MAKKAH: The Makkah Region Development Authority has announced the completion of field work on the Haramain Express Train.
It expects the project to be fully completed in late 2017 and operational in the first quarter of 2018, Al-Hayat newspaper reported.
The 450-km electric railway project serves as a qualitative addition to the transportation system in the Kingdom.
It will provide a fast, convenient, reliable and safe mode of transport between Makkah and Madinah, as well as the cities of Jeddah and Rabigh.
The train will take passengers from Makkah to Madinah through Jeddah and King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC).
The project is in its final stages after 35 trains (with a capacity of 417 seats per train) were equipped with all amenities.
The train will be managed with a world-class operating system and will connect the province of Jeddah to Makkah via a 78-km double-track line.
The Makkah-Madinah high-speed railway will shorten the travel time between Jeddah and Makkah to about 21 minutes, and less than two-and-a-half hours between Makkah and Madinah.
The Makkah station is located at the main entrance to the city in the neighborhood of Al-Rusaifah.
The station is about 3 km away from the Grand Mosque in Makkah, while Al-Madinah station is located in the Knowledge Economic City (KEC) on King Abdul Aziz Road.
There are two train stations in Jeddah; the first is in Sulaymaniyah in the center of the city, and the second is at King Abdul Aziz International Airport.
The Rabigh station is located near King Abdullah University for Science and Technology (KAUST).
Makkah-Madinah high-speed train service to start early next year
Makkah-Madinah high-speed train service to start early next year
Shoura Council, EU officials discuss strengthening ties
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Shoura Council Vice Speaker Mishaal Al-Sulami met in Riyadh with an EU Political and Security Committee delegation, led by its chair Delphine Pronk, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.
The delegation included ambassadors from the 27 EU member states, the EU Special Representative for the Gulf Luigi Di Maio, and the EU Ambassador to the Kingdom Christophe Farnaud.
Al-Sulami highlighted the Shoura Council’s oversight and legislative roles and emphasized the importance of parliamentary diplomacy in strengthening cooperation.
The delegates praised the Kingdom’s significant developments and the ambitious Saudi Vision 2030, SPA reported.
The talks addressed the strong relations between Saudi Arabia and the EU, ways to enhance collaboration between the Shoura Council and the European Parliament, and other topics of mutual interest.
Earlier, the EU delegation visited the Global Center for Combating Extremist Ideology in Riyadh, where they discussed ways to counter extremism.
The delegation also visited the Gulf Cooperation Council headquarters in Riyadh, where they discussed joint efforts to tackle global challenges.
Saudi aid targets schools in Yemen, health in Somalia
RIYADH: The Saudi aid agency KSrelief signed a cooperation agreement with a civil society organization to implement the third phase of the Back to School project in Yemen.
The initiative will be executed in the Al-Mukha district of Taiz governorate, Thamud district in Hadramout governorate, and the governorates of Shabwah, Abyan and Lahj, benefiting about 6,000 individuals.
KSrelief’s Assistant Supervisor-General for Operations and Programs Ahmed Al-Baiz signed the agreement on the sidelines of the International Conference on Conjoined Twins in Riyadh, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.
The agreement includes the provision of 60 fully equipped classrooms, the outfitting of 10 schools to create a suitable learning environment, and the distribution of 6,000 school uniforms and bags containing essential supplies.
Additionally, job opportunities will be provided to low-income families — previous beneficiaries of training and empowerment projects — who will produce the school bags and uniforms.
This initiative is part of Saudi Arabia’s humanitarian efforts, led by KSrelief, to support the educational process, reduce dropout rates, and ensure a safer learning environment in Yemen.
In a separate agreement, KSrelief and the International Medical Corps signed a $1-million partnership to equip Garowe General Hospital in Somalia with dialysis machines and enhance its dialysis center. This project is expected to benefit 3,666 individuals.
The agreement was signed by KSrelief Supervisor-General Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah and International Medical Corps President and CEO Nancy Aossey, also during the conference in Riyadh.
