RIYADH: King Abdullah Financial District was awarded a Guinness World Record this year for the world’s largest continuous pedestrian skywalk network this year.
Spanning 15.46 kilometers, the climate-controlled skywalks connect 95 buildings across the district. It allows pedestrians to move around comfortably throughout the year while also reducing reliance on private vehicles and lowering carbon emissions.
Faddy Al-Aql, KAFD’s chief asset delivery officer, described it as “a tube that connects all the parcels,” inspired by Najdi architecture.
Guinness World Records was engaged from the project’s early stages to ensure the network’s scale was recognized globally. (SUPPLIED)
“The tube is air-conditioned and built for smooth movement with no slopes, making it easy for people to walk between offices, homes, and destinations,” he said.
Guinness World Records was engaged from the project’s earliest stages to ensure global recognition for the scale of the network. The skywalks feature some 30,000 sq. meters of glass and over 3,000 tonnes of steel, with more than 5 million safe work hours from 1,200 personnel.
Elevated above ground and linked directly to Riyadh’s metro, the system reflects KAFD’s innovative mobility strategy and supports the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals for sustainable, connected, livable cities.
“This recognition affirms KAFD as a platform for urban development,” said Al-Aql. “The skywalk network enhances walkability and supports our goal of delivering a smart city experience.”
Mbali Nkosi, official Guinness World Records adjudicator, highlighted the significance of the achievement, saying: “This record was previously held by Minneapolis in 2016, but KAFD has now redefined the benchmark. In an era where sustainability drives innovation, KAFD’s skyway network sets a new standard for walkable urban design.”
KAFD was awarded a Guinness World Record for the world’s largest continuous pedestrian skywalk network this year. (SUPPLIED)
Mazroua Al-Mazroua, chief marketing and experience officer at KAFD, emphasized its impact on everyday life.
“Riyadh is a hot city, and this network enables people to move seamlessly between offices, residential areas, retail and entertainment,” he said. “Today, we celebrate not just a record but a key milestone in making KAFD a truly connected and livable city.”
The record-breaking skywalk network is a key element in KAFD’s broader sustainability strategy, which aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Net Zero 2060 target and the Public Investment Fund’s Net Zero 2050 vision.
KAFD has developed a comprehensive decarbonization plan that integrates environmental, social and innovation-focused actions throughout the district. It has achieved Leadership in Energy and Environment Design Neighborhood Platinum certification, with more than 40 buildings LEED-certified.
Buildings are designed to meet high standards of energy efficiency, water conservation and use of sustainable materials. Solar panels have been installed on select rooftops to further reduce the district’s carbon footprint and reliance on non-renewable energy sources.
The skywalks are built with 30,000 square meters of glass and over 3,000 tonnes of steel, requiring more than five million safe work hours from 1,200 personnel. (SUPPLIED)
Innovative water conservation measures include low-flow water fixtures to minimize consumption and eco-efficient irrigation systems such as drip and micro-sprinkler technologies for landscaping. A planned reverse osmosis plant will treat service water for use in central cooling systems and irrigation, helping to close the water loop and reduce waste.
KAFD’s sustainability strategy emphasizes community engagement and the creation of a pedestrian-friendly environment. The skywalk network plays a central role in encouraging public transportation use while minimizing carbon emissions.
At the heart of the district sits Riyadh’s largest metro station, directly connecting KAFD to key parts of the city and promoting a pedestrian-first lifestyle where residents, workers and visitors can easily navigate the area without private vehicles.
KAFD aligns its environmental reporting with internationally recognized standards, including LEED and the UN Global Compact. A dedicated sustainability committee ensures accountability and transparency through structured governance frameworks.
In addition, 12 key UN Sustainable Development Goals have been integrated into district-wide initiatives, identified through a comprehensive materiality assessment to ensure meaningful and measurable impact.
