Saudi Arabia has begun operations of the Riyadh Metro, which is expected to help reduce traffic and boost the value of commercial and residential real estate. The first phase of the driverless transport system,

Saudi Arabia announced Wednesday it is ready to open the first part of the Riyadh Metro, a major project intended to help shift the car-centric kingdom to public transport.Saudi Arabia is the world's biggest exporter of crude oil,

The metro, which will eventually span 176 kilometers, is set to become the world’s longest driverless metro system. This new public transportation network is expected to help ease traffic congestion and reduce the city’s reliance on cars.

Riyadh Metro is considered the backbone of the public transport network in Riyadh and an element of the transportation system in the city.