145 Companies Submit EOIs for Saudi Arabia’s Qiddiya High-Speed Rail PPP Project

Saudi Arabia’s Qiddiya High-Speed Rail Public-Private Partnership (PPP) project has attracted 145 Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from a broad range of local, regional, and international companies. The project, aimed at transforming the Kingdom’s transportation infrastructure, represents a key part of Saudi Arabia’s efforts to boost its rail network and reduce reliance on cars.

The Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC), in collaboration with the National Centre for Privatisation & PPP (NCP) and the Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC), launched the EOI process on 22 September 2025. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with significant interest from infrastructure developers, rolling stock suppliers, rail operators, investors, and design consultants.

Overview of the Project and Its Importance

The Qiddiya High-Speed Rail is a strategic component of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative to diversify its economy and improve infrastructure. The project aims to enhance transportation connectivity across the Kingdom, particularly linking Riyadh to the Qiddiya entertainment, culture, and sports hub. The high-speed rail system is expected to play a major role in alleviating traffic congestion and promoting sustainable public transport.

This development aligns with the Kingdom’s broader focus on improving urban mobility, which includes projects like the Riyadh Metro. With a growing population and a shift towards more environmentally friendly transit options, the Qiddiya High-Speed Rail is set to become a vital part of Saudi Arabia’s evolving infrastructure landscape.

Strong Local and International Response to the Project

The Qiddiya High-Speed Rail PPP attracted interest from top-tier infrastructure companies worldwide, reflecting the importance of this project. Some of the most notable EOI submitters include global leaders in rail transport, high-speed rail technology, and large-scale infrastructure development.

This strong response from 145 companies highlights the growing confidence in Saudi Arabia’s infrastructure projects. Companies from Europe, Asia, and the Middle East are eager to take part in the development of one of the most ambitious transportation projects in the region.

Key Stakeholders and the Role of PPP

The involvement of RCRC, NCP, and QIC underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to leveraging public-private partnerships (PPP) to drive development. By involving private companies, the government hopes to attract expertise, reduce costs, and speed up the execution of the project.

Through the PPP model, the project will not only receive financial backing from the private sector but also benefit from their technical expertise and operational experience, ensuring that the high-speed rail system is built to the highest standards and is sustainable in the long term.

The Future of Transportation in Saudi Arabia

The Qiddiya High-Speed Rail project is just one part of a larger vision for Saudi Arabia’s transportation network, which aims to connect major cities, enhance mobility, and foster economic growth. The project is expected to deliver significant benefits, including:

• Reduced Travel Time: A high-speed rail system will drastically cut travel times between Riyadh and Qiddiya, improving access to cultural, entertainment, and leisure activities.
• Economic Impact: By improving transportation infrastructure, the project will create jobs, boost local economies, and enhance business opportunities.
• Sustainability: The shift towards rail-based transportation supports the Kingdom’s commitment to sustainability and reducing its carbon footprint.

Looking Ahead: Key Dates and Next Steps

The EOI window for the Qiddiya High-Speed Rail PPP project has closed, and the next steps will involve evaluating the submissions and shortlisting the best candidates to move forward. This process will lay the groundwork for the Request for Proposals (RFP) stage, expected to begin in early 2026.

As the project progresses, more details will emerge regarding the specific timeline, contract terms, and the companies selected for the next phase of development. The project is expected to contribute significantly to the Kingdom’s economic diversification goals and provide long-term benefits for both residents and visitors.

EOIs from Lead Developers & Contractors (68 companies)

