Latest news with #HaramainRailway
Arab News
01-07-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Madinah's logistics sector grows 190% amid $57bn development push
JEDDAH: Commercial registrations in Saudi Arabia's Madinah transport and storage sector rose from 970 in 2019 to 2,817 by the end of 2024, reflecting strong five-year growth in the logistics industry. The 190 percent growth over the period also translates to an average annual increase of 38 percent, according to a recent economic report issued by the Madinah Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The analysis, also published by the Saudi Press Agency, emphasized that this expansion reflects growing investor interest and highlights the effectiveness of the region's investment environment, as well as the local market's capacity to accommodate increased activity in transport and storage. It also further affirmed the sector's pivotal role in supporting commercial, industrial, and tourism-related activities in the region. Madinah's emergence as a logistics hub is underpinned by a well-developed infrastructure network, including three airports, an extensive highway system linking five regions, the Haramain High-Speed Railway, and two key ports — one commercial and the other industrial. This strategic connectivity facilitated nearly $1.1 billion in non-oil exports and over SR5.25 billion ($1.40 billion) in imports in 2021. The region's broader economy has also shown significant momentum, with the hotel sector recording a 42 percent year-on-year increase in 2024, and tourism-related enterprises, such as organized travel and tour services, expanding by 33 percent. 'The sector's accelerating activity coincides with the implementation of major development projects in Madinah, with a total estimated value exceeding SR213 billion,' SPA stated. It added that these projects span multiple sectors, including infrastructure, urban expansion, and tourism services, as well as the Madinah humanization initiative, and transport and logistics, noting that these initiatives aim to streamline supply chain operations and enhance connectivity between development sites within and beyond the city. The report further stated that the rise in commercial registrations also signals growing interest from investors and entrepreneurs in this field, which serves as a central link in production and distribution chains. 'It provides a favorable environment for the development of logistics services and the advancement of modern transport capabilities.' SPA report added. The news agency concluded that these indicators confirm that the transport sector has become an integral component of Madinah's economic structure, contributing to the integration of development projects and supporting stability and growth in the local market. An earlier report by the region's chamber on the first quarter of 2025, released in May, highlighted positive transformations in the area's economy. The region's gross domestic product reached SR57.6 billion in the third quarter of 2024, reflecting a 2.8 percent growth compared to the same quarter of the previous year. Madinah also recorded the second-highest growth rate in local demand at 11 percent, based on point-of-sale transactions, following Riyadh. The first quarter report revealed a drop in the region's unemployment rate to 8.4 percent in the fourth quarter of 2024, down from 10.3 percent in the previous period, as employment rose to over 458,000, with economic activity concentrated in construction, trade, and manufacturing. The study also revealed progress in major development projects across the Madinah region, with around 213 projects under implementation, valued at over SR210 billion. 'These include 188 private sector projects and 15 government projects. The total investment land area allocated for these projects exceeds 15 million sq. meters, with expectations of generating over 119,000 future job opportunities,' the release stated. It added that the commercial sector accounted for the largest share of these projects, with 153 developments, followed by 27 mixed-use residential-commercial undertakings. Other initiatives spanned the healthcare, education, tourism, and religious sectors.
Arab News
02-06-2025
- General
- Arab News
4,900 train journeys and 2m passengers expected on holy sites metro over 7 days of Hajj
RIYADH: Trains on the Al-Mashaaer Al-Mugaddassah Metro Line are expected to complete a total of 4,900 journeys, carrying up to 2 million passengers, in the space of just seven days during Hajj. The metro, known in English as the Sacred Sites Train Line, is a high-capacity rail system in Makkah that operates for only seven days a year, during Hajj, as a shuttle service to take pilgrims to and from holy sites. Offering insights on Monday into the transportation systems that will serve pilgrims, Saleh Al-Zuwaid, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Transport and Logistic Services, said comprehensive preparations have been taking place ahead of the annual pilgrimage across all travel sectors, including air, land, sea and logistics. 'So far, 3,314 flights from 238 destinations in 71 countries, via 62 air carriers, have arrived in the Kingdom,' he said. There has been a 75 percent increase in the number of trips on Haramain High Speed Railway, compared with last year, he added, and a 'Hajj without Luggage' initiative allows pilgrims arriving in Saudi Arabia to travel to Makkah by train while their luggage is transported separately for convenience. In addition, more than 25,000 buses have been provided to ensure the safe and comfortable movement of pilgrims, backed by an extensive inspections process, he said. The latest technology, including artificial intelligence, is also being deployed to enhance transportation, Al-Zuwaid said. A fleet of vehicles equipped with AI is scanning the Kingdom's roads, from arrival ports to the holy sites, to help improve safety and ensure necessary maintenance is carried out. This year, these advanced technologies have helped to maintain 7,400 kilometers of roads leading to the holy sites. Detailing advances in digital infrastructure, Saad Al-Shanbari, a spokesperson for Hajj communications and technology, said that 4G and 5G coverage in Makkah, Madinah and at the holy sites now exceeds 99 percent, with significant increases in internet speeds. More than 10,500 Wi-Fi access points have been installed to enrich the digital experience for pilgrims, he added, and AI-powered crowd-management and specialized communication systems have been implemented in collaboration with Aramco Digital, to help ensure a reliable digital experience throughout Hajj season. The spokespersons reaffirmed their commitment to providing the best possible services and encouraged pilgrims to adhere to official guidelines designed to enhance their experiences and ensure their safety. Hajj begins on Wednesday, June 4, and will continue until Monday, June 9.
