Custom Metal Works Fabrication & Installation at Riyadh Metro Line 3, Nine Elevated Stations

Atlantis Contracting successfully delivered the fabrication, supply, and installation of custom architectural and structural metal works across nine elevated stations along Riyadh Metro Line 3 — one of Saudi Arabia's largest and most complex transportation infrastructure developments. The scope encompassed approximately 10,000 linear meters of custom SS316 stainless steel and hot-dip galvanized steel elements, and approximately 4,000 m² of zinc-coated galvanized steel sheet fabrication and installation. All works were executed in strict compliance with approved shop drawings, project specifications, and the stringent quality standards of the Riyadh Metro programme — delivering precision-engineered, high-durability metal systems fully integrated with the architectural and structural identity of each station.

Project Overview

Riyadh Metro Line 3 – Elevated Stations (9 Stations)

Location:Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Contractor:Atlantis Contracting

Scope:Custom Metal Works Fabrication & Installation across 9 Elevated Stations

Main Materials:SS316 Stainless Steel | Hot-Dip Galvanized Steel | Zinc-Coated Galvanized Steel Sheets

Total LM:10,000 Linear Meters — SS316 & Galvanized Steel Metal Works

Total Area:4,000 m² — Zinc-Coated Galvanized Steel Sheet Fabrication & Installation

Stations Covered:9 Elevated Stations — Riyadh Metro Line 3

Site Conditions Upon Arrival

Upon mobilization across the nine elevated station sites, the Atlantis team conducted a full survey of all designated metal works zones. The following conditions were documented: 

•Nine stations at varying stages of structural and architectural completion — requiring individual station-by-station survey, sequencing plans, and zone-specific installation programmes.

•Elevated station structures presented significant access and working-at-height challenges, requiring certified scaffolding, elevated work platforms, and strict compliance with Riyadh Metro safety requirements at all times.

•Structural interfaces and fixing substrates varied across stations — concrete, structural steel, and composite elements — each requiring station-specific anchorage and connection detailing.

•Active construction environment with concurrent structural, MEP, and architectural fit-out works across all stations, requiring intensive coordination to sequence metal works without conflict.

•High-specification finishing requirements for SS316 stainless steel elements demanded careful handling, surface protection, and contamination prevention throughout fabrication, transport, and installation.

Site Challenges & Atlantis Solutions

Challenge 1: Large-Scale Fabrication Management Across 9 Stations

Delivering approximately 10,000 LM of custom metal works and 4,000 m² of sheet fabrication across nine simultaneously active stations required a highly coordinated fabrication programme — managing material procurement, workshop production, quality control, and site delivery in parallel without delays to any station's installation programme.

Solution: Atlantis operated a dedicated fabrication workflow with station-by-station production sequencing mapped against each station's installation readiness. A master fabrication and delivery schedule was maintained and updated weekly, with buffer stock managed for critical components. Quality control inspections were conducted at the workshop prior to delivery to prevent rework on site.

Challenge 2: Working at Height Across Elevated Station Structures

The elevated nature of Riyadh Metro Line 3 stations required the majority of metal works installation to be carried out at significant heights — with strict Riyadh Metro safety protocols governing all working-at-height activities, scaffold erection, and material lifting operations. 

Solution: Atlantis maintained a dedicated HSE plan for working-at-height across all nine stations, with certified scaffolding systems and elevated work platforms deployed and inspected daily. All lifting operations for heavy fabricated elements were planned and executed using approved rigging and lifting equipment. Toolbox talks and daily safety briefings were conducted before every shift to maintain zero-incident performance throughout the works.

Challenge 3: SS316 Stainless Steel Finish Protection

SS316 stainless steel components required premium surface finish quality to meet Riyadh Metro's exacting aesthetic standards. Contamination from contact with carbon steel, construction dust, or improper handling during fabrication, transport, or installation would cause surface staining and compromise the final finish — which could not be corrected once installed in the station structure. 

Solution: All SS316 fabrication was carried out in a designated clean area of the workshop with strict segregation from carbon steel operations. Components were wrapped in protective film immediately after fabrication and maintained throughout transport and installation. Stainless steel-specific tools and handling equipment were used exclusively. Final surface inspection was conducted on every installed element before project handover.

Challenge 4: Multi-Station Coordination & Programme Management

Managing concurrent installation works across nine elevated stations — each at a different stage of readiness, with different site teams, access constraints, and coordination requirements — presented a major programme management challenge. Delays at any one station risked cascading effects on the overall delivery schedule.

Solution: Atlantis implemented a centralized programme management approach — with a dedicated project manager overseeing all nine stations and station-specific site supervisors responsible for daily progress, coordination, and quality. Weekly cross-station progress reviews were held with the main contractor to identify and resolve emerging conflicts in advance. A rolling two-week look-ahead programme was maintained at all times to anticipate resource and access requirements across the full nine-station scope.

Quantities Executed  

Item , Quantity , Material

Custom Metal Works — Linear Elements

~10,000 LM

SS316 Stainless Steel & Hot-Dip Galvanized Steel

Sheet Fabrication & Installation

~4,000 m²

Zinc-Coated Galvanized Steel Sheets

Stations Covered

9 Elevated Stations

Riyadh Metro Line 3

 Operations Summary

The following sequence of operations was carried out by the Atlantis team:

•Site mobilization and station-by-station survey of all designated metal works zones, fixing substrates, and structural interfaces across all 9 elevated stations.

•Preparation and submission of shop drawings and method statements for all custom metal works elements for main contractor and consultant approval.

•Workshop fabrication of custom SS316 stainless steel elements — precision-cut, formed, welded, and finished to approved shop drawing dimensions and surface finish specifications.

•Workshop fabrication of hot-dip galvanized steel structural elements and support systems.

•Fabrication and treatment of approximately 4,000 m² of zinc-coated galvanized steel sheet panels and associated framing.

•Quality control inspection of all fabricated elements at the workshop prior to site delivery.

•Erection of scaffolding and elevated work platforms in compliance with Riyadh Metro HSE requirements across all station installation zones.

•Installation of custom SS316 and galvanized steel metal works across all 9 stations — including architectural elements, cladding systems, and structural components.

•Installation of zinc-coated galvanized steel sheet systems with associated support structures.

•Coordination with architectural, structural, and MEP disciplines at each station to ensure seamless integration.

•Final inspection, surface verification, quality sign-off, and handover documentation submitted to the main contractor for all 9 stations.

Outcome & Performance

Upon completion, Atlantis Contracting successfully delivered the full custom metal works package across all nine elevated stations of Riyadh Metro Line 3 — comprising approximately 10,000 linear meters of SS316 stainless steel and hot-dip galvanized steel works, and approximately 4,000 m² of zinc-coated galvanized steel sheet installation. The completed works contribute directly to the operational functionality, long-term durability, and architectural identity of one of Saudi Arabia's most significant and visible transportation infrastructure projects. The project stands as a benchmark reference for Atlantis's large-scale precision metal fabrication and installation capability within complex, high-specification public infrastructure environments.