Top executives of the Makkah Al-Mashaer Metro (MMM), China Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC), explained the smooth operation of the MMM this year and the last five years pilgrimage since its inception.
Dong Liwei, the CRCC deputy general manager, said CRCC is committed to making every Haj year successful and meeting the most stringent safety standards for smooth operations of the Makkah Metro pointing out that they had transported a total of over 16 million passengers for five years in a row.
He said strict maintenance and evaluation of every task and work assignment are in place round-the-clock with the help of the best railways experts in the world to do safety inspections and test runs of the trains throughout the year before the Haj period.
Dong Liwei said: “Our team makes a comprehensive report at the end of every Haj and conducts a thorough evaluation and study on identifying every single observation where improvement is possible.”
He said with the last train driving back from Jamarat at 6 p.m. on Oct. 7, 2014, the Haj operation of the MMM-Southern Line was successfully operated by CRCC. It completed the transport service mission for five consecutive years with an overall figure of 16 million passenger trips.
“Under the supervision of the Saudi Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs (MOMRA) this year, the train operation started at 4 a.m. on Oct. 1 with a continuous operating period of 158 hours (including 7 days and 6 nights)” he noted.
During the period, 1,949 train trips (as against the originally planned 1,696 trips) were operated during which they carried more than 3.8 million passengers. In general, train services were very safe, smooth and successful.
The whole operation is being monitored by sophisticated equipment and high tech computer systems under the supervision of well-trained engineers and technical staff.
At the main headquarters, the Operation Control Center (OCC), monitoring team works around the clock to watch every single movement at all stations where immediate action is required for any emergency. “The same monitors are also placed at every station to ensure immediate action and solutions,” said the OCC head.
CRCC led by Zhao Dianlong, secretary of the Party Committee of the CRCC International Group takes the onerous responsibility of ensuring safety for the tough and intense operation work. Dianlong worked at Arafat 3 station which witnessed the most stressful situation regarding crowd management and control.
The operation this year according to (MOMRA) was manned by 1,600 staff, both men and women deployed in all stations in Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifah, with the cooperation of various government agencies from the Ministry of Haj, Public Security and the Civil Defense.
According to the Deputy Stations Manager, Taher Al-Bhagdadi, the train does not stop while in operation except when in position or in cross boarding to allow another train to pass. Also, the train routinely undergoes a swift maintenance checkup to ensure that all operations are in order.
Explaining the embarkation process, he said every station has two waiting areas to board the train, with a solid glass wall that separates the first batch from the second batch. As such, 3,000 pilgrims with tickets will be allowed access to the first waiting area next to the train doors while the rest of the pilgrims will wait outside the wall separation. This will prevent large numbers of pilgrims from embarking the train all together.
'Makkah Metro operates under highest standard of safety'
'Makkah Metro operates under highest standard of safety'
Historic Islamic alliance pledges to improve access to education for girls
- Islamabad Declaration for Girls’ Education affirms girls’ education as both a religious obligation and societal necessity
- Malala Yousafzai: I am imagining this conference as a beginning of a new journey, where we commit to a future for every girl to have access to complete quality education
Islamic religious, political and civil leaders have united in a historic campaign to improve access to education for girls and women.
The Islamabad Declaration for Girls’ Education affirms girls’ education as both a religious obligation and societal necessity.
It brings together a diverse range of religious schools of law including Deobandi, Hanafi and Haqqani schools, as well as gender activists like Nobel Laureate Malala Yousafzai and political and civil society leaders.
The declaration was signed during a conference in the Pakistani capital, Islamabad, convened by Saudi Arabia’s Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, secretary-general of the Muslim World League and chairman of the Organization of Muslim Scholars.
“I am imagining this conference as a beginning of a new journey, where we commit to a future for every girl to have access to complete quality education,” Yousafzai said in a statement.
“I want to thank the Muslim World League. Your Excellency Al-Issa; you have brought us together to address the barriers holding girls back from their right to go to school.”
Al-Issa added that the gathering “will not merely be a ‘call,’ a ‘declaration,’ or simply a ‘statement of stance.’
“Rather, it will represent a qualitative transformation in supporting girls’ education — a change that will bring joy to every deprived girl,” he said.
Religious leaders who affirmed the declaration include senior figures from the Deobandi school in Pakistan and India, leading Hanafi jurists, and the presidency of Darul Uloom Haqqania, Sheikh Anwarul Haq Haqqani.
Others included the Grand Mufti of Pakistan Sheikh Muhammad Taqi Usmani; the Mufti of Egypt Sheikh Dr. Nazir Mohammad Ayad; the Amir of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (Pakistan) Sheikh Fazl-ul-Rahman bin Mufti Mahmood; the President of Ulema Council of Pakistan Sheikh Tahir Mahmoud Ashrafi; and the President of Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind (India) Sheikh Syed Arshad Madani.
“This gathering brings together the intellectual capital of the Muslim world not just to appreciate the enormity of the challenge we face, but also as a declaration of our resolve to overcome all these impediments,” said Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
In addition, the Muslim World League and Organization of Islamic Cooperation agreed on a number of practical measures to improve access to education.
One of these measures is an awareness campaign by a number of educational centers and scholars.
