RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is preparing to launch a new train network as the Saudi Arabia Railway company (SAR) completes the infrastructure for linking the capital Riyadh with Qurayyat in the northern region of Jouf.
This comes 65 years after the launch of the first railway that linked Riyadh and Dammam, which was opened by the country’s founder King Abdul Aziz in 1951.
The SAR passenger train succeeded in the operational stages to reach the speed of 136 km/h on Wednesday, while the experimental operational process was done in the northern Hail area in order to reach the maximum speed of 200 km/h.
The train aims to serve the people of the northern regions who are eagerly awaiting its launch. It will shorten the time of the trip to Riyadh by more than half, at just eight hours.
SAR has two types of passenger trains: the diurnal and the nocturnal. Currently, three trains are being trialled. The diurnal trains can accommodate 444 people and consist of two engine carriages and nine seating areas, including four economy-class carriages, three carriages for business class, one restaurant carriage, and one for the transportation of luggage. The total length of the train is 280 meters.
The nocturnal trains can accommodate 377 people and consist of two engine carriages and 13 passenger cars, including three for economy classes, one for business class, three sleeping carriages, four car transportation carriages, one restaurant, and one luggage section. The length of the train stands at 380 meters.
SAR plans Qurayyat-Riyadh train network
SAR plans Qurayyat-Riyadh train network
Saudi Islamic Affairs Ministry expands digital outreach with daily religious programming during Hajj season
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance has intensified its digital broadcasting output throughout the current Hajj season, delivering comprehensive religious programming to serve pilgrims and global Muslim audiences via its official YouTube channel.
According to the Saudi Press Agency, the ministry’s digital strategy features four daily lectures in three distinct programs: “Barnamaj Dahawi” (Religious Program), “Khayr Al-Ayyam” (Best of Days) and the fourth iteration of “Hajj Talk,” with broadcasts continuing through 13/12/1446 AH (June 9, 2025).
“Religious Program” episodes are broadcast twice daily at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., while “Best of Days” airs at 4 p.m. The flagship “Hajj Talk” program concludes the daily schedule at 6 p.m. This systematic approach shows the ministry’s commitment to harnessing contemporary digital platforms, aligning with technological progress while amplifying the reach and impact of Islamic messaging. The live streaming format enables real-time engagement with audiences domestic and international audiences.
The daily programming addresses themes relevant to the pilgrimage season, including detailed explanations of Hajj purposes and legal rulings, the spiritual significance of righteous deeds during the days of Dhul-Hijjah, and proper conduct during sacred rituals.
“Hajj Talk” distinguishes itself by focusing on prophetic values, delivered through modern presentation methods while extracting practical guidance from the Prophet Mohammed’s pilgrimage example.
According to SPA, digital media forms the cornerstone of the ministry’s contemporary outreach strategy, supporting its broader mission to promote religious moderation and ensure universal access to authentic Islamic content. It allows pilgrims and viewers worldwide to access religious guidance regardless of location or time constraints.
Students from Islamic University of Madinah to guide pilgrims in Hajj animal sacrifice
- Saudi Arabia’s Project for Utilization of Hady and Adahi was established in 1983
MADINAH: Muslim students from the Islamic University of Madinah in the Hejaz Region are participating in the Hajj rituals of Hady and Adahi by offering guidance on animal sacrifice this weekend.
Some 300 students representing 40 nationalities will take part in the annual sacrifice of animals through Saudi Arabia’s Project for Utilization of Hady and Adahi.
Students will educate and guide pilgrims, ensuring adherence to the Prophet’s Sunnah during the performance of the rituals, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The project was established in 1983 to carry on the Hady and Adahi rituals on behalf of any Muslim, and supervise the use of Hajj meat and its distribution to the destitute.
During pilgrimage, which concludes this year on Monday, June 9, pilgrims are required to sacrifice an animal in a ritual called Hady.
Adahi is a voluntary sacrifice for non-pilgrim Muslims which takes place on the day of Eid Al-Adha.
In collaboration with the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites, the student initiative aims to supervise the rituals according to Islamic law, the SPA added.
Saudi Arabia provides more than 91,000 healthcare services to pilgrims in run-up to Hajj
- 51,938 pilgrims treated at health centers, 22,486 emergency cases handled , and outpatient care provided for 1,069 people
- Surgeons carry out 16 open-heart surgeries and 145 cardiac catheterizations; 44 cases of heat exhaustion treated
RIYADH: The Saudi healthcare system continues to operate at full capacity during the 2025 Hajj season and has so far provided more than 91,000 health services to pilgrims, official statistics reveal.
As of June 2, health providers had treated 51,938 pilgrims at health centers, handled 22,486 emergency cases, and provided outpatient care for 1,069 people. A total of 4,119 pilgrims were admitted to hospitals, 1,973 of whom required intensive care.
Surgeons successfully carried out 16 open-heart surgeries and 145 cardiac catheterizations, the figures show. In addition, 44 cases of heat exhaustion were treated.
Saudi healthcare authorities said they remain committed to safeguarding the well-being of pilgrims during their spiritual journeys, through the coordinated efforts of healthcare providers to deliver high-quality and efficient medical care.
This aligns with the objectives of the Kingdom’s Health Sector Transformation Program and the Guests of Allah Service Program, as part Saudi Vision 2030, which aim to provide pilgrims with a safe and medically supported environment that meets international health standards, they added.
Saudi scouts survey pilgrims’ accommodation in Mina
- The survey is part of the Ministry of Sport's efforts to support pilgrims and guide those who are lost
MAKKAH: A total of 800 members of the Ministry of Sports’ scouting team began surveying pilgrims’ accommodation in Mina on Monday.
The surveys include collecting field information about pilgrims’ housing, landmarks, pedestrian paths and the headquarters of government agencies taking part in serving pilgrims.
It is part of the ministry’s efforts to support pilgrims and guide those who are lost, in cooperation with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
The Ministry of Sports has five scout camps in Mina, located in Al-Mu’aisam 1-2, Al-Rabwa, Wadi Muhsar and the Operations Camp.
A preparatory course for the scouts was also held before their departure to Mina.
The four-day program aimed to prepare them to serve the guests of God, focusing on areas including teamwork, leadership and crowd management.
Thousands of volunteers every year assist the pilgrimage in the holy city of Makkah, which sees about 2 million worshipers visit over the five days.
Volunteers work to support healthcare, provide meals, manage crowds and assist with transport.
Makkah Region mayor reviews Saudi Red Crescent’s preparedness for Hajj
- Mayor was briefed on the command and control system, medical evacuation procedures, and the extensive network of deployment centers located across Makkah
RIYADH: Makkah Region Mayor Musaed bin Abdulaziz Al-Dawood visited the Saudi Red Crescent Authority’s command and control center and medical evacuation department in Makkah on Monday, as part of ongoing efforts to enhance field readiness for the Hajj season.
The mayor was briefed on the command and control system, medical evacuation procedures, and the extensive network of deployment centers strategically located across Makkah, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
He reviewed coordination with relevant authorities, aiming to ensure efficient and high-quality emergency services.
He also observed operational progress at the center, approved emergency response plans, the readiness of ambulance teams, and the advanced technologies used for monitoring, dispatching reports, and directing field teams in real-time throughout the Hajj season.
Al-Dawood emphasized the importance of seamless coordination among all service sectors and praised the SRCA’s vital role in delivering rapid emergency response to pilgrims.
