logo
Saudi RGA: Road network fully prepared to serve Hajj pilgrims

Saudi RGA: Road network fully prepared to serve Hajj pilgrims

Zawya05-05-2025
MAKKAH — With the beginning of the annual Hajj pilgrimage season, the Saudi Roads General Authority (RGA) has finalized its extensive preparations to ensure smooth and safe travel for pilgrims across the Kingdom.
Specialized teams have been deployed throughout the road network to provide a comfortable and secure journey for all visitors.
The authority highlighted that early preparations included thorough inspections of all roads connecting the holy sites. Key works completed involved the delivery of 234.21 km of new road projects, maintenance of 7,401.5 km of existing roads, installation of 125,591 reflective studs and 1,622 directional and warning signs, application of 24,255 km of road markings, installation of 41.6 km of safety barriers, upgrade of five intersections, fitting of 150 lighting poles, and comprehensive inspection and maintenance of 247 bridges.
To enhance safety and manage increasing traffic demands, over 20 modern technologies and two innovations have been implemented, alongside the deployment of 300 round-the-clock road monitors, ensuring smooth traffic flow.
The authority also emphasized its full mobilization to enhance the pilgrim experience by utilizing the world's largest AI-driven road survey and inspection fleet. This includes equipment for damage mapping, skid resistance testing, deviation and thickness inspection, roughness index testing, drone-based assessments, and paint quality tests, enabling precise and efficient evaluations.
These efforts have elevated the Kingdom's ranking in infrastructure quality to 4th among G20 nations, 1st globally in road connectivity, and 1st in the Arab region for warning vibration technologies. The Kingdom's extensive road network, spanning over 73,000 km, plays a crucial role in connecting holy sites with regions across the country, and fostering economic, tourist, and social movement. These actions underscore the authority's ongoing commitment to serving pilgrims traveling via Saudi Arabia's roads.
The road sector is a vital facilitator for Hajj and Umrah, and the RGA coordinates and regulates this essential sector through appropriate policies and legislation, striving to achieve strategic ambitions focused on safety, quality, and traffic management.
© Copyright 2022 The Saudi Gazette. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Big-ticket events set the stage for tourism growth in the Middle East
Big-ticket events set the stage for tourism growth in the Middle East

