Alstom, a global leader in rail transport and sustainable mobility, has announced that it has signed a major contract with the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) to build the world’s longest battery-operated tramway, running 22.4 km long, in the ancient Saudi city of AlUla.

This project, designed to boost the passenger experience with a mesmerising journey through time, includes access to Unesco World Heritage sites, said Alstom.

According to Alstom, the fully integrated turnkey tramway system will be fitted with 20 advanced Citadis trams, equipped with the Mitrac B battery solution, and feature innovative, fast, and invisible SRS ground-based static charging system as well as power supply, signalling and communication systems and depot equipment.

The tram system will enhance the region’s rich heritage while reducing carbon emissions, offering a unique transportation option that blends historical routes with innovative, climate-adapted trams, said the French rail transport expert.

Last year, RCU had signed a partnership deal with Alstom to provide vehicles and systems for the AlUla Train Project.

As the world’s longest battery-powered, catenary-free tramway line, AlUla project will feature 17 strategically located stations and offer access to the five core historical districts including Unesco World Heritage sites such as AlUla Old Town (District 1), Dadan (District 2), Jabal Ikmah (District 3), Nabataean Horizon (District 4), and Hegra Historical City (District 5).

Meanwhile, AlUla Development Company, a fully-owned unit of the kingdom’s wealth fund PIF (Public Investment Fund), and KUN, a major investment management company in Saudi Arabia, have signed a strategic shareholders’ agreement to own and develop the Aman Hegra project at AlUla.

Spread across a prime 8 million sq m area in Hegra – Saudi Arabia’s first Unesco World Heritage Site, this venture aims to introduce a distinctive hospitality and a residential initiative in  AlUla.

The Aman Hegra project will include an expansive Aman resort, with 42 hotel/villa keys and 30 branded private residences available for purchase.

The JV will be 80 per cent owned by KUN Investment and 20 per cent by AlUla Development Company.