Latest news with #HaramainHighSpeedRailway
Argaam
01-07-2025
- Business
- Argaam
Retal, Watheeq Capital sign MoU to launch real estate fund for Makkah residential tower
Retal Urban Development Co. signed on June 30 an MoU with Watheeq Capital to launch a closed-ended REIT fund valued at SAR 600 million to develop a 28-story residential tower within the Masar destination in Makkah. The agreement is valid for 60 days and can be extended once with mutual consent, according to a statement on Tadawul. The project will include around 200 residential units and is located 2.5 km from the Grand Mosque, near the Haramain High-Speed Railway station. Retal expects the development to positively impact its financial results between 2026 and 2029, adding that no related parties are involved in the MoU. Umm Al Qura for Development and Construction Co., owner and operator of the Masar destination, recently sold a 2,359.27 sqm land plot within the project for SAR 145.33 million, excluding taxes and fees. The buyers were Alinma 1st Development Ltd. Co.—a special purpose vehicle (SPV) holding the units of the Alinma Makkah 1st Development Fund, fully owned by Masar—and Watheeq Retal Roya Al-Haram Real Estate Fund managed by Watheeq Capital, according to Argaam 's data.
Malay Mail
03-06-2025
- Health
- Malay Mail
Saudi Arabia declares Haj readiness as millions begin pilgrimage
MECCA, June 3 — Saudi Arabia has signalled its operational readiness for the Haj pilgrimage season. The kingdom has rolled out an integrated set of logistical, technological, and digital initiatives aimed at improving safety, comfort, and efficiency for pilgrims arriving from around the world. An official spokesperson for the Ministry of Transport and Logistics Services — Haj Season, Saleh Ibrahim Al-Zuwaid, said over 45,000 personnel have been deployed within the transport and logistics network to ensure smooth operations during the pilgrimage. 'Our teams continue to work round-the-clock to ensure pilgrims receive the highest quality of service,' said Al-Zuwaid at a press briefing Monday. 'We urge all pilgrims to comply with official guidelines and instructions issued by the authorities to ensure everyone's safety and wellbeing throughout the Haj journey.' As part of efforts to ease congestion and streamline pilgrim movement, the Haramain High-Speed Railway has scheduled 4,700 trips throughout the Haj season. The network is expected to accommodate up to two million passengers, an increase of 400,000 seats compared to the previous year. Additionally, the 'No-Baggage Haj' initiative is now in place for pilgrims arriving via King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. Under this programme, pilgrims travel directly to Makkah by train while their luggage is transported separately to their accommodation via a coordinated logistics system. 'The separation of passenger and baggage movement allows for faster processing at arrival points and ensures that pilgrims can focus on their rituals with minimal disruption,' said the official. Saudi authorities have also confirmed the full implementation of the second phase of operational plans supported by specialised technical teams. These efforts are being intensified during the Eid al-Adha holiday, traditionally one of the busiest periods of the Haj season. 'Our operational strategy has accompanied the arrival of pilgrims through multiple entry points and helped facilitate a seamless experience,' he said. Meanwhile, an official spokesperson for the Communications and Technology Ecosystem — Haj Season, Saad Saleem Al-Shanbari, reported major improvements in digital infrastructure across the holy sites, with 4G and 5G coverage in Makkah, Madinah, and surrounding areas surpassing expectations. Internet speeds have reached 264 Mbps in Makkah and 336 Mbps in Madinah, allowing pilgrims to stay connected with ease. 'Digital infrastructure plays a crucial role in enhancing the overall experience, from navigation and communication to access to real-time information,' he said. As part of the digital push, the kingdom has trialled a range of technologies, including AI-powered crowd management systems, advanced surveillance cameras, and secure communication tools in collaboration with security agencies. The Saudi Communications and Information Technology Commission (CITC) said out of 29 new technologies introduced this year, 13 had already proven successful in previous seasons. These include tools designed to manage health-related services and monitor pilgrim movement. Responding to the challenge of combating extreme heat, Saudi authorities have activated road-cooling technologies along pedestrian routes that reduce surface temperatures and improve walking conditions for pilgrims. Preliminary results from temperature-monitoring sensors have shown a measurable decrease in heat levels on cooled pathways,' said the spokesperson. — Bernama
Asharq Al-Awsat
02-06-2025
- General
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Haramain High Speed Railway Runs Hourly Trips from Jeddah Airport to Makkah
Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) is implementing its operational plan for this year's Hajj, which includes running hourly trips on the Haramain High Speed Railway from King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah to Makkah. This will facilitate the transportation of pilgrims and boost service efficiency during the peak Hajj period. SAR previously announced over 4,700 scheduled trips for this year's Hajj through the Haramain High Speed Railway, one of the world's fastest electric trains, capable of reaching speeds of 300 km/h. SAR is coordinating closely with relevant authorities to ensure smooth operations and uphold the highest standards of safety and efficiency in transporting pilgrims.
