July 7, 2025
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – In a landmark achievement, the King Abdullah Financial District Development and Management Company (KAFD DMC) has officially been awarded a Guinness World Record for constructing the world’s largest continuous pedestrian skywalk network — a bold demonstration of its commitment to reimagining urban mobility and sustainable city living.
Engineering Excellence Meets Urban Vision
Spanning 15.46 kilometers, the award-winning skywalk network connects 95 buildings across the heart of Riyadh through 42 interconnected, climate-controlled walkways. Designed to offer seamless, all-weather pedestrian access, the elevated skywalks link offices, residences, retail spaces, restaurants, and entertainment venues — creating a fully walkable ecosystem that blends convenience, efficiency, and world-class urban design.
In addition to direct access to Riyadh’s metro network, the skywalks provide panoramic views of KAFD’s cutting-edge architecture, while eliminating the need to navigate traffic, search for parking, or contend with extreme weather conditions.
A Record-Breaking Engineering Feat
To deliver this transformational infrastructure, over 3,000 tons of steel (the combined weight of 10 Boeing 777 aircrafts) and 30,000 square meters of glass (equivalent to four FIFA-sized football fields) were used in construction. The project involved more than 5 million safe man-hours contributed by a dedicated team of 1,200 personnel.
This extensive engineering endeavor redefines the possibilities of urban infrastructure — offering a model for future-forward city planning and sustainable design.
A Recognition That Reflects a Bold Vision
“This recognition by Guinness World Records affirms KAFD’s role as a national platform for transformative urban development,” said Faddy AlAql, Chief Asset Delivery Officer at KAFD DMC.
“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.”
Guinness World Records Official Adjudicator Mbali Nkosi added:
“First set in Minneapolis in 2016, this record has now been redefined by KAFD. In an era where sustainability drives innovation, KAFD’s skyway network sets a new global benchmark for walkable urban design. Guinness World Records celebrates this achievement as a bold step toward smarter, more connected cities.”
The official certificate presentation is scheduled for 6 July, commemorating this exceptional milestone in urban development.
A Magnet for Global Business and Innovation
KAFD continues to attract top global firms and regional headquarters seeking to be part of Saudi Arabia’s next-generation urban hub. The district is now home to more than 90 local and international companies, including Goldman Sachs, Bain & Company, and PepsiCo, as well as 19 regional headquarters — reinforcing KAFD’s status as Riyadh’s premier business and lifestyle destination.
About KAFD
Located in Riyadh, KAFD stands as a symbol of innovation, sustainability, and integration. Encompassing 1.6 million square meters and featuring 95 towers designed by 25 world-renowned architecture firms, KAFD represents Saudi Arabia’s bold vision for economic diversification and urban excellence under Vision 2030.
As the world’s largest LEED Platinum-certified business district, KAFD merges work and life in a single, digitally integrated ecosystem — redefining how communities live, work, and thrive in the modern era.
Owned and operated by the King Abdullah Financial District Development and Management Company (KAFD DMC) — a Public Investment Fund (PIF) company — KAFD is not only shaping Riyadh’s skyline but also its economic future.
Learn More
🔗 Visit: www.kafd.sa
📩 Media Inquiries: media@kafd.sa
🔗 Follow KAFD on LinkedIn and X (Twitter)
