Mashaer metro system transports thousands of pilgrims from Mina to Arafat
There are 17 trains in the Mashaer metro fleet, each capable of carrying 3,000 passengers
Updated 16 June 2024
Ghadi Joudah
MAKKAH: Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims used the Mashaer metro system to travel from Mina to Arafat on Saturday, as they began the most important day of the Hajj pilgrimage.
The metro system consists of nine stations located across the holy sites, connected by an 18-kilometer double-track railway, and is capable of accommodating 72,000 passengers per hour in one direction. The journey from Mina to Arafat takes just 20 minutes, with the train traveling at 80 km per hour, according to a report by the Saudi Press Agency.
There are 17 trains in the Mashaer metro fleet, each capable of carrying 3,000 passengers. The eco-friendly electric trains significantly reduce traffic congestion and carbon emissions by replacing approximately 50,000 passenger buses during the Hajj season.
The trains are managed the Facilities Security Forces, under the supervision of the Ministry of Interior.
Khalil Hasan, an Egyptian pilgrim, said he is performing Hajj for the second time.
“The first time I performed Hajj was nearly 30 years back when I was a schoolteacher in Yanbu. Everything here has unbelievably changed, including the Jamarat Bridge.“Seeing the metro travelling between stations in the holy sites was a wonderful scene that added great glamor to the place and substantial enhancement to the many services provided by the kingdom,” Hasan said.
Previously, he added, he could not have imagined that a pilgrim would be able to reach Arafat from Mina within minutes.
Hasan’s lifelong friend, AbdulTawab, who is accompanying him on the spiritual journey, said that it is his first Hajj experience, and he was amazed by the metro service.
“It is wonderful, and I am grateful to the Kingdom for this metro that has facilitated the movement of pilgrims, especially the elderly, making it easy and comfortable to move from one place to another within the holy places,” he said.
First Saudi traveling art exhibition makes a stop in Riyadh
Filwa Nazer told Arab News: “The focus was to document and research Jeddah modernist architecture between the late 30s and early 60s
Inspired by an old handwritten remedy book passed down to her by her mother, it transforms layered silkscreen prints and charcoal drawings on suspended mesh
Updated 11 sec ago
Nada Alturki
RIYADH: A Saudi traveling exhibition, titled “Art of the Kingdom: Poetic Illuminations,” opened on Monday in Riyadh at the Saudi Arabian Museum of Contemporary Art following its inauguration in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil last year.
Nestled in the capital’s Jax art district, the show brings together works by 17 prominent Saudi contemporary artists from different generations, regions, and artistic practices that demonstrate the country’s burgeoning art scene.
Basmah Felemban's "Brink of the Sea" (2025). (Supplied)
Mona Khazindar, adviser to the Ministry of Culture, said: “The Museums Commission is proud to present ‘Art of the Kingdom’ at SAMoCA at Jax, an exhibition showcasing Saudi Arabia’s dynamic artistic landscape, where tradition meets innovation.
“We are thrilled to celebrate Saudi creative practices in this way and invite audiences, both locally and internationally, to explore our history and culture through contemporary art.”
Daniah AlSaleh's "Hinat" (2022). (Supplied)
From paintings to installations and video works, the exhibition showcases the diversity and ambition of contemporary Saudi artists under two themes: the desert and cultural traditions.
Fatma Abdulhadi’s “It Will Heal” explores the evolving dialogue between humans and nature, where traditional practices become ongoing processes.
Fatma Abdulhadi’s "It Will Heal" (2025). (AN photo)
Inspired by an old handwritten remedy book passed down to her by her mother, it transforms layered silkscreen prints and charcoal drawings on suspended mesh. Just as plants communicate and adapt, the phrase “it will heal you, inshallah” reflects a belief in continuous connection and renewal.
“It’s a dialogue between humans and nature and everything in between, the recipe that humans do to feel safe, to feel healthy, to feel better,” Abdulhadi said.
Filwa Nazer’s “The Hands Want to See, The Eyes Want to Caress” (2021). (Supplied)
The sheets feature prints of the plants mentioned in the book as well as recipes in Arabic. The recipes are meant to help heal both physical and emotional troubles. One of the recipes for happiness recommends drinking camel milk with a drop of amber.