Zawya
08-05-2025
- Zawya
Saudi Haramain Railway to offer nearly 2mln seats for Haj season, up by 25%
Jeddah: Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) will provide nearly two million seats for pilgrims traveling via the Haramain High-Speed Railway as part of its operational plan for the 1446 AH Hajj season—an increase of 25%, or 400,000 seats, compared to the previous season. This increase confirms SAR's full preparedness to serve pilgrims in accordance with the highest standards of safety, efficiency, and quality. During this year's Hajj season, 4,768 trips will be operated between Dhu al-Qi'dah 1 and Dhu al-Hijjah 20. The Haramain High-Speed Railway runs along a 453-kilometer track connecting five main stations: Makkah, Madinah, Jeddah's Sulaymaniyyah station, King Abdullah Economic City station, and King Abdulaziz International Airport station facilitating smooth and comfortable transport between the two holy cities. The Haramain High-Speed Railway plays a key role in transporting pilgrims as part of the Kingdom's modern mobility system. It is the fastest mode of transport between Makkah and Madinah, covering the distance in about two hours. As one of the ten fastest passenger trains in the world, the Haramain Railway operates at speeds of up to 300 kilometers per hour. Its fleet of 35 trains, each with a capacity of 417 seats, produces zero carbon emissions, making it an environmentally friendly solution that also helps reduce pressure on the road network and enhances the quality of transport for pilgrims. SAR leverages its experience and capabilities to provide safe and efficient transportation services that facilitate pilgrims' movement between the two holy cities. Its operational plan is part of a broader national effort to serve pilgrims and reflects its commitment to collaboration with various government entities. As a national enabler of smooth and rapid pilgrim transport, SAR contributes to achieving the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which aim to elevate the quality of services provided to pilgrims and ensure a sustainable and spiritually fulfilling journey.
Zawya
07-05-2025
- Zawya
Haramain Railway increases seats by 400,000 to transport pilgrims during Hajj season
RIYADH — Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) will provide nearly two million seats for pilgrims traveling via the Haramain High-Speed Railway as part of its operational plan for the Hajj season of 2025. This marks an increase of 25 percent or 400,000 seats, compared to the previous season. This increase confirms SAR's full preparedness to serve pilgrims in accordance with the highest standards of safety, efficiency, and quality. During this year's Hajj season, 4,768 trips will be operated between Dhul Qada 1 (April 29) and Dhul Hijjah 20. The Haramain High-Speed Railway runs along a 453-kilometer track connecting five main stations: Makkah, Madinah, Jeddah's Sulaymaniyyah station, King Abdulaziz International Airport station and King Abdullah Economic City station, facilitating smooth and comfortable transport between the two holy cities. The Haramain High-Speed Railway plays a key role in transporting pilgrims as part of the Kingdom's modern mobility system. It is the fastest mode of transport between Makkah and Madinah, covering the distance in about two hours. As one of the ten fastest passenger trains in the world, the Haramain Railway operates at speeds of up to 300 kilometers per hour. Its fleet of 35 trains, each with a capacity of 417 seats, produces zero carbon emissions, making it an environmentally friendly solution that also helps reduce pressure on the road network and enhances the quality of transport for pilgrims. SAR leverages its experience and capabilities to provide safe and efficient transportation services that facilitate pilgrims' movement between the two holy cities. Its operational plan is part of a broader national effort to serve pilgrims and reflects its commitment to collaboration with various government entities. As a national enabler of smooth and rapid pilgrim transport, SAR contributes to achieving the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which aim to elevate the quality of services provided to pilgrims and ensure a sustainable and spiritually fulfilling journey. © Copyright 2022 The Saudi Gazette. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
