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To hear more about Madinah’s urban mobility transformation and how Vision 2030 is shaping its future, listen to the full Mobility Redefined podcast episode featuring Dr. Mohammad Alghamdi.
Madinah, one of the holiest cities in Islam and a cultural gem of Saudi Arabia, is undergoing a transformation unlike any in its history. As Saudi Arabia drives forward with Vision 2030, the nation’s bold roadmap for economic diversification and sustainable development, Madinah is embracing a future of smart, sustainable, and efficient mobility.
Dr. Mohammad Alghamdi, Deputy Mayor for Strategy and Transformation at Madinah Municipality, recently shared how the city is aligning with Vision 2030 to create a world-class transport system that enhances the quality of life for residents while catering to millions of visitors each year. Read our conversation summary below.
Madinah, home to over 1.5 million permanent residents, welcomes an additional 1.5 million visitors every month—a figure that is expected to triple to 30 million annually by 2030. This exponential increase in footfall puts immense pressure on the city’s transport infrastructure.
Managing mobility in Madinah is particularly complex given the annual Hajj pilgrimage, one of the largest gatherings of people in the world. During the 10-day Hajj period, the city must accommodate up to four million additional pilgrims, making transport logistics a formidable challenge.
To meet these demands, Madinah has launched an Urban Mobility Strategy that integrates sustainable public transport, pedestrian-friendly initiatives, and cutting-edge technology to create a seamless experience for residents and visitors alike.
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 is a sweeping initiative aimed at reducing the country’s dependency on oil, diversifying the economy, and enhancing public services. A major pillar of this vision is the National Transport and Logistics Strategy, which focuses on sustainability, efficiency, and connectivity.
Madinah’s response is a holistic mobility transformation that:
One of the most ambitious projects under Madinah’s mobility transformation is the development of a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system.
The goal is to make public transport the preferred choice over private vehicles, creating a cleaner, more efficient urban environment.
Madinah is working hard to secure private sector investments to fund the infrastructure and operations of the BRT system, with a target launch date before 2030.
While many cities prepare for one-time mega-events like the Olympics or World Cup, Madinah hosts millions of visitors every year for Hajj. Transporting four million pilgrims in just 10 days is no easy feat.
Historically, Madinah has relied on fossil-fuel-powered buses, creating severe congestion and pollution. Now, the city is taking action:
By shifting to greener transport options, Madinah is ensuring that future pilgrimages will be safer, cleaner, and more efficient.
Madinah is also embracing smart city technology to optimise transport systems. The Smart Madinah Initiative integrates IoT devices, AI-driven traffic management, and real-time monitoring systems to improve traffic flow and public transport efficiency.
These initiatives ensure that every bus, taxi, and transport service in Madinah is connected and optimised, providing residents and visitors with a world-class travel experience.
Taxis remain a crucial mode of transport in Middle Eastern cities, and Madinah is no exception. Traditionally, taxis were operated by individual owners, leading to inconsistent service quality. Now, Madinah is modernising its taxi industry by:
By integrating taxis into its smart transport ecosystem, Madinah is enhancing efficiency and user experience while contributing to its sustainability targets.
One of the most significant transportation breakthroughs in Saudi Arabia is the high-speed rail connecting Madinah with Mecca, Jeddah, and King Abdullah Economic City.
With Saudi Arabia preparing to host the FIFA World Cup, further rail expansions will be crucial in improving nationwide connectivity. Madinah’s transport strategy ensures it remains a key hub in this evolving network.
Looking ahead, Madinah’s leaders have a clear vision:
By 2030, Madinah will be a shining example of how ancient cities can embrace modern mobility, offering a seamless, sustainable, and smart transport system that serves both its residents and millions of visitors.
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Original article published by Mobility Redefined
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