French president received at Al-Yamamah Palace by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman
Two leaders held an expanded meeting for extensive talks
Updated 1 min 6 sec ago
Arab News
RIYADH: French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Riyadh on Monday evening for an official visit to Saudi Arabia, Saudi Press Agency reported.
Macron was received at Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who introduced the French president to Saudi ministers during an official reception ceremony.
The two leaders held an expanded meeting for extensive talks, SPA reported.
Earlier on Monday, upon arrival at King Khalid International Airport, Macron was received by Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman, Deputy Governor of Riyadh Region, along with the Minister of Commerce Majid Al-Qasabi and Prince Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf, Mayor of Riyadh.
Also in attendance were Fahd bin Mayouf Al-Ruwaili, Saudi ambassador to France, and Patrick Maisonnave, French ambassador to the Kingdom.
The visit underscores the strengthening ties between Saudi Arabia and France, with discussions expected to focus on water resource sustainability and other key areas of cooperation, SPA added.
Right on time: Riyadh Metro engineers new era of urban mobility
The capital city’s new public transport system covers 176 kms of track
Updated 58 min 24 sec ago
MANAL AL-BARAKATI
RIYADH: In a city where rapid development has outpaced infrastructure, the Riyadh Metro is setting a new benchmark for urban transport in the Kingdom. The $23 billion mega-project, one of the largest metro systems built in a single phase, has six lines, 176 kilometers of track and 85 stations.
Engineering against the odds
Riyadh’s complex geological and urban landscapes posed unique challenges during construction. Beneath the city’s surface is dense limestone and breccia, which required the use of special tunnel boring machines, or TBMs, designed to navigate these demanding conditions.
The metro’s stations are a balance between form and function. (SPA)
“The geological conditions demanded not only technical sophistication but also real-time adaptability to ensure both speed and accuracy,” Roger Cruickshank, senior director at AtkinsRealis, which led the design of Lines 4, 5, and 6, said in an interview with Arab News.
The metro’s 11 underground and 17 at-grade stations were strategically placed to enhance connectivity across the city. Additionally, the integration of underground, at-grade, and elevated tracks required careful consideration of Riyadh’s existing road networks.
FASTFACT
Riyadh Metro’s 11 underground and 17 at-grade stations were strategically placed to enhance connectivity across the city.
“Restructuring road networks and ensuring smooth transitions between modes of transit were integral to minimizing disruption,” Cruickshank said.
Automation at the core
A defining feature of the Riyadh Metro is its Level 4 automation, eliminating the need for onboard operators. Centralized control centers manage operations through advanced algorithms and real-time data, ensuring seamless functionality.
Supporting this system are geotechnical monitoring tools, including fiber optic sensors and automated data acquisition systems, which continuously assess infrastructure health.
The metro connects key urban centers, reducing car dependency in a city notorious for traffic congestion. (SPA)
“These technologies provide real-time insights, allowing us to predict maintenance needs and address them before they escalate,” Cruickshank said.
The trains themselves are equipped with advanced safety features, such as early warning and remote diagnostic systems, enhancing passenger safety and operational reliability.
Predictive analytics further optimize system efficiency, extending the lifespan of critical components while minimizing downtime.
Functionality meets design
The metro’s stations are a balance between form and function. While designed to optimize passenger flow and connectivity, they also reflect Riyadh’s cultural identity through architectural motifs inspired by local heritage.
Roger Cruickshank, AtkinsRealis senior director
“The design integrates contemporary materials with traditional influences, making the infrastructure both practical and a visual complement to the city,” Cruickshank said.
The metro connects key urban centers, reducing car dependency in a city notorious for traffic congestion. The focus on accessibility ensures that the system serves Riyadh’s growing population effectively.
Sustainability
The Riyadh Metro aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 by prioritizing sustainability; by promoting public transport, it is projected to significantly cut carbon emissions.
The design integrates contempor- ary materials with traditional influences, making the infrastruc- ture both practical and a visual complement to the city.
Roger Cruickshank, AtkinsRealis senior director
The system also incorporates energy-efficient technologies, such as regenerative braking and automated lighting, to minimize its environmental footprint.
“Noise and vibration mitigation strategies were essential to ensure the system operated harmoniously within the urban environment,” Cruickshank added. These measures, combined with the integration of green building standards, highlight the project’s commitment to environmental stewardship.
The lessons from the project are already informing future initiatives in Saudi Arabia and beyond. “This project demonstrates how collaboration, advanced technology, and strategic planning can produce infrastructure that is both technically brilliant and sustainable,” Cruickshank said.
The Riyadh Metro provides a case study for cities worldwide grappling with urbanization and mobility challenges. By combining engineering excellence, technological innovation, and cultural sensitivity, authorities have created a transit network that not only meets today’s needs but anticipates the demands of tomorrow as well.
