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Zawya
a day ago
- Zawya
Saudi train ridership tops 36.5mln in Q2 2025
RIYADH — Saudi Arabia's rail sector recorded more than 36.5 million passengers using train services in the second quarter of 2025, up by 1 million compared to the first quarter, according to figures released Thursday by the Transport General Authority (TGA). Urban rail services saw strong growth, with over 33.8 million passengers using metro systems across the Kingdom. Riyadh Metro led the figures, transporting more than 23.6 million passengers. The automated people mover at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah followed with over 7.76 million users, while Princess Nourah University's campus rail in Riyadh saw over 512,000 passengers. Intercity train services also witnessed a 10% year-on-year increase, with over 2.67 million passengers traveling between Saudi cities by rail during the same period. Freight and minerals transport via rail remained a key contributor to economic logistics, with over 4.08 million tons of goods and more than 232,000 containers shipped, underscoring the railway network's vital role in supporting the industrial and mining sectors as part of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy. The TGA reaffirmed the importance of railways in offering safe, sustainable transport options, helping reduce carbon emissions, and improving quality of life across the Kingdom. © Copyright 2022 The Saudi Gazette. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (


Tourism Breaking News
2 days ago
- Tourism Breaking News
flynas to launch a new route between Jeddah and Prishtina, starting 1 October
Post Views: 45 flynas announced launching a new route between Jeddah and Prishtina in Kosovo, further consolidating its position as pioneering air carrier connecting the two countries, in line with flynas growth and expansion plan, launched under the title 'We Connect the World to the Kingdom,' in parallel with the objectives of the National Civil Aviation Strategy to enable national air carriers to contribute to connecting KSA with 250 International destinations and to accommodate 330 million passengers and to host 150 million tourists yearly by 2030. Starting 1st October, three weekly flights will be operated between King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and Prishtina International Airport 'Adem Jashari' on Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. flynas is the first airline listed on the Saudi Exchange (Tadawul) operates 139 routes to more than 70 domestic and international destinations in 30 countries with more than 2000 weekly flights and has flown more than 80 million passengers since its launch in 2007, with the aim to reach 165 domestic and international destinations within its growth and expansion plan, and in line with the objectives of Vision 2030. Passengers traveling with flynas can book their flights through all flynas booking channels: the flynas app, the call centre (920001234), or travel agents


Gulf Business
2 days ago
- Gulf Business
No visa renewal in Dubai without clearing traffic fines, says GDRFA
Image: Getty Images Dubai authorities have launched a pilot system that ties traffic fine settlements to residency visa services, requiring residents to clear outstanding fines before they can renew, cancel, or transfer their visas. The new initiative, led by the Khaleej Times , the system electronically links visa-related transactions with the Dubai Police Traffic Fines System. 'The goal is not to restrict people,' said Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of the GDRFA. 'It's about reminding residents to pay their fines. The system allows for flexibility depending on each case.' Read: Authorities clarified that the system does not halt the visa process entirely but prompts residents to settle dues — either in full or via instalment plans — before continuing with residency procedures. GDRFA officials said the system is currently in the trial phase and has been implemented in specific departments, with thousands of cases reviewed prior to its rollout. Notably, it does not apply to the GDRFA centre at Dubai International Airport. Abide by law At a media briefing held on Wednesday, officials confirmed that no residency renewal, cancellation, or status change requests made from within the UAE will be processed unless all traffic fines have been paid. Lt Gen Al Marri also reminded residents to adhere to local regulations: 'Abide by laws, settle outstanding fines,' he urged, reinforcing the importance of personal responsibility and civic compliance as part of living in the UAE. The pilot is expected to be evaluated for broader implementation after its initial phase.