Another is a new Islamic Educational Alliance drawing on a diverse and influential network of religious leaders, intellectuals, policy experts and academics from leading Islamic universities worldwide
The Muslim World League will also partner with a number of international organizations including the UN Refugee Agency and UN University for Peace to further the cause of providing access to education for women.
The summit brought together more than 150 dignitaries from 44 Muslim and other friendly states, according to Pakistan’s Foreign Office.
Saudi foreign minister calls Algerian counterpart
- The two officials discussed regional developments and exchanged views on them during the call
RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan called his Algerian counterpart Ahmed Attaf on Tuesday, Saudi Press Agency reported.
The two officials discussed regional developments and exchanged views on them during the call.
Arabic-speaking students gain access to world’s largest collection of music books
- Sheet music, songbooks and instrument method books to be translated
- New opportunities for musicians, teachers throughout the region
RIYADH: Arabic-speaking students will gain access to a significant collection of international sheet music, songbooks and instrument method books as part of a new agreement.
The Saudi Music Commission is partnering with Muse Group, owner of Hal Leonard — the world’s largest publisher of sheet music.
Along with Dar Nasher, the partnership will bring Hal Leonard’s material to a Saudi and wider Arabic-speaking audience, which the group said will create opportunities for musicians and teachers throughout the region.
Mo Chandi, COO of Muse Group, visited Riyadh to formalize the deal. “This partnership is about creating a connection between music education and cultural identity,” he said.
In an interview with Arab News, Chandi discussed the importance of cultural relevance in music education.
“Understanding music is not merely about technical skills; it’s also about appreciating the cultural context from which it arises. If you don’t understand certain pieces, you miss out on their cultural significance,” he added.
Chandi highlighted the Saudi Music Commission’s commitment to developing an Arabic-first set of books that translate the language and adapt content to resonate with local culture.
“Our goal is to ensure that young musicians can connect with their heritage while learning,” he added.
“We have an opportunity to elevate Arabic instruments to an international stage, ensuring they receive the recognition they deserve. The goal is to create an environment that fosters creativity and cultural growth.”
The significance of representation in music education is also a key focus for Chandi. “By showcasing Arabic instruments and music, children in Saudi Arabia will find relatable role models, inspiring them to pursue their musical interests while staying connected to their cultural roots,” he said.
The immediate focus of the partnership will be to translate Hal Leonard’s titles into Arabic and make them available in schools and libraries across the Kingdom.
“This effort will benefit students and enrich the broader music community by making quality educational resources widely accessible,” Chandi said.
He envisions a framework where children can explore music from an early age, cultivating their talents and potentially leading to a new generation of musicians from Saudi Arabia.
“We aim for a future where Saudi children can gain recognition on the global music stage,” he said. “Every child should have access to music education, as it can change their world.”
Saudi Red Crescent exhibits medical vehicles for pilgrimage services
- Spider motorcycle is designed for rapid deployment in emergencies
- A medical amphibious vehicle can transport 2 patients, has a continuous operational capacity of up to 19 hours
JEDDAH: The Saudi Red Crescent Authority is displaying advanced technology aimed at improving its services to pilgrims at the Hajj Conference and Exhibition in Jeddah.
The authority is introducing advanced 4x4 ambulances linked to control centers to enhance response times and medical services.
Another vehicle introduced by the authority is the Spider motorcycle, designed for rapid deployment in emergencies, particularly in crowded areas in Makkah and Madinah, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The vehicle contains essential medical devices, such as oxygen cylinders and immobilization splints, to respond to emergencies like asthma attacks and cardiac arrests.
The authority also introduced an amphibious vehicle, the first in the Middle East, which can navigate rugged terrain, water and muddy areas, the SPA reported.
It can transport two patients and six additional people, and has a continuous operational capacity of up to 19 hours.
The Hajj Conference and Exhibition runs until Jan. 16.
Saudi aviation authority imposes $5m in fines in 2024
- Report detailed 111 violations by airlines for failing to adhere to instructions
- 305 violations related to passenger rights protection led to fines exceeding SR14.4 million
RIYADH: The General Authority of Civil Aviation issued 542 fines totaling SR18.8 million ($5 million) in 2024 for violations of civil aviation law, its regulations, and authority instructions, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The report detailed 111 violations by airlines for failing to adhere to instructions, including the advance passenger information system and time-slot compliance, resulting in fines of SR3.65 million. Nine other violations incurred fines of SR290,000.
Additionally, 305 violations related to passenger rights protection led to fines exceeding SR14.4 million. Licensed companies faced 17 violations for non-compliance with civil aviation regulations, amounting to fines of SR175,000.
Two companies were fined SR40,000 for breaching licensing provisions, SPA reported.
The report also highlighted 92 violations committed by individuals, including 15 for unpermitted drone use with fines of SR75,000, 74 for non-compliance with safety instructions and onboard misconduct with fines of SR79,200, and three for trespassing restricted airport areas with fines of SR3,000.
Six violations for unauthorized glider operations resulted in fines of SR155,000, SPA added.
The authority emphasized its commitment to transparency, regulatory enforcement, and enhancing passenger experiences and air transport services in the Kingdom.
