Qasr AlHokm Metro station named one of 7 most beautiful train stations in the world

The Qasr AlHokm Metro Station in Riyadh has been recognized by the Prix Versailles as one of the seven most beautiful train stations in the world in 2025. The international award, presented under the patronage of UNESCO and the International Chamber of Commerce, annually honors outstanding architecture in travel infrastructure, highlighting projects that combine functionality with aesthetic excellence.

Designed in collaboration with One Works and Crew, the station connects two lines of Riyadh’s new metro network and plays a pivotal role in revitalizing the historic Al-Qiri district. The design features a large polished stainless-steel canopy that visually links the station’s levels, channels natural light underground, and provides shade to the surrounding pedestrian plaza. Within the atrium, passengers encounter an accessible garden, an unexpected green space that offers respite in the heart of the city. The project reflects Riyadh’s commitment to sustainable urban living, incorporating natural ventilation, photovoltaic panels, and indigenous tree planting to create a shaded, welcoming environment.

The recognition places Qasr AlHokm alongside other global architectural landmarks, underscoring Saudi Arabia’s ambition to merge cultural heritage with modern infrastructure. As part of the Riyadh Metro, the station not only eases congestion and improves air quality but also stands as a symbol of how transportation hubs can become civic spaces of beauty and connection.

The Qasr AlHokm Metro Station will compete for one of the three global titles: the overall World Title, the Interior Mention, and the Exterior Mention when the main Prix Versailles awards will be announced at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris in December 2025.

The complete list of the shortlisted projects can be seen here: Prix Versailles | 2025 Edition