1. Afcons Contracting Company – Shapoorji Pallonji (India)
2. Al Omaier Trading & Contracting Co. (Saudi Arabia)
3. Al Rashid Trading & Contracting Company (Saudi Arabia)
4. Al Rawaf Contracting (Saudi Arabia)
5. Al-Ayuni Investment & Contracting Company (Saudi Arabia)
6. AlBawani Co (Saudi Arabia)
7. Al-Fahd Company (Saudi Arabia)
8. Alghanim International (Kuwait)
9. Alkhorayef Water and Power Technologies Co. (Saudi Arabia)
10. Almabani General Contractors (Saudi Arabia)
11. Amar (Saudi Arabia)
12. Anjal Al-Khair Contracting Co. (Saudi Arabia)
13. Aviation Industry Corporation of China (China)
14. Bouygues Travaux Publics (France)
15. Branch China Railway 18th Bureau Group Co., Ltd. (China)
16. Branch of China Harbour Engineering Company Ltd. (China)
17. Built Industrial Company (Saudi Arabia)
18. CAP FRANCE BAT SA (China)
19. China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (China)
20. China Machinery Engineering Corporation (CMEC) – (China)
21. China Railway Construction Corporation International (China)
22. China Railway International Group Co., LTD (China)
23. COPASA (Spain)
24. Dineshchandra R. Agrawal Infracon Pvt. Ltd. (India)
25. Doğuş İnşaat ve Tic. A.Ş. (Turkey)
26. EDECS Contracting Holding (Egypt)
27. El Seif (Saudi Arabia)
28. El Soadaa Group (Egypt)
29. ElSewedy Electric (Egypt)
30. Esnad Contracting (Saudi Arabia)
31. FCC Construcción (Spain)
32. Freyssinet Saudi Arabia (Saudi Arabia)
33. Global Construction Development Solutions Company (Saudi Arabia)
34. Gülermak Ağır Sanayi İnşaat ve Taahhüt A.Ş. (Turkey)
35. Hassan Allam Construction (Egypt)
36. Hyundai Engineering & Construction Co., Ltd (South Korea)
37. IC Ictas Saudi Arabia Limited (Turkey)
38. Imathia Construcción (Spain)
39. Kalyon İnşaat Sanayi ve Ticaret A.Ş. (Turkey)
40. Kolin İnşaat Turizm Sanayi ve Ticaret A.Ş.(Turkey)
41. Larsen & Toubro Construction (India)
42. MAKYOL İnşaat, Sanayi, Turizm ve Ticaret A.Ş. (Turkey)
43. Mapa Group (Turkey)
44. Marubeni (Japan)
45. Mofarreh AlHarbi & Partners (Saudi Arabia)
46. Mota-Engil (Portugal)
47. Mubarak Abdullah AlSuwaiket & Sons (AlSuwaiket Trading & Contracting CJS) – (Saudi Arabia)
48. Nesma Co. Ltd. & Nesma Partners (Saudi Arabia)
49. Nesma Infrastructure & Technology (NIT) – (Saudi Arabia)
50. Nurol İnşaat (Turkey)
51. Orascom Construction (Egypt)
52. Saudi Pan Kingdom Holding (SAPAC) – (Saudi Arabia)
53. Redco International – (Qatar)
54. Rio Contracting – (Saudi Arabia)
55. Riyadh Al-Khozamah LTD – (Saudi Arabia)
56. Rowad Modern Engineering – (Egypt)
57. Safari Company – (Saudi Arabia)
58. Saipem SpA – (Italy)
59. Salcef S.p.A. – (Italy)
60. SAMAMA HOLDING – (Saudi Arabia)
61. Samsung C&T Corporation (South Korea)
62. Saraya Al-Andalus – (Saudi Arabia)
63. Syneox (Cobra IS) – (Spain)
64. The Arab Contractors (Osman Ahmed Osman & Co.) – (Egypt)
65. Twaik – (Saudi Arabia)
66. UCC Holding (Qatar)
67. Webuild S.p.A. – (Italy)
68. Yapı Merkezi İnşaat ve Sanayi A.Ş (Turkey)

EOIs from Rolling Stock & Systems Suppliers (10 companies)

1. Alstom Transport (France)
2. CAF (Spain)
3. Colas Rail (France)
4. CRRC (Hong Kong) Co. Limited – (Hong Kong SAR)
5. CRRC Changchun Railway Vehicles Co., LTD. (China)
6. Hitachi Rail – (Japan)
7. Hyundai Rotem Company – (South Korea)
8. Siemens Mobility – (Germany)
9. Stadler Rail AG – (Switzerland)
10. Talgo – (Spain)

EOIs from Rail Operators (12 companies)