Zawya

time10 hours ago

  • Zawya

Big-ticket events set the stage for tourism growth in the Middle East

According to the ATM Travel Trends report, 50% of industry experts consider leisure events as a key opportunity for the region's tourism growth Experts speaking at ATM 2025 discussed how global sports tournaments, cultural festivals and music events across the region are boosting tourism and economic growth Dubai, United Arab Emirates: 'Big-ticket' events are playing a pivotal role in driving international tourism and accelerating economic growth, according to experts speaking recently at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025. In the GCC alone, the event and exhibition market is expected to reach US$827 million by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 3.94%. Following the global success of mega-events such as the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and Expo 2020 Dubai, momentum is building across the region as Saudi Arabia prepares to host the 2034 World Cup. Discussing the evolution and impact of these events, panellists including H.E. Khalid Jassim Al Midfa, Chairman, Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority; Sebastien Doussin, Senior Vice President - Global Travel Services & Destination Management. Dnata and Noor Ahmad Hamid, CEO, Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), shared fascinating insights at ATM 2025, where the events industry was under the spotlight. The panel addressed how big-ticket events – so-called for their high value, cost and impact – have demonstrated their ability to attract millions of international visitors, boost hotel occupancy, stimulate infrastructure growth and generate long-term brand positioning for host destinations. Highlighting the importance of understanding the long-term strategic value of big-ticket events beyond immediate sales, H.E. Khalid Jassim Al Midfa commented: ' Big-ticket events provide a destination with an opportunity to establish brand positioning and exposure in a competitive global environment. These events play a vital role in supporting broader government objectives, but it is essential to invest in the right product for your destination.' Doussin reaffirmed the importance of large-scale events in destination positioning, referencing the growth of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the surge of international golfing tournaments throughout the UAE and the launch of NBA events in the capital. Commenting on the impact of technology on events, Doussin said: 'Technology has already changed big-ticket events, especially in terms of distribution and customer experience. All of the ticketing for the FIFA World Cup in Qatar was completely digital through the official event app, offering flexibility and ease of use. Ultimately, technology enables an event to become more seamless, easier and enjoyable.' Meanwhile, Hamid urged the industry to broaden the definition of big-ticket events to include exhibitions, conferences and cultural performances. He referenced Bangkok's weekly concerts, which are mainly K-pop driven, as examples of how live entertainment extends tourist stays. Supporting the panel's observations, the ATM Travel Trends report highlights the rising appeal of live entertainment and sports in influencing travel decisions. Leisure events were outlined as the top opportunity for tourism growth among 50% of industry experts, as consumer demand for in-person and cultural experiences has increased significantly in recent years. The trend of combining traditional leisure and business travel, or 'bleisure', has also accelerated as increased remote working and flexible working visas have enabled more people to live and work overseas. Building on this, business travellers are often extending their stays in destinations, creating a new opportunity in this rapidly expanding sector. The report also highlighted that business events (MICE) are emerging as a significant driver of tourism growth across the Middle East, complementing the region's thriving leisure sector. Global business travel reached a record US$1.4 trillion in 2024 and is projected to rise to US$2 trillion by 2030. The Middle East is well-positioned to capture a growing share of this lucrative market, increasing from approximately 2.5% in 2024 to over 3% by the end of the decade, supported by world-class infrastructure, a strategic location, and an expanding schedule of high-profile events. Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, concluded: 'As big-ticket events continue to gain global prominence, their role in shaping the future of tourism, driving economic diversification and enhancing international reputation has never been more evident. The Middle East, with its strategic vision, world-class infrastructure and focus on innovation, is well-positioned to lead the next era of global event tourism.' Building on the success of its inaugural edition, IBTM@ATM will return to ATM 2026, which takes place at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 4-7 May 2026, with a dedicated zone within Hall 3, highlighting the show's strategic focus on the global business events sector. Designed to facilitate high-value connections, the zone allows business event suppliers to showcase, promote their destinations and services, and engage with pre-qualified international event planners, Professional Conference Organisers (PCOs), and associations through an exclusive hosted buyer programme. This specialised area will once again host the IBTM Stage, providing a comprehensive conference programme tailored to industry professionals, encouraging knowledge exchange and thought leadership. IBTM@ATM 2026 is set to be a vibrant hub for innovation, collaboration, and business growth in the global events industry. ATM will return to the Dubai World Trade Centre from 4-7 May 2026. Now in its 33rd year, Arabian Travel Market (ATM) is the leading global platform driving growth and innovation across every sector of travel and tourism. Held annually in Dubai – the gateway to global travel and tourism with its unmatched connectivity – ATM is where the energy of opportunity comes to life. More than just an event, ATM is a dynamic hub for industry communities, with forums, experiences, and networking that continue well beyond the show floor over the week. Now in a period of rapid expansion, ATM has grown 16% year on year, attracting over 55,000 travel professionals from 166 countries. The next edition of ATM will take place in Dubai from 4–7 May 2026. About RX RX is a global leader in events and exhibitions, leveraging industry expertise, data, and technology to build businesses for individuals, communities, and organisations. With a presence in 25 countries across 42 industry sectors, RX hosts approximately 350 events annually. RX is committed to creating an inclusive work environment for all our people. RX empowers businesses to thrive by leveraging data-driven insights and digital solutions. RX is part of RELX, a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. About RELX RELX is a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. RELX serves customers in more than 180 countries and has offices in about 40 countries. It employs more than 36,000 people over 40% of whom are in North America. The shares of RELX PLC, the parent company, are traded on the London, Amsterdam and New York stock exchanges using the following ticker symbols: London: REL; Amsterdam: REN; New York: RELX. *Note: Current market capitalisation can be found at World Travel Market (WTM) portfolio comprises leading travel events and online portals across four continents. The events are: WTM London is the world's most influential travel & tourism event for the global travel community. The show is the ultimate destination for those seeking a macro view of the travel industry and a deeper understanding of the forces shaping it. WTM London is where influential travel leaders, buyers and high-profile travel companies gather to exchange ideas, drive innovation, and accelerate business outcomes. Next event: 4 to 6 November 2025 at ExCel London. WTM Latin America takes place annually in the city of São Paulo and attracts around 20,000 tourism professionals during the three-day event. The event offers qualified content together with networking and business opportunities. In this its ninth edition – there have been eight face-to-face events along with a 100% virtual one, which was held in 2021 – WTM Latin America continued to focus on effective business generation, and achieved the advance booking of six thousand meetings that were held between buyers, travel agents and exhibitors in 2022. Next event: 14 to 16 April 2026 – Expo Center Norte, SP, Brazil. WTM Africa launched in 2014 in Cape Town, South Africa. In 2022, WTM Africa facilitated more than 7 thousand unique pre-scheduled appointments, an increase of more than 7% compared to 2019 and welcomed more than 6 thousand visitors (unaudited), the same number as in 2019. Next event: 13 to 15 April 2026 – Cape Town International Convention Centre, Cape Town About ATW Connect: Africa Travel Week's digital arm, is a virtual hub packed to the seams with interesting content, industry news and insights, and the opportunity to hear from experts on a variety of topics in our new monthly webinar series. All with the aim to keep all of us in the travel and tourism industry connected. ATW Connect focuses on inbound and outbound markets for general leisure tourism, luxury travel and the MICE/business travel sector as well as travel technology. WTM Global Hub, is the WTM Portfolio online portal created to connect and support travel industry professionals around the world. The resource hub offers the latest guidance and knowledge to help exhibitors, buyers and others in the travel industry face the challenges of the global coronavirus pandemic. WTM Portfolio is tapping into its global network of experts to create content for the hub.

