Have you used the KAFD Skywalk yet? It holds a Guinness World Record
The structure, which spans 15.46 km and connects the district’s 95 buildings through 42 interconnected climate-controlled skywalks, has broken a Guinness World Record…
The world’s largest continuous pedestrian skywalk network took 12 years to build. Construction started in 2012, and the skywalk was officially completed and opened in 2024.
With its sleek, modern architecture and a network stretching 15.46 km, KAFD’s skywalks were recently awarded the title of the world’s largest continuous pedestrian skyway network.
This remarkable skywalk system connects the district’s 95 buildings with 42 interconnected, climate-controlled skywalks, providing year-round pedestrian access.
Elevated above ground and directly connected to Riyadh’s metro network, the skywalks allow workers, visitors, and residents to easily navigate KAFD and enjoy sweeping views of its iconic architecture without worrying about traffic, parking, or the weather.
Taking the metro to KAFD? You can access the skywalk directly from the KAFD metro station concourse.
KAFD skywalks – a new world record
According to Guinness World Records official adjudicator Mbali Nkosi, this record was originally set in Minneapolis in 2016, but has now been redefined by KAFD.
The KAFD skywalks cover an area the size of four FIFA football pitches, with 30,000 sqm of glass and over 3,000 tonnes of steel used in their construction. That’s equivalent to the total weight of 10 Boeing 777s.
A pretty impressive engineering achievement, isn’t it?
Over five million safe man-hours, involving 1,200 workers, were required to complete this project.
Having spent nearly seven years in Riyadh, I have come to appreciate how important KAFD’s skyway network is in offering a more convenient and enjoyable daily commute through its brilliant walkable urban design, and in shielding pedestrians from the intense summer heat.
The skywalks embody KAFD’s aim to transform how people navigate and experience the city, making it easier to walk comfortably between work, home, and leisure. They connect a lively mix of offices, residences, retailers, restaurants, entertainment, and… well, you get the idea.
Commenting on Guinness World Records’ recognition, Faddy AlAql, chief asset delivery officer at KAFD DMC, said, “Beyond its scale, the skywalk network reflects a future-focused mobility strategy – seamlessly connecting assets, enhancing walkability, and supporting our ambition to deliver a world-class smart city experience.”
Images: SPA / Getty / What’s On Archives