Hope in the desert: Onager returns to Saudi Arabia after a century
The Persian onager, a smaller relative of the extinct Equus hemionus hemippus, plays a vital role in the reserve’s ambitious landscape and seascape restoration program
Updated 02 December 2024
Arab News
RIYADH: In a significant advancement for wildlife conservation, Saudi Arabia has reintroduced the onager to its native habitat after over a century of absence, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.
This achievement was made possible through a collaboration between the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve Development Authority and the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature from Jordan.
Earlier this year, seven Persian onagers were brought from Shaumari Wildlife Reserve in Jordan to the royal reserve.
The return of the onager aligns with the reserve’s Integrated Development Management Plan, supporting the Saudi Green Initiative and Vision 2030. (SPA)
The animals have reportedly adapted well to their new environment, with the birth of the first foal marking a pivotal moment in the rewilding process. The reintroduction highlights the importance of restoring ecosystems and creating a sustainable environment for endangered species to thrive.
Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve Development Authority CEO Andrew Zaloumis said in a statement: “The reintroduction of the onager, a species historically celebrated by Arabic poets, is a transformative step for their conservation and a major milestone in the Kingdom's biodiversity efforts.”
He emphasized that the Persian onager, classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, is now free to roam Saudi Arabia once again.
The Persian onager, a smaller relative of the extinct Equus hemionus hemippus, plays a vital role in the reserve’s ambitious landscape and seascape restoration program.
The royal reserve is actively working to restore ecosystems, ensuring the species can flourish while maintaining biodiversity. The onager serves as an ecological asset and a cultural symbol deeply rooted in Arabian history and tradition.
This collaborative endeavor with the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature underscores the importance of cross-border conservation efforts to protect endangered species and their habitats.
The president of the Jordanian organization’s board of directors, Batoul Ajlouni, expressed her delight at the reintroduction, emphasizing the importance of fostering real collaboration in conserving ecosystems and habitats through effective protected area management and capacity-building programs.
The return of the onager aligns with the reserve’s Integrated Development Management Plan, supporting the Saudi Green Initiative and Vision 2030.
In addition to the onager, the reserve has reintroduced several other species, including Arabian oryx, Nubian ibex, sand gazelle, mountain gazelle, and various bird species.
These efforts form part of the Kingdom’s broader mission to enhance biodiversity and promote sustainable development.
As the onager thrives in its natural habitat, it stands as a symbol of hope and the importance of wildlife conservation in Saudi Arabia.
Historic Jeddah Program launches Culture Square as new landmark for arts and heritage
Culture Square, which will span 26,000 square meters, will feature two flagship facilities
Updated 02 December 2024
Arab News
JEDDAH: The Ministry of Culture’s Historic Jeddah Program has unveiled the Culture Square, an initiative designed to revitalize the historic Jeddah area and establish it as a global hub for arts and heritage, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.
Situated on the banks of Lake Al-Arbaeen, the project blends the region’s rich history with contemporary innovation, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goal of enhancing cultural tourism and preserving heritage, SPA added.
Culture Square, which will span 26,000 square meters, will feature two flagship facilities: the Center for Performing Arts and the Digital Arts Museum “TeamLab Without Borders.”
The Center for Performing Arts will offer a range of cultural activities, including theatrical performances, international festivals, and film screenings.
It will also house the headquarters of the Red Sea Film Festival, a state-of-the-art theater with 868 seats, five cinema halls, dialogue spaces, and multi-purpose areas for cultural exchange.
Adjacent to this, the TeamLab Museum spans 10,000 square meters and will showcase 80 interconnected works that merge art, technology, and nature.
At the heart of the development lies the restored Prince of the Sea House, an historic octagonal structure once used as a lighthouse to guide ships, which reflects the area’s architectural heritage and highlights the cultural richness of Jeddah’s past.
Its preservation is part of broader efforts to maintain the character of the historic district while introducing modern elements, such as air purification systems, touchless elevators with UV sterilization, and water recycling technologies for irrigation.
Saudi Arabia, Lithuania sign air transport services agreement
Riyadh, Vilnius to work together to develop regulatory frameworks
Updated 02 December 2024
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia and Lithuania signed an agreement on Monday to cooperate in civil aviation and air transport services.
Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, the president of the General Authority for Civil Aviation, and Ramunas Davidonis, the Lithuanian ambassador to Saudi Arabia, signed the agreement in Riyadh.
The two countries will work to develop regulatory frameworks for air transport traffic and expand the operational network of their national air carriers.
The cooperation will further enhance Saudi Arabia’s position as a global logistics center for civil aviation and air transport services, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The Kingdom’s Vision 2030 aims to position the country as a hub for aviation connectivity to 250 international destinations, serving an expected 330 million passengers annually by 2030.
What to expect from French President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to Saudi Arabia
From cultural cooperation to resolving conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon, Macron has much to discuss on state visit
The Elysee Palace has dubbed the visit “exceptional,” signaling the strategic importance of Franco-Saudi ties
Updated 02 December 2024
Arlette Khouri
PARIS: French President Emmanuel Macron has begun a landmark three-day state visit to Saudi Arabia, where a one-on-one meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman anchors an intensive diplomatic schedule.