Millennium Hotels, Taiba relaunch two properties in Madinah
Millennium Hotels, Taiba relaunch two properties in Madinah

Zawya

time5 days ago

  • Zawya

Millennium Hotels, Taiba relaunch two properties in Madinah

Saudi Arabia - Millennium Hotels and Resorts Middle East & Africa, in partnership with Saudi Forward Hospitality Company Taiba, has announced the relaunch of Millennium Al Aqeeq and Millennium Taiba in Madinah. Strategically located steps from Al-Masjid An-Nabawi, both properties offer a spiritually enriching stay experience for Umrah pilgrims, families, and travellers seeking comfort rooted in Islamic hospitality. "These properties are more than key assets in our portfolio—they are landmarks of faith, connection, and culture," said Ali Al Zaabi- President of Millennium Hotels MEA. "Our partnership with Taiba ensures that every guest, whether a pilgrim, traveller, or visitor, is welcomed with a seamless, enriching experience rooted in the values of Islamic hospitality and cultural reverence.' Following an extensive enhancement of service and guest touchpoints, the hotels will offer upgraded digital booking journeys, enhanced dining concepts, and customised services for religious travellers. Sultan Al-Otaibi, Chief Executive Officer, Taiba, commented: "This strategic relaunch embodies our shared vision with Millennium Hotels and Resorts Middle East & Africa, to deliver world-class hospitality experiences that honor the spiritual significance of Madinah. At Taiba, we recognise the profound responsibility that comes with serving pilgrims and visitors to one of Islam's holiest sites. " Al-Otaibi added: "Through this partnership, we are raising the standard of religious hospitality, seamlessly blending comfort, reverence, and service excellence. This initiative is a key milestone in our broader commitment to support the goals of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, particularly in positioning the Kingdom as a leading global destination for religious tourism." Copyright 2025 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (

No racism, safety, halal food... why Gulf tourists feel at home in 'cool' Polish mountain resort of Zakopane
No racism, safety, halal food... why Gulf tourists feel at home in 'cool' Polish mountain resort of Zakopane

Gulf Today

time6 days ago

  • Gulf Today

No racism, safety, halal food... why Gulf tourists feel at home in 'cool' Polish mountain resort of Zakopane

