Foster & Partners to design Saudi rail stations

The link, initiated by the Saudi Rail Organisation, is one of the country’s major infrastructure projects, and is intended to bolster social and cultural connections between Saudi Arabia’s western cities, as well as improving transport options for pilgrims making their way to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina.

Fast trains, with speeds of up to 300kph, will link those two destinations via Jeddah, Rabigh and King Abdullah Economic City on the Red Sea coast.

Foster & Partners’ design will take a modular approach with an emphasis on prefabrication.

Each station will have a distinct identity, with extensive facilities and a ‘high quality’ passenger experience including ample circulation space, and segregated arrival and departure zones. Natural daylight in the public areas will be used as much as possible.