Arriving in Riyadh on Monday evening, Macron was welcomed with an official ceremony. The Elysee Palace has dubbed the Dec. 2-4 visit “exceptional,” signaling the strategic importance the French government ascribes to Franco-Saudi relations.
It is the latest of several high-profile exchanges between the two nations, building upon the crown prince’s visit to France in April 2018, which laid the foundation for a new era in bilateral relations, Macron’s Gulf tour in December 2021, which concluded in Jeddah, and the crown prince’s return to Paris in June 2023.
According to the Elysee, Macron will first participate in expanded bilateral talks aimed at implementing a new strategic partnership framework. These discussions will establish joint sectoral committees between the two governments.
Macron was welcomed with an official ceremony on Monday. (AFP)
He will then hold private talks with the crown prince, followed by a working dinner bringing together both leaders and associated government officials from both countries. The two leaders are expected to focus on forging joint diplomatic initiatives to address mounting regional tensions.
Lebanon will take center stage in the talks, reflecting both nations’ longstanding influence in the country’s affairs. “Both France and Saudi Arabia have historically played crucial roles in supporting Lebanon,” a diplomatic source noted.
According to the Elysee, the leaders will explore joint initiatives to bolster the ceasefire agreed last week between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah militia and to address Lebanon’s long-running political deadlock.
“We aim to chart a path forward together — not only to secure a presidential election but also to establish a framework for implementing essential reforms demanded by both the Lebanese people and the international community,” the source added.
Lebanon will take center stage in the talks, reflecting both nations’ longstanding influence in the country’s affairs. (AFP)
Building on commitments made during Macron’s December 2021 visit to Riyadh, the two governments have established a joint humanitarian fund targeting Lebanon’s pressing needs, so as to help the Lebanese population navigate through multiple, overlapping crises.
The Gaza conflict will be another critical focus of discussions. Since the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas-led attack on southern Israel, the Palestinian territory has come under intense Israeli bombardment, leading to one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises.
French officials have noted Riyadh’s prominent role in diplomatic efforts to end the conflict between Israel and Hamas, participating in talks with French counterparts and leading a contact group through the Arab League and Organization of Islamic Cooperation.
“Both nations share common ground on Gaza,” an Elysee spokesperson said. “We are aligned in our urgent call for an immediate ceasefire in the region.”
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The talks will also encompass broader regional security concerns, according to French officials.
“Syrian developments must be addressed given their impact on regional stability,” the Elysee said, highlighting that discussions will also focus on monitoring Iranian arms shipments to Hezbollah via Syrian regime-controlled territory.
Beyond foreign policy matters, Tuesday’s agenda will focus on economic and environmental initiatives. Macron will tour Riyadh’s newly inaugurated elevated metro system, which features significant French technical involvement.
Saudi-French cooperation is already expanding into previously unexplored or underdeveloped sectors, spanning tourism, fintech, cybersecurity, renewable energy, telecommunications, space technology and artificial intelligence.
Macron will tour Riyadh’s newly inaugurated elevated metro system. (AFP)
Macron will join world leaders at the One Planet Summit’s plenary session, where sovereign wealth funds will convene to discuss climate initiatives. He will co-chair talks with Yasir Al-Rumayyan, governor of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund.
Afterward, Macron will visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of At-Turaif in Diriyah on the outskirts of Riyadh, where he will share a lunch with Saudi Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, in the presence of his counterpart Rachida Dati and various French and Saudi cultural sector representatives.
The day will continue with Macron attending the Saudi-French Economic Forum, where he will review key outcomes before joining the One Water Summit. The summit, co-chaired by the Saudi crown prince and Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, will bring together world leaders to tackle pressing water challenges.
“Both nations share common ground on Gaza,” an Elysee spokesperson said. (AFP)
During the summit, leaders will participate in a series of roundtable discussions exploring water security, resource management, and their broader implications for global politics and economics.
Macron’s visit also coincides with Saudi Arabia hosting COP16, a global platform addressing desertification under the theme “Our Land. Our Future.”
Cultural ties will take center stage on Wednesday at the historic AlUla archaeological site in northwestern Saudi Arabia, where Macron will travel with a delegation of cultural officials.
He will tour the site before meeting with French-Saudi cultural cooperation stakeholders in the presence of Jean-Yves Le Drian, president of the French Agency for AlUla Development, and his counterpart Abir Al-Akel, who chairs the Royal Commission for AlUla.
AlUla stands as an example of Saudi-French partnership, showcasing collaborative expertise in culture, archaeology, construction, tourism and hospitality.
Cultural ties will take center stage on Wednesday at the historic AlUla archaeological site in northwestern Saudi Arabia. (Royal Commission for AlUla)
The state visit will conclude with Macron presiding over the groundbreaking of Villa Hegra, a new cultural hub designed to foster artistic collaboration between France and Saudi Arabia.
This symbolic project, establishing a dedicated artists’ residence, will mark a poignant final event of Macron’s three-day diplomatic mission.