1. Alsa Grupo – (Spain)
2. Alsaif Transportation Company – (Saudi Arabia)
3. DB International Operations – (Germany)
4. Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane Group – (Italy)
5. Intertoll Europe Group – (Hungary)
6. Keolis –  (France)
7. Moventis – (Spain)
8. MTR Corporation Ltd – (Hong Kong SAR)
9. RATP Dev – (France)
10. Renfe Operadora – (Spain)
11. Serco – (UK)
12. Transdev – (France)

EOIs from Equity Investors (16 companies)

1. abrdn Investcorp – (Bahrain)
2. Al Gihaz Holding – (Saudi Arabia)
3. Almutlaq Real Estate Investment Company (Saudi Arabia)
4. Arj Holding (UAE)
5. Foure Holdings (USA)
6. ITOCHU Corporation – (Japan)
7. Korea Overseas Infrastructure & Urban Development Corporation (KIND) – (South Korea)
8. Lamar Holding – (Bahrain)
9. MADA International Holding – (Saudi Arabia)
10. Meritz Financial Group – (South Korea)
11. MXB Investment – (Saudi Arabia)
12. Plenary – (Australia)
13. Sojitz – (Japan)
14. Tamasuk – (Saudi Arabia)
15. VINCI Concessions – (France)
16. Vision International Investment Company – (Saudi Arabia)

EOIs from Design & Project Management Consultants (23 companies)

1. AECOM – (USA)
2. AtkinsRéalis – (Canada)
3. Ayesa Engineering – (Spain)
4. CH2M Saudi Limited (a Jacobs company) –   (Saudi Arabia)
5. Contrax International DMCC – (UAE)
6. El Raeid Consulting Engineers – (Egypt)
7. Gensler – (USA)
8. Geoharbour Saudi Co Ltd.  – (Saudi Arabia) 
9. Hatch – (Canada)
10. Hill International – (USA)
11. IDOM – (Spain)
12. INTROSOFT Solutions – (India)
13. Italferr S.p.A. – (Italy)
14. K.L. Consults Associates – (Malaysia)
15. Kunhwa Engineering and Consulting Company – (South Korea)
16. MARRS Global Ltd (UK) – (UK)
17. One Works S.p.A. – (Italy)
18. PPMDC – (Saudi Arabia) 
19. RINA Services S.p.A. – (Italy
20. Sener – (Spain)
21. Surbana Jurong – (Singapore)
22. SYSTRA – (France)
23. Técnica y Proyectos TYPSA for Engineering Services – (Spain)

Others (16 companies)

1. Al Nasser – (UAE)
2. Alutec WLL – (Qatar)
3. Alvarez & Marsal – (USA)
4. COMATEC – (Finland)
5. Concrete Technology Company – (UAE)
6. Generale Costruzioni Ferroviarie – (Italy)
7. Hogan Lovells – (UK)
8. INDRA – (Spain)
9. Intellex Consulting Services Ltd – (UK)
10. International SOS – (UK)
11. Najd Wire Industries Company (Saudi Arabia)
12. Rawasi Albina – (Saudi Arabia)
13. Smart Directions – (Saudi Arabia)
14. STC – (Saudi Arabia)
15. Workforce Staffing Solutions – (UAE)
16. Zebraware Limited – (UK)

Qiddiya High Speed Rail aims to connect King Salman International Airport, King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) and Qiddiya City. The high-speed rail will have a top speed of 250 kilometres per hour, connecting the destinations within 30 minutes.

Conclusion: A Game-Changer for Saudi Arabia’s Transportation Sector

The overwhelming response to the Qiddiya High-Speed Rail PPP project marks a significant step in Saudi Arabia’s efforts to modernize its infrastructure and improve transportation options for its citizens. With the involvement of top-tier international companies and a strong public-private collaboration, the project is poised to become a game-changer for Saudi Arabia’s rail sector and its broader Vision 2030 initiatives.

As the project moves toward the next stages, its success will set a new benchmark for future transportation infrastructure projects in the region and globally. With AI, sustainable practices, and cutting-edge technology integrated into the development, the Qiddiya High-Speed Rail promises to be a model of modern transportation for years to come.