In pictures: first look at Riyadh’s main metro stations

The Riyadh Metro opened to much fanfare on Sunday, with the promise to cut traffic congestion in the Saudi capital.

Several of its stations are nothing short of architectural marvels, having been designed by some of the world’s most renowned firms.

Arab News took a look at five of the most significant stations, four of which are on the blue line, which opened this week.

King Abdullah Financial District Station

Perhaps the most recognizable of all, the 42,000 sq. meter KAFD Station, was designed by the renowned Zaha Hadid Architects.

The station connects the blue, yellow and purple lines, serving as the terminus for visitors traveling from Riyadh’s airport to the financial district, and a vital hub for those traveling southwards into the city center.

STC Station

Centrally located, the STC Station connects the blue and red lines and was designed by Germany’s Gerber Architekten.

Inspired by the natural limestone formations in the Tuwaiq mountains that encircle the city, the station has an outdoor plaza area and four levels extending 30 meters below ground.

Qasr Al-Hokm Station

The Qasr Al-Hokm Station connects the blue and orange lines and features a distinctive stainless-steel canopy and outdoor plaza.

It was designed by Norwegian firm Snohetta.

National Museum Station

The 19,400 sq. meter National Museum Station connects the blue and green lines in Riyadh’s Al-Batha neighborhood.

Western Station

Riyadh-based international architects Omrania designed the Western Station, located at the site of a former vegetable market at the terminus of the orange line, which is due to open in January.