Qiddiya: Qiddiya Investment Company announced its participation in the Google Transit partner program, a significant move that will integrate Qiddiya City's transport services and iconic destinations into Google Maps.
According to Saudi Press Agency, this collaboration with Google Transit aims to provide visitors to Qiddiya City with real-time journey information, enhancing their travel experience from the planning stage. As the world's first city Powered by Play, Qiddiya City hosts a variety of entertainment, sports, and cultural attractions, along with residential, commercial, and retail spaces. This integration with Google Maps is set to become an essential tool for visitors.
Visitors searching for Qiddiya City's newly opened attractions, such as Six Flags Qiddiya City, Aquarabia-the Middle East's largest waterpark, and the soon-to-open Sir Nick Faldo signature-designed 18-hole Championship Golf Course, will be efficiently directed to the appropriate arrival and interchange points within the city.
The initiative will also facilitate the inclusion of service routes and timetables for the Qiddiya City Bus and the intercity electric bus link to Riyadh Metro STC stations in Olaya and Jeddah Road, making them visible as public transport options within Google Maps. This will enable visitors to plan integrated public transport journeys, including connections with Riyadh Metro and other public transport services.
As Qiddiya City transitions to a full fleet of electric buses, its Intelligent Transport Systems infrastructure will provide real-time operational information such as vehicle locations, estimated arrival times, timetable adherence, and occupancy data, aiding visitors in making well-informed travel decisions.
Abdulrahman AlAli, Chief Technology Officer at Qiddiya Investment Company, stated, "As the world's first city Powered by Play, Qiddiya City is designed around seamless experiences, and technology is a critical enabler of that vision. By integrating our transport network with Google Transit, we are bringing together real-time data, digital innovation, and customer-centric design to make travel to and within Qiddiya City simpler, smarter, and more connected."
Rodd Staples, Chief of Transport at Qiddiya Investment Company, emphasized the importance of accessibility, stating, "Our integration with Google Transit will connect customers with clear, accurate, and increasingly real-time journey information from the moment they begin planning their visit."
Sarah-Jayne Williams, Geo Product Partnerships Director at Google, remarked, "Google Maps helps people understand their transport options and navigate their journeys with confidence. We look forward to working with Qiddiya Investment Company to bring information about Qiddiya City's growing public transport network to Google Maps and make journey planning easier for visitors."
Artefact played a key role in standardizing Qiddiya City's transit schedule data into GTFS, facilitating the integration process as an official Google Transit Partner. Artefact conducted quality assurance jointly with Google and the Qiddiya Investment Company team.
Christelle Salame, Managing Partner and Global Lead for Real Estate and Small Cities at Artefact, expressed her enthusiasm, noting, "Artefact is honoured to have supported the integration with Google Transit, a significant milestone that reflects our strategic partnership with Qiddiya Investment Company. Together, we share a commitment to advancing practical, high-impact transformation programs that create lasting value across the organization."
The Google Transit integration is part of Qiddiya City's broader approach to connected mobility, combining digital journey planning, public transport services, Park and Ride facilities, and real-time customer information. This initiative will be rolled out progressively as Qiddiya City's transport services and attractions become operational.