logo
Saudi Railways transports 8 million passengers, 15 million tons of freight in H1 2025 performance

Saudi Railways transports 8 million passengers, 15 million tons of freight in H1 2025 performance

Saudi Gazette7 days ago
Saudi Gazette report
RIYADH — Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) announced record operational results for the first half of 2025, transporting 7.93 million passengers across over 21,000 trips on its North, East, and Haramain High-Speed train networks — an 8% increase compared to the same period in 2024.
The strong performance was bolstered by exceptional service during the Hajj season, which saw 1.2 million pilgrims transported via the Haramain line and 1.8 million via the Mashair Metro, totaling over 2,100 Hajj-related train journeys.
On the freight side, SAR moved 14.93 million tons of minerals and goods — up 13% year-on-year — helping remove over 700,000 truck trips from the Kingdom's roads.
This shift resulted in fuel savings exceeding 72 million liters and a reduction of 190,000 tons in carbon emissions, supporting Saudi Arabia's environmental sustainability goals and logistics efficiency targets.
SAR CEO Dr. Bashar Al-Malik said the figures reflect the company's commitment to providing sustainable, efficient transport solutions in alignment with the National Transport and Logistics Strategy.
Beyond operations, SAR continues to deliver long-term economic and environmental impact. Its local content initiative, part of the 'Asasat' program, is on track to surpass 60% by the end of the year, supporting national industries and creating quality job opportunities for Saudi talent.
Al-Malik also emphasized SAR's vital role in advancing the Saudi Green Initiative by reducing emissions, lowering reliance on conventional trucking, and offering cleaner alternatives that enhance quality of life in cities across the Kingdom.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Court orders Motoon Tower ex-tenant to pay SAR 13.8M: Derayah REIT
Court orders Motoon Tower ex-tenant to pay SAR 13.8M: Derayah REIT

Argaam

time2 hours ago

  • Argaam

Court orders Motoon Tower ex-tenant to pay SAR 13.8M: Derayah REIT

Derayah Financial Co., the fund manager of Derayah REIT Fund, said it received a notice from the fund's legal counsel in Kuwait regarding a final court ruling. The final ruling was issued by the Kuwait Court of Appeals in the case filed by the fund against Al Amalayah Co. for Hotels, the former tenant of Motoon Tower in Riyadh, the fund manager said in a statement to Tadawul. The ruling obliges Al Amalayah to pay SAR 13.76 million to the fund, representing unpaid rent for Motoon Tower. The impact will be reflected according to the outcome of legal and regulatory procedures and the collection of the amounts. In May, the company received a notice from the fund's legal counsel in Kuwait regarding a court ruling, which remains subject to appeal, in the case filed by the fund against the former tenant, Argaam data showed. The issued ruling obligated them to pay an amount of 13.76 million riyals to the fund.

Saudi Arabia extends exit deadline for visit visa holders by 30 days
Saudi Arabia extends exit deadline for visit visa holders by 30 days

Saudi Gazette

time12 hours ago

  • Saudi Gazette

Saudi Arabia extends exit deadline for visit visa holders by 30 days

Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — The General Directorate of Passports announced the extension of the grace period for the final departure of visit visa holders across all categories and designations. The new 30-day window will begin on the 1st of Safar, 1447 AH, and is conditional on the payment of applicable fees and fines as stipulated by Saudi regulations. According to the statement, eligible individuals can benefit from this initiative by submitting a request through the 'Tawasul' service available on the Ministry of Interior's digital platform 'Absher.' The directorate urged all visitors to take advantage of the extended period within the specified timeframe to ensure legal departure from the Kingdom and avoid further penalties. The initiative aims to streamline exit procedures and support compliance with Saudi Arabia's residency and immigration laws.

Kawir Palace provides architectural insights into Makkah's heritage
Kawir Palace provides architectural insights into Makkah's heritage

Arab News

time13 hours ago

  • Arab News

Kawir Palace provides architectural insights into Makkah's heritage

RIYADH: The city of Makkah features numerous historical landmarks that reflect its urban development and architectural uniqueness. Among these is Kawir Palace, also known as Biban Palace, one of the oldest and most notable historical palaces. It embodies authentic architectural elements and symbolizes the social and cultural diversity of the early 20th century, serving as a model of local architecture connected to social changes in Makkah, the Saudi Press Agency reported. Owned by a local merchant nicknamed Kawir because of his trade in limestone quarrying, a prevalent building material, the palace's architecture and strategic location in Makkah's prominent Biban area highlight its significance. The palace was built between 1910 and 1920 and is on a hill overlooking the historic Biban area, offering panoramic views, the SPA added. After restoration, the palace could serve as a museum of traditional Makkah architecture, a community cultural center, or a luxury heritage guesthouse for experiential tourism. The construction used local materials and techniques, including local stone for the foundation, limestone for wall insulation, and clay, wood, and gypsum for interiors. Indian teak wood was used for some doors and windows, while the facades featured carved wooden windows (roshan) and geometric motifs. The ceilings feature handmade gypsum decorations, reflecting local craftsmanship. The palace comprises five floors, featuring spacious halls, reception areas, and internal courtyards for ventilation, according to the report. The palace provides valuable architectural lessons, particularly in the integration of form and function. Traditional methods offer solutions for ventilation, privacy, and thermal insulation, emphasizing local identity over imported styles. After restoration, the palace could serve as a museum of traditional Makkah architecture, a community cultural center, or a luxury heritage guesthouse for experiential tourism.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store