Moath Alofi has two works on display: “People of Pangea” and “The Last Tashahhud.” The former is a series of photos that provide an unconventional view of various locations in Saudi, while the latter is an ongoing photo series that captures small and modest mosques on the deserted roads leading to Madinah.
“These prayer rooms aren’t the usual ones, and this is what makes them really stand out. The raw architecture, the invention that the locals, tribals, Bedouins, or even philanthropists sometimes are trying to achieve by providing travelers a place for rest and worship and prayers—it’s interesting to see the material used, the architecture.
“I think international audiences will be surprised to see something that’s not usually shown,” Alofi told Arab News.
The work is shown in contrast with the anthropological sites captured in “People of Pangea” on the opposing wall of the exhibition.
“It’s not only about the locals or the people who built the mosques but also the ancient humans that actually lived on the land of Saudi Arabia 7,000 years ago. There has always been something happening in this Kingdom.
“You can see that Saudi artists are top notch — they’re up to the challenge, and I’m honored to be part of this as well,” Alofi said about local artists making it to international frontiers.
Filwa Nazer’s “The Hands Want to See, The Eyes Want to Caress” series incorporates sewing and embroidery on mixed media. The four pieces on display, each in dialogue with the other, explore the interplay of fragility and strength.
She told Arab News: “The focus was to document and research Jeddah modernist architecture between the late 30s and early 60s. My works were inspired by one house called Beit Ba Junaid — the owner of the house and its history and how it changed and evolved, and later on deteriorated over time and abandoned.
“I love being part of these exhibitions, organized by (the Ministry of Culture) and such, because I feel they are quite accessible to everyone, first of all. Second, they’re a place to connect with Saudi youth, and I want to have that communication with them, so I’m proud to be part of it and with my peers who are all great artists and friends.”
Other featured artists include Muhannad Shono, Lina Gazzaz, Manal Al-Dowayan, Ayman Zedani, Ahmed Mater, Ahaad Al-Amoudi, Shadia Alem, Faisal Samra, Ayman Yossri Daydban, Daniah Al-Saleh, Sarah Brahim, Ahmad Angawi, Nasser Al-Salem, and Basmah Felemban.
UN official calls for ‘scaling up and speeding up’ aid in humanitarian disasters
Jorge Moreira da Silva: ‘In this critical moment, we need not only to scale up, we need to speed up and to provide the aid in a more efficient and fast manner’
Jorge Moreira da Silva: ‘I was impressed to see the convening capacity of KSRelief to mobilize so many people around the world to discuss humanitarian aid (at) this critical juncture’
Updated 25 February 2025
Lama Alhamawi
RIYADH: According to the World Health Organization’s Health Emergency Appeal 2025, over 1.6 billion people currently live in settings of conflict or displacement.
“In this critical moment, we need not only to scale up, we need to speed up and to provide the aid in a more efficient and fast manner,” Jorge Moreira da Silva, under-secretary-general and executive director, executive office of the UN Office for Project Services, told Arab News during the 4th Riyadh International Humanitarian Forum.
“I think that when an emergency happens, a natural disaster or a conflict, we don’t have the same time to plan as when we discuss development, and that is why the search capacity and the quick response is fundamental,” he said.
When asked how this can be achieved, the UN undersecretary stressed the need for more collaboration.
“Scaling up and speeding up requires more collaboration across UN agencies, more collaboration between the UN and the governments but also civil societies and the private sector,” he said.
He called for unity in emergencies, such as conflict, displacement, disease outbreaks, and climate disasters, stating: “We cannot respond quickly if we respond in a silent and fragmented manner.”
Da Silva also underlined the importance of “increasing the level of accountability and response.”
During his interview with Arab News, he commended the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center for hosting the 4th Riyadh International Humanitarian Forum.
“I was impressed to see the convening capacity of KSRelief to mobilize so many people around the world to discuss humanitarian aid (at) this critical juncture,” he said, adding that 25 percent of the world’s population lives in a conflict setting.
“Humanitarian aid has represented life-saving efforts, critical life-saving efforts for billions of people in the world, and I was glad to be a part of today’s conversation, not just about raising ambition but also … speeding up delivery.”
He spoke during a panel session on the first day of the humanitarian forum titled: “Resilient, Innovative, and Localized: The Future of Humanitarian Supply Chains.”
Da Silva reiterated the importance of collaboration, adding that “the UNOPS is an organization that is totally rooted in partnership and collaboration.”