Saudi photographer Fahad Alayyash gazed over the Alpine-like panorama of the Tatras, Poland's highest mountain range – and a surprising new hotspot for Arab tourists. The 38-year-old is among thousands of Gulf residents spending their summer vacation in Zakopane, a resort known for its ski lifts and hiking trails, where historic wooden houses mix with modern hotels. "We've completely taken over the place," Alayyash said while standing on Gubalowka, a peak overlooking Zakopane, where dozens of visitors drink coffee, shop for souvenirs and enjoy the view. Zakopane, located in southern Poland, has become a major summer draw for holidaymakers from the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, with up to seven daily flights from the region at nearby Krakow Airport. Tourists take pictures of a cow on the hill Gubalowka. The boom started with a Saudi travel agency representative, said Agata Wojtowicz, head of the Tatra chamber of commerce. She said the official came to Zakopane to scout for a new destination with a direct connection to the Gulf and "was astonished" by the town. Flydubai launched the first Dubai-Krakow connection in 2018 and Emiratis are now coming in droves -- helped by their visa-free access to the European Union. Last year they were Poland's fastest-growing tourist group, according to the tourism ministry, with numbers 66 per cent higher than in 2023. Manal Alanazy, a 45-year-old educational technology professor at King Saud University, said Zakopane is well-known among Saudis. "When I told my dad and my brother that I'm going to Poland, my brother didn't like it. He said: 'It's all Gulf people there,'" she told AFP. Social media effect Zakopane uses social media to attract Gulf tourists who have created "a snowball effect" of growing interest, said Wojtowicz. Tourists take a picture of a kebab on Krupowki, the main pedestrian zone of Zakopane. Over the past three years, Arab influencers have been invited on promotional visits, according to Grzegorz Biedron, chairman of its tourism organisation. Both Alanazy and Abdullah Alotaibi, a 30-year-old Kuwaiti ship captain, learnt about Zakopane from X. "I saw on Twitter (X) a thread about Zakopane, and how it treats all people the same, and there is no racism about religions, so I liked it and I came," said Alotaibi. Arab tourists cite the feeling of safety as one of Zakopane's key assets. "It was dark and I was walking... I'm like, 'You're not in Poland, you're in one of the Gulf countries. Just look. Nothing will happen,'" said Alanazy. Anna Stoch - El Einen (left) and her Palestinian husband Rami El Einen pose at their kebab bar in Gubalowka. 'Halal menu' For Zakopane's business owners, the Gulf clientele has been a blessing. "This year, around two-thirds are Arabs," Anna Stoch-El Einen, who owns a kebab restaurant and souvenir shop, said of her customers. "We have very few Polish tourists in the region, perhaps because of the weather," she added. The hospitality industry has adapted fast to the preferences of Middle East visitors. Stoch-El Einen offers menus in Polish and Arabic, and has a "halal" certificate displayed over the counter. "We also make sure that we have a halal menu," said Wiktor Wrobel, CEO of the region's Nosalowy hotel group. Tourists walk on Gubalowka hill. Arab customers constitute up to 30 per cent of all summer guests at his five-star hotel in Zakopane. City mayor Lukasz Filipowicz told the media, "local entrepreneurs are very happy about the presence of tourists from the Middle East". He said the biggest challenge was the difference in driving cultures, with visitors often breaking parking and entry laws. "Every municipal police patrol is equipped with a handbook in Arabic... so that tourists from the Middle East can understand and comply with the applicable regulations," Filipowicz said. 'Weather is perfect' The day is rainy, but the drizzle did not deter Gulf visitors escaping the infernal summer heat in their home region. Temperatures sometimes top 50˚C in the Gulf, whereas Polish summers are generally mild. Alanazy initially wanted to vacation in Paris. A tourist pushes a stroller on Krupowki, the main pedestrian zone of Zakopane. Photos: Agence France-Presse "I cancelled because the heatwave hit the European countries," she told AFP, adding that "the weather is perfect" in Zakopane. Wrobel said climate change is a reason behind the surge in Zakopane's popularity. "The respite that visitors from Arab countries are looking for cannot be found in Italy or Spain, where temperatures have also risen significantly," he told the media. Hanka Krzeptowska-Marusarz, whose family runs a guesthouse in Zakopane, recalled seeing a Kuwaiti in full Islamic attire as she stood in a meadow, arms spread out, soaked in torrential rain. "I thought it was beautiful," she said. Agence France-Presse

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