Haramain railway transports over 1.3m visitors so far during Ramadan

Haramain railway transports over 1.3m visitors so far during Ramadan
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Passenger services are comprehensive, covering gate reception, reservation verification, guidance to waiting areas via escalators, and seamless transition to the train platform. (SPA photos)
Haramain railway transports over 1.3m visitors so far during Ramadan
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Passenger services are comprehensive, covering gate reception, reservation verification, guidance to waiting areas via escalators, and seamless transition to the train platform. (SPA photos)
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Updated 03 April 2024
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Haramain railway transports over 1.3m visitors so far during Ramadan

Haramain railway transports over 1.3m visitors so far during Ramadan

RIYADH: The Haramain High-Speed Railway has so far transported over 1.3 million visitors and Umrah performers during Ramadan, providing round-the-clock trips between Madinah and Makkah, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Its purpose is to facilitate transportation for visitors, citizens and residents to participate in Umrah rituals and prayers at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque.

With strategically located stations in Makkah, Madinah, King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and King Abdullah Economic City in Rabigh, the Haramain High-Speed Railway is the largest transportation project in the Middle East.

Covering 450 km in approximately two hours at speeds of up to 300 kph, the electrically operated, emission-free train upholds the highest security and safety standards.

The process is managed by young Saudi specialists, from passenger reception and reservation verification to baggage procedures and direct boarding just minutes before departure. These specialists also ensure that the train adheres to its running schedule for punctuality.

Passenger services are comprehensive, covering gate reception, reservation verification, guidance to waiting areas via escalators, and seamless transition to the train platform.

Furthermore, station staff supervise security arrangements, ensure luggage safety, direct passengers to their designated seats, and assist individuals with disabilities by providing wheelchair access to designated seating areas.

To ensure a safe and convenient journey, onboard provisions — including food options and secure electronic payment methods — are provided throughout the trip. 


King Salman academy launches third Arabic program for non-native speakers

The program, which follows an advanced academic methodology, will accept applications until March 15.
The program, which follows an advanced academic methodology, will accept applications until March 15.
Updated 16 February 2025
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King Salman academy launches third Arabic program for non-native speakers

The program, which follows an advanced academic methodology, will accept applications until March 15.
  • Initiative aims to provide students with strong foundations in reading, writing, listening and spoken Arabic

RIYADH: The King Salman Global Academy for the Arabic Language has begun accepting applications for its third study program for non-native speakers at the Abjad Center in Riyadh.

The program, which follows an advanced academic methodology, will accept applications until March 15, with in-person study starting on Sept. 1, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

The center offers a comprehensive educational experience aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

The program has four levels, each lasting two months, for a total of eight months and 160 instructional hours per level, averaging 20 hours per week, the SPA reported.

It focuses on core language skills — reading, writing, listening, and speaking — while incorporating cultural activities to enhance learning and immerse students in the Arabic-speaking environment.

The first edition attracted more than 16,140 applicants from 162 nationalities, with more than 130 students from 34 nationalities accepted.

The second edition received even more interest, with 16,472 applications from 126 nationalities and more than 150 students from about 40 nationalities admitted.


Saudi pupils explore Shamal reserve in sustainability initiative

Saudi pupils explore Shamal reserve in sustainability initiative
Updated 16 February 2025
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Saudi pupils explore Shamal reserve in sustainability initiative

Saudi pupils explore Shamal reserve in sustainability initiative
  • Field visit highlights wildlife conservation and deepens connection with nature

RIYADH: The Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Natural Reserve Development Authority organized a field visit for school pupils to the Shamal Reserve for Sustainable Hunting.

This initiative is part of the authority’s drive to promote ecological awareness and foster community development, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The Shamal reserve, located within the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve, covers 2,000 sq. km. It offers comprehensive services and a unique hunting experience, attracting enthusiasts from the Kingdom and Gulf states.

The visit aimed to introduce students to the reserve’s wildlife, enhancing their ecological awareness and connection with nature, the SPA added.

It also highlighted the authority’s environmental protection efforts, sustainability initiatives, and tourism programs.

During the tour, experts emphasized the importance of ecosystem preservation and biodiversity in supporting sustainability and promoting ecotourism.

This initiative is part of a series of awareness programs designed to engage the local community in environmental conservation. These programs align with Saudi Vision 2030, which prioritizes sustainability and natural area development.

