The spokesman added, "FAST’s design and build package, awarded by the Arriyadh Development Authority includes 25 stations, two depots and seven park and ride car parks, with a total capital cost of approximately GBP 5bn (USD 8bn).

Uwe Krueger, Atkins CEO said, "Riyadh Metro is a landmark project which will raise standards of living and support long term sustainable development throughout the city, acting as a catalyst for further investment in all aspects of the public realm and built environment.

"We are one of the few organisations in the world with the breadth and depth of technical expertise and regional market experience to deliver a project of such scale and complexity. Our track record on other major metro programmes in the region, as well as our work on projects such as King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, was a key factor in our appointment."