of the role this project will play in Riyadh’s future.
The metro has been met with palpable excitement from residents and visitors alike. “It’s been ages,” notes MILLE’s Design Manager, who has been patiently waiting for the transportation system since its announcement in 2018. “I remember visiting my family, and every year they say ‘it will launch next year.'”
As the world’s longest driverless metro system—with six lines spanning 176 kilometers and connecting major districts— it’s a game-changer in every sense. For tourists, it promises seamless access to key attractions, reducing travel time and making exploration effortless. For locals, it offers a sustainable alternative to driving in a city often synonymous with sprawling highways and traffic. On social media, the buzz has been unmissable—photos of sleek stations and futuristic trains have been circulating with captions brimming with pride and excitement.
Beyond the tracks and tunnels, the city is alive with creativity and culture right now. Riyadh Season, the city’s flagship annual entertainment festival, has turned the capital into a playground of experiences with international concerts, theater performances, and immersive attractions. At the National Museum, the Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams exhibition is a love letter to haute couture, with iconic archival designs that have shaped fashion history. And let’s not forget Noor Riyadh, the light festival currently illuminating the city.
“Wallah, it’s like the city’s painting itself in neon and vibes,” shares another Riyadh-based MILLE staffer. “As an artist, it’s pure adrenaline.”
On the other hand, the Saudi International Handicrafts Week Exhibition (Banan) is celebrating local artisans and traditional craftsmanship, reminding us that even in a city so focused on the future, there’s a deep respect for heritage. And looking ahead, the Manuscripts Exhibition and Conference later this month will showcase historical treasures, while the Traditional Games Festival, set to take place on Dec. 19, promises to be a nostalgic and educational experience, showcasing the playful side of Saudi traditions while inviting the younger generation to embrace their roots.None of this is happening by accident. It’s all part of Vision 2030, the ambitious blueprint that’s driving Saudi Arabia’s transformation. Spearheaded by Mohammed bin Salman, the initiative is creating a new identity for the kingdom. Only a few years ago, tourism here was almost exclusively for pilgrims. Now, with eased visa restrictions and new e-visa options for over 50 countries, Saudi Arabia is welcoming millions of international visitors every year. In 2023 alone, 16.6 million people came to explore what the country has to offer.
And what it offers is pretty incredible. Projects like Qiddiya, the massive entertainment city; Diriyah Gate, a revamped UNESCO World Heritage Site; and NEOM, the futuristic Red Sea smart city, are pushing the boundaries of what tourism in the Middle East can look like. But Riyadh is proving that it doesn’t need to wait for these mega-projects to be completed. It’s already buzzing, with events and exhibitions that feel global and local all at once.
