RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Transport General Authority has directed all transport operators, especially in Makkah, not to carry any passengers heading to Makkah or the holy sites without a Hajj permit or valid work and Makkah-residence entry permit.

The rules, effective April 29, are part of the Interior Ministry’s efforts to manage crowds and ensure pilgrim safety, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

Violators transporting visit visa holders to Makkah or the holy sites before June 10 face fines of up to SR100,000 ($26,600) and possible vehicle confiscation, as ruled by the relevant court.

This applies whether the vehicle is owned by the transporter, an accomplice or any party involved in the violation, the SPA added.

The authority also reminded licensed carriers to meet all regulatory requirements for Hajj, including securing proper licenses and permits, using designated routes and avoiding restricted areas without approval.

Operators are urged to fully cooperate with security and checkpoint authorities. Any violations will result in penalties.

These measures support the authority’s Hajj operational plan to ensure compliance, safety and smooth transport for authorized pilgrims, reflecting the quality of services during the season.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Transport and Logistic Services and its affiliated bodies announced full readiness for the Hajj season, ensuring seamless coordination across air, sea, land and rail sectors to provide top-tier services in line with the Kingdom’s role in serving the Two Holy Mosques.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation confirmed more than 3 million seats on charter and scheduled flights for domestic and international pilgrims during arrival and departure.

Oversight teams have increased performance monitoring at airports and among service providers to maintain quality standards, according to the SPA.

Matarat Holding Co. completed preparations at 11 dedicated pilgrim lounges, supported by 18,000 staff. Services include the “Traveler Without Baggage” initiative for easier luggage handling and Zamzam water delivery from residences.

Saudia airline confirmed readiness with more than 1 million seats and 2,000 flights via its 158-aircraft fleet, while flynas is set to carry more than 120,000 pilgrims on 294 flights from 15 international destinations.

In land transport, the Transport General Authority deployed 25,000 buses and 9,000 taxis, with 180 supervisors stationed at 20 key locations near Makkah, Madinah and the holy sites to enforce safety and service standards.

The Roads General Authority completed maintenance on more than 7,400 km of roads to the holy sites and inspected 247 bridges for safety. More than 300 road monitors and 20 advanced technologies have been deployed for surveillance.

In rail transport, Saudi Arabia Railways has arranged more than 2,000 trips for Al-Mashaaer Al-Mugaddassah Metro, transporting more than 2 million passengers between Mina, Muzdalifah and Arafat.

The Haramain High-Speed Railway, with 35 electric trains operating at 300 km/h, will carry passengers between Makkah and Madinah, including a station at King Abdulaziz International Airport, one of the largest airport-linked stations globally.

In maritime transport, the Saudi Ports Authority deployed 436 staff at Jeddah Islamic Port to manage the arrival of about 5,000 pilgrims, coordinating reception and logistics.

The National Transport Safety Center announced its readiness, implementing a phased operational plan with human and technical resources to respond to major accidents across all transport modes, 24/7 from Jeddah to the holy sites during peak Hajj.

These efforts reflect the Kingdom’s commitment to enhancing the pilgrim experience and supporting the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 by delivering exceptional services throughout the Hajj journey.

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s accelerated sustainability drive under its Vision 2030 plan puts environmental journalism at a critical juncture. While coverage of science and environmental issues is expanding, experts say that oversimplification, lack of specialist training, and weak collaboration between journalists and scientists are holding back high-quality reporting.

Some Saudi media outlets are praised for scientific accuracy, but others often prioritize speed over substance, resulting in fragmented or sensationalized coverage. This inconsistency, experts say, limits public understanding of urgent environmental issues.

Academic and industry leaders in the Kingdom agree that tackling these shortcomings requires institutional investment, the establishment of specialized news units, and the adoption of advanced tools such as data analysis powered by artificial intelligence.

“One of the key challenges facing environmental journalists in Saudi Arabia is striking a precise balance between simplifying complex scientific information for a general audience and preserving its accuracy and scientific integrity,” said Talal Al-Shathry, an expert in environmental journalism.

He told Arab News that while some Saudi outlets have improved accuracy and objectivity through rigorous reporting, others continue to downplay or oversimplify key topics.

This trend, he added, often stems from a focus on speed and breaking news at the expense of deeper analysis.

To improve the quality and credibility of coverage, Al-Shathry emphasized the need for journalistic integrity. He said reporters must “avoid bias” by relying on credible, diverse sources, maintaining transparency throughout the reporting process, and disclosing potential conflicts of interest.