The initiative reflects Saudi Arabia’s humanitarian efforts through KSrelief to support health care services for those in need in Somalia.
Saudi Arabia welcomes ceasefire in Lebanon
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia's ministry of foreign affairs expressed said the Kingdom welcomed the ceasefire in Lebanon in a statement posted on X on Wednesday.
#بيان | تعرب وزارة الخارجية عن ترحيب المملكة العربية السعودية بوقف إطلاق النار في لبنان، وتثمن المملكة جميع الجهود الدولية المبذولة في هذا الشأن pic.twitter.com/WMNFlh0EsT
— وزارة الخارجية (@KSAMOFA) November 27, 2024
The Kingdom expressed appreciation for all international efforts made for the ceasefire, adding that it hoped it would lead to the implementation of Security Council Resolution (1701) and the preservation of Lebanon's sovereignty, security and stability and the return of the displaced to their homes in safety and security.
Resolution 1701 calls for a full cessation of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah.
Fam Foods, Kobe Beef Association partner to launch halal-certified beef in Saudi Arabia
- As part of the event, Fam Foods announced the upcoming opening of Hocho, a premium Kobe and wagyu-based restaurant set to launch in Via Riyadh
RIYADH: The introduction of halal-certified Kobe beef to the Saudi market was marked by an exclusive evening at the residence of Morino Yasunari, the Japanese ambassador to Saudi Arabia.
The event was hosted by Fam Foods, the only authorized reseller in the Kingdom, in collaboration with the Kobe Beef Association and highlighted the deepening cultural and culinary partnership between Japan and Saudi Arabia.
Guests enjoyed a unique atmosphere that blended heritage and contemporary celebration. They were welcomed with traditional Saudi coffee, a gesture reflecting the nations’ shared value of hospitality, while the decor also combined their traditions.
They were also treated to a culinary journey featuring authentic Japanese techniques, including teppanyaki preparations demonstrating the artistry and meticulous craftsmanship behind Kobe beef. The renowned Kimono Butcher captivated the audience with a masterful demonstration of beef cutting, symbolizing the precision and dedication synonymous with Japanese culinary heritage.
Princess Muneera Al Rasheed, chairwoman of Fam Foods, said during her address: “This evening celebrates more than just the introduction of halal-certified Kobe beef; it embodies the rich culinary and cultural partnership between Japan and Saudi Arabia. At Fam Foods, we are committed to innovating while safekeeping tradition — together, we are transforming premium dining experiences in the Kingdom.”
Shinnosuke Murakami, president of the Sanda Meat Center Export Expansion Consortium which oversees the export of Kobe from Japan, said: “Kobe beef represents the pinnacle of Japanese wagyu beef, renowned worldwide for its exceptional flavor, rich aroma and unparalleled tenderness.
“We are deeply grateful to His Royal Highness Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan Al Saud, Her Highness Princess Muneera Al Rasheed, and the Fam Foods team for their ongoing support in this partnership and providing us the opportunity to share this wonderful delicacy with the people of Saudi Arabia and the Arab world.”
Traditional performances also added depth to the evening, connecting attendees to the cultural roots of Japan, with the serene melodies of a koto performance and the elegance of a flute recital bringing the event to life.
As part of the event, Fam Foods announced the upcoming opening of Hocho, a premium Kobe and wagyu-based restaurant set to launch in Via Riyadh. The venture is set to redefine Japanese dining in Saudi Arabia, offering an elevated culinary experience that brings the artistry of Japanese beef to the forefront.
Emir of Kuwait sends King Salman GCC Summit letter
- Message delivered to minister during meeting in Riyadh
RIYADH: King Salman has received a letter from the Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah inviting him to the Gulf Cooperation Council Summit.
The message was delivered to Minister of State Prince Turki bin Mohammed bin Fahd during a meeting in Riyadh on Tuesday with Kuwait’s Foreign Minister Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya.
The two sides held cordial talks and discussed issues of common interest.
The 45th GCC Summit takes place in Kuwait on Sunday.