Trade Arabia
27-05-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Haramain High-Speed Railway to transport 2m pilgrims during Hajj
The Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) is continuing to implement its operational plan for the Hajj season through the Haramain High-Speed Railway, one of the fastest trains in the world, with speeds reaching up to 300 km/h. SAR has scheduled more than 4,700 trips throughout the season, providing over two million seats for pilgrims - an increase of more than 400,000 seats compared to last season, reported SPA. This expansion is part of SAR's broader efforts to facilitate pilgrims' travel and enhance their overall experience. The Haramain High-Speed Railway is a key component of the kingdom's national transportation network. Designed to provide a smart and highly efficient mode of travel, it links key religious and economic cities along a 453-km electric rail line, with five main stations: Makkah, Jeddah (Central Station), King Abdulaziz International Airport, King Abdullah Economic City, and Madinah, stated the report. The station at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah is the largest of its kind globally in terms of integration with an international airport. It enables seamless passenger transfers between flights and rail without exiting the airport premises, enhancing the interconnectivity between air and land travel, it stated. In cooperation with relevant entities, SAR is also continuing its 'Hajj Without a Baggage' initiative for the second consecutive year. The programme ensures that pilgrims' luggage is transported directly from their departure airports to their accommodations in Makkah, allowing them to travel aboard the Haramain Railway immediately upon arrival without handling their baggage, said the SPA report. The Haramain High-Speed Railway reflects the Kingdom's commitment to developing modern infrastructure that supports integrated, safe, and environmentally sustainable public transport. It plays a vital role in raising the efficiency and quality of services offered to pilgrims, in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, it added.
Zawya
27-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Haramain High-Speed Railway to transport 2mln pilgrims during Hajj
The Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) is continuing to implement its operational plan for the Hajj season through the Haramain High-Speed Railway, one of the fastest trains in the world, with speeds reaching up to 300 km/h. SAR has scheduled more than 4,700 trips throughout the season, providing over two million seats for pilgrims - an increase of more than 400,000 seats compared to last season, reported SPA. This expansion is part of SAR's broader efforts to facilitate pilgrims' travel and enhance their overall experience. The Haramain High-Speed Railway is a key component of the kingdom's national transportation network. Designed to provide a smart and highly efficient mode of travel, it links key religious and economic cities along a 453-km electric rail line, with five main stations: Makkah, Jeddah (Central Station), King Abdulaziz International Airport, King Abdullah Economic City, and Madinah, stated the report. The station at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah is the largest of its kind globally in terms of integration with an international airport. It enables seamless passenger transfers between flights and rail without exiting the airport premises, enhancing the interconnectivity between air and land travel, it stated. In cooperation with relevant entities, SAR is also continuing its 'Hajj Without a Baggage' initiative for the second consecutive year. The programme ensures that pilgrims' luggage is transported directly from their departure airports to their accommodations in Makkah, allowing them to travel aboard the Haramain Railway immediately upon arrival without handling their baggage, said the SPA report. The Haramain High-Speed Railway reflects the Kingdom's commitment to developing modern infrastructure that supports integrated, safe, and environmentally sustainable public transport. It plays a vital role in raising the efficiency and quality of services offered to pilgrims, in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, it added. Copyright 2024 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