He also underscored the importance of specialized training in science and environmental journalism to help reporters handle the complexity of the topics. Without this training, he warned, journalists may unintentionally compromise the accuracy of the information they present.

Despite current challenges, Al-Shathry, an assistant professor at King Saud University’s Journalism and Mass Communication Department, noted recent improvements. “Saudi media has taken encouraging steps toward increasing its focus on environmental issues,” he said.

However, he urged greater emphasis on in-depth analysis, accurate scientific communication, and public engagement around sustainability. These efforts, he said, should be backed by more investment in training and resources.

To that end, Al-Shathry proposed several initiatives to strengthen ties between academia and the media, including workshops, joint conferences, and digital platforms that help journalists connect with environmental experts.

He also called for major media organizations to establish dedicated investigative teams focused on environmental issues. These units, he said, could deliver in-depth reporting, expose violations, and hold accountable those responsible for environmental harm.

Echoing these concerns, Mutlaq Al-Mutairi, supervisor of the Dr. Ibrahim Al-Muhanna chair for energy and specialized media, emphasized the role academic institutions must play in supporting this growing field.

According to him, university research chairs are designed to support specialized studies that align with national development goals, including environmental protection. “Environmental journalism is increasingly gaining prominence as a vital discipline, owing to its close connections with various sectors,” he told Arab News.

Still, Al-Mutairi acknowledged the gap between universities and the authorities meant to act on their findings. The issue, he said, is not a lack of research but a reluctance among institutions to engage in structured academic partnerships, with many opting to work with individual experts instead.

He cited several success stories that demonstrate the potential of stronger, institution-based collaboration and noted Saudi Arabia’s efforts to deepen international academic partnerships. But he cautioned that such collaborations must be effectively implemented to yield real-world benefits.

“Rather than allowing the media market to reshape academic training,” Al-Mutairi said, “educational institutions should shape the media landscape through their expertise and focus on specialization.”

Building on this theme, Sattam Fahad Al-Mojil, associate professor of environmental engineering at King Saud University, pointed to the way scientific content is often framed as a major obstacle.

He told Arab News that technical or globalized language too often fails to connect with people’s everyday concerns — such as health, clean water, or food security — reducing both awareness and engagement.

“Covering environmental issues isn’t easy — and for many journalists, it’s a constant uphill battle,” Al-Mojil said. “The complexity of scientific information makes it difficult to communicate without losing meaning, and most reporters receive little to no training in environmental journalism.”

“The lack of reliable sources and limited access to data or experts compounds the issue. Weak institutional interest in environmental topics means fewer resources and minimal editorial support,” he added.

Despite these barriers, Al-Mojil believes journalists can still make a meaningful impact. By taking a constructive tone and offering solutions alongside problems, reporting can help turn public anxiety into awareness — and, eventually, action.

He said that academics and experts are essential allies, helping to simplify complex concepts, interpret technical data and ensure accuracy. However, collaboration is limited due to institutional disconnects, different working styles and the pressures of the news cycle.

“Despite the importance of this collaboration, it remains limited due to weak institutional communication, differing approaches, and the time pressure journalists often face,” he said.

To bridge the gap, Al-Mojil proposed regular communication channels between media and academia. Joint initiatives — such as training sessions, workshops, and expert databases — could greatly improve the quality and impact of reporting.

Adding to the call for innovation, Farah Al-Gharib, founder and president of Precision & Choice Environmental Solutions, acknowledged recent progress but said current efforts remain inadequate in the face of climate change and other accelerating threats.

“Media coverage of environmental issues is often reactive rather than proactive,” she told Arab News. “This reality underscores the urgent need for greater investment in environmental journalism to keep pace with mounting challenges.”

Al-Gharib also highlighted the potential of technology to support sustainability. “Integrating smart systems is critical to advancing environmental sustainability,” she said. “By leveraging AI and modern technologies, we can classify facilities by environmental impact and use advanced data to support sustainable decision-making.”

Looking ahead, she said she expects environmental journalism in Saudi Arabia to become more specialized, data-driven and influential.

She described the field as a critical bridge between science and the public. “Its strength lies in transforming difficult concepts into clear, actionable information that empowers people to act,” Al-Gharib said.

Her company contributes to this mission by providing transparent data and maintaining open communication with journalists. “Effective communication between the media and the environmental sector is not a choice — it’s a necessity for building a greener tomorrow,” she said.