Covering 91,500 sq. km, the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve is the second-largest royal reserve, home to 138 wildlife species and 179 plant species. It is known for its rich ecology, stunning landscapes and heritage sites.

Initiatives over the past four years have significantly increased populations of endangered species such as Arabian oryx, sand gazelle, houbara bustard and red-necked ostrich, while also fostering a resurgence of reptiles and insects.


AlUla empowers youth with social, cultural activities

Joint GCC Youth Work Camp, hosted by Saudi Arabia in AlUla and organized by Ministry of Sport, brought together young people.
Joint GCC Youth Work Camp, hosted by Saudi Arabia in AlUla and organized by Ministry of Sport, brought together young people.
Updated 16 February 2025
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AlUla empowers youth with social, cultural activities

Joint GCC Youth Work Camp, hosted by Saudi Arabia in AlUla and organized by Ministry of Sport, brought together young people.
  • Camp fostered communication, experience exchange, and strengthened youth relations among the participating countries

RIYADH: The Joint GCC Youth Work Camp, hosted by Saudi Arabia in AlUla and organized by the Ministry of Sport, brought together young people from the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, Jordan, and Morocco.

The camp fostered communication, experience exchange, and strengthened youth relations among the participating countries, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

Through cultural and social events, sports competitions, workshops, and community initiatives, it empowered participants and developed their skills, the SPA added.

The camp featured activities combining exploration, learning, and other challenges. Participants had the unique opportunity to tour AlUla Old Town, exploring the heritage market, learning about traditional handicrafts, and dining among picturesque mud houses overlooking the palm oasis.

The program also included visits to renowned tourist and natural sites, such as the Sharaan Nature Reserve, Elephant Rock, the Oasis Heritage Trail, and the Hegra area.


Saudi project clears 536 Houthi mines in Yemen

Saudi project clears 536 Houthi mines in Yemen
Updated 16 February 2025
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Saudi project clears 536 Houthi mines in Yemen

Saudi project clears 536 Houthi mines in Yemen

RIYADH: Members of Saudi Arabia’s Project Masam removed 536 explosive devices from various regions of Yemen last week.

The total included nine anti-personnel mines, 48 anti-tank mines, 478 unexploded ordnances and one explosive device, according to a recent report.

Ousama Al-Gosaibi, the initiative’s managing director, said a total of 481,776 mines had been cleared since its inception in 2018.

The explosives were planted indiscriminately and posed a threat to civilians, including children, women and the elderly.

The demining operations took place in Marib, Aden, Jouf, Shabwa, Taiz, Hodeidah, Lahij, Sanaa, Al-Bayda, Al-Dhale and Saada.

The initiative trains local demining engineers and provides them with modern equipment. It also offers support to Yemenis injured by the devices.

Teams are tasked with clearing villages, roads and schools to facilitate safe movement for civilians and the delivery of humanitarian aid.


Russia’s Siluanov visits Saudi Arabia ahead of Russia-US talks

Russia’s Siluanov visits Saudi Arabia ahead of Russia-US talks
Updated 16 February 2025
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Russia’s Siluanov visits Saudi Arabia ahead of Russia-US talks

Russia’s Siluanov visits Saudi Arabia ahead of Russia-US talks
  • Siluanov was speaking at the AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies
  • US and Russian officials will meet in Saudi Arabia in the coming days to start talks aimed at ending the nearly three-year war in Ukraine, a US lawmaker said

MOSCOW: Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov visited Saudi Arabia on Sunday ahead talks between Russia and the United States in the Kingdom scheduled for next week.
Siluanov was speaking at an event called AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies, organized by the Saudi Ministry of Finance and the International Monetary Fund.
US and Russian officials will meet in Saudi Arabia in the coming days to start talks aimed at ending the nearly three-year war in Ukraine, a US lawmaker and a source familiar with the planning said on Saturday.
Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov along with Siluanov and the central bank’s governor Elvira Nabiullina held talks with President of United Arab Emirates Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on February 15.
Speaking at an event, Siluanov highlighted Russia’s willingness to restructure the debt of foreign countries.
“During the last 25 years we restructured debt of 22 countries for the amount of almost $30 billion. A similar amount we had restructured through bilateral agreements,” Siluanov said.