Saudi Arabia urges greater focus on human rights in Palestine
Saudi rights chief highlights Vision 2030’s commitment to equality and global peace at UN session in Geneva
Updated 25 February 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia called for greater focus on the human rights situation in Palestine and other occupied Arab territories at a UN meeting in Switzerland.
The Kingdom also reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state along the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
This was part of the speech delivered by the president of the Saudi Human Rights Commission and head of the Kingdom’s delegation, Hala Al-Tuwaijri, at the high-level segment of the 58th session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.
Al-Tuwaijri said Saudi Arabia has made significant reforms in human rights, driven by Vision 2030, which is based on principles of equality, non-discrimination, and the right to development.
“This vision has empowered women, youth, and vulnerable groups, including persons with disabilities, the elderly, and migrant workers, while enhancing the quality of life for all,” Al-Tuwaijri said.
“Moreover, Vision 2030 has increased the efficiency of relevant authorities to host major global events and initiatives, with people and their rights at the heart of national priorities.”
Al-Tuwaijri emphasized the Kingdom’s commitment to strengthening its legislative framework, which has built a strong legal system to protect and uphold human rights.
Through comprehensive legal reforms and new legislation, Saudi Arabia has reinforced protections for all individuals. The Kingdom now embraces a diverse society with over 15 million foreigners from more than 60 nationalities — making up over 44 percent of the population — who enjoy their rights under the highest standards of legal protection, she said.
Al-Tuwaijri reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to promoting international peace and security, guided by its core values and adherence to the UN Charter.
She also highlighted the Kingdom’s support for just causes and its proactive role in resolving global crises, including its efforts in the Ukrainian crisis.
Notably, mediation led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman resulted in several successful prisoner exchanges between Russia and Ukraine, Al-Tuwaijri said.
“For human rights to be universally upheld, we must cultivate strong societies by confronting harmful practices that undermine social harmony, including contempt for religions, hate speech, and the weakening of family values,” she concluded.
Al-Tuwaijri reaffirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to deepening cooperation with UN human rights mechanisms, stressing the importance of respecting diverse values and embracing cultural and civilizational diversity to protect and promote human rights.
Saudi Arabia opens registration for Ramadan volunteers
Updated 25 February 2025
Arab News
MAKKAH: The Presidency of Religious Affairs at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque has announced the opening of volunteer registration for the holy month of Ramadan, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.
In collaboration with the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development and the National Center for the Non-Profit Sector, the presidency aims to attract and use national talent to serve pilgrims and visitors.
Integrated volunteer programs in religious specializations will be offered, with plans to create more than 100 new opportunities, totaling more than 300 hours, the SPA reported.
A comprehensive volunteer database has been developed to streamline recruitment and communication, according to the report.
Volunteers are sought for roles in guidance, awareness, media, technical fields, Qur’an recitation correction, and translation.
The presidency also prepared a set of enriching initiatives as part of its operational plan for the holy month.
Sheikh Abdulrahman Al-Sudais, head of the presidency, said the operational plan for Ramadan is centered around 10 enriching tracks.
He said the aim is to enhance the experience of visitors to the Two Holy Mosques, featuring more than 120 scientific, intellectual, and guidance initiatives to highlight the virtues of the holy month.
Saudi cabinet looks forward for innovative outcomes of Riyadh humanitarian forum
Cabinet hopes to see more developed and innovative solutions would come out of 4th Riyadh International Humanitarian Forum
Updated 25 February 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: The Saudi Cabinet said on Tuesday it looks forward to the outcomes of the 4th Riyadh International Humanitarian Forum and how it can contribute to unifying efforts.
The cabinet statement said it hopes to see more developed and innovative solutions come out of the Riyadh forum to enhance humanitarian response for crises around the world, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The Riyadh event was attended by princes, ministers, diplomats, and leaders from local, Gulf, Arab, and international governmental and non-governmental organizations, as well as UN humanitarian experts.
The Cabinet also thanked Russian President Vladmir Putin for praising Saudi Arabia’s efforts in hosting fruitful talks with United States last week.
It said that during a phone call with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, President Putin has expressed “positive feelings towards the kingdom and its efforts in hosting the US-Russia talks” SPA reported.
The Council reaffirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to exerting efforts to enhance security and peace around the world, and to consolidate dialogue as the only way to resolve all international crises.
