{"id":104147,"date":"2026-01-18T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-01-18T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/ksa\/?p=104147"},"modified":"2026-01-18T04:37:27","modified_gmt":"2026-01-18T04:37:27","slug":"jeddah-metro-plans-are-getting-back-on-track","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/ksa\/2026\/01\/18\/jeddah-metro-plans-are-getting-back-on-track\/","title":{"rendered":"Jeddah Metro plans are getting back on track"},"content":{"rendered":"

Good morning, friends.<\/strong> The beginning of a new week brings with it a meaty issue that\u2019s leaning a bit economy-heavy \u2014 but with plenty of news across the spectrum to give us a full-rounded view. <\/p>\n

We\u2019re starting things off with the final inflation reading of 2025<\/strong>, which points to still-hot housing and chemicals markets that continued to drive price growth throughout last year. Meanwhile, Fitch reaffirmed our A+ sovereign rating, thanks in large part to our fiscal buffers and external balance sheets, which are expected to remain strong even as the Kingdom ramps up borrowing. <\/p>\n

AND- PIF is reportedly looking to go back to market with more IPOs<\/strong> for its portfolio companies, while it also looks at potentially selling down its holdings in other already-public companies, according to unconfirmed reports. <\/p>\n

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<\/a> TRANSPORT \u2014 Plans for the <\/strong>long-delayed Jeddah Metro<\/strong> are being revived<\/strong>, with the government issuing a preliminary design consultancy tender for the project\u2019s Blue Line, Meed<\/a> reported on Thursday. The move marks the first concrete step to revive the scheme after years of reassessment, signaling a renewed push to expand public transport infrastructure in the Kingdom\u2019s second-largest city.<\/p>\n

The network: <\/strong>The Blue Line will span around 35 km, linking King Abdulaziz International Airport with the Haramain High-Speed Railway station, and is planned to include 15 stations under the supervision of the Jeddah Development Authority. The wider metro program comprises four lines stretching more than 161 km, with 81 stations and 197 trains.<\/p>\n

BACKGROUND-<\/strong> Plans for the Jeddah Metro date back to the early 2010s, with several international firms appointed to advance early-stage work, including France\u2019s Systra, the US-based Aecom, and UK architectural firm Foster + Partners. However, progress stalled around 2015 as lower oil prices prompted a reassessment of government spending priorities.<\/p>\n

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<\/a> DEBT WATCH \u2014<\/strong> U<\/strong>SD 1.5 bn Japanese financing for water and energy projects: <\/strong>The National Debt Management Center (NDMC) lined up a USD 1.5 bn, 12-year financing agreement with Japan\u2019s Export Credit Agency (Nexi) to support procurement in the Kingdom\u2019s water and energy sectors, state news agency SPA<\/a> reported on Thursday.<\/p>\n

The financing helps narrow the Kingdom\u2019s financing needs for 2026<\/strong>, following a USD 13 bn (SAR 48.8 bn), seven-year syndicated loan for utility and infrastructure projects NDMC secured in late December<\/a>. Meanwhile, for Japan, this financing creates a fast lane for Japanese firms and their local JV partners to bid on upcoming desalination, hydrogen, and grid projects in the Kingdom. Nexi\u2019s mandate is to promote Japanese exports. <\/p>\n

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WEATHER- <\/strong>Scattered rain is expected in western and southwestern regions, while dust and sand storms will affect Hail, Madinah, western Riyadh, and parts of Makkah and Asir, reducing visibility in these areas.<\/p>\n