The Makkah Mashaer Metro (MMM), developed by the China Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC), recently disclosed to Arab News that 70 percent of its locally recruited staff are Saudi.
According to CRCC’s Operational Department data, the number of local staff at MMM in 2010 was approximately 1,000, and increased by 100 percent to 2,000 in 2011. There was also a cent percent increase in 2012, with the number rising to 4,000.
As per the requirements of the Saudi Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs (MOMRA), the number of Saudi employees continued to rise to 5,500 in 2013 and reached 6,000 in 2014.
Despite this, it has been revealed that fewer than 50 Saudi employees have taken high-level positions such as third party interface managers, deputy station manager, station master, assistant station master, station control room agent and other supervisory roles.
The SR6,600 billion project has now been operational for five years. During this period, it has transported a total of 26 million pilgrims from Arafat to Mina, a journey that only takes 13 minutes, while the route from Arafat to Muzdalifah is completed in just seven minutes.
This government service is available only for pilgrims and, due to this intent, the passenger ticket cost covers only one-third of the total operational expenses, according to Deputy Stations Manager Taher Baghdadi.
Baghdadi noted that since the opening of the MMM in November 2010, not a single accident has occurred anywhere on the metro route. Further, the travel time from Arafat to Muzdalifah has been reduced from its previous six to eight hours, to less than 20 minutes — a historic achievement in the history of transportation.
Regarding the role of Saudi employees in the MMM’s operation, Baghdadi said “There are 50 Saudis in senior positions who are supervising nine stations. We employ 6,000 people during Haj, some of whom work on contract only during Haj, after having been trained extensively."
About passenger ticketing and train access, he noted that the Ministry of Haj coordinates with Haj operating firms and sells around 400,000 train tickets to these agencies for pilgrims. According to Baghdadi, “the train staff won't stop pilgrims who insist on boarding the train as we treat them as guests of this country.” He added that only during the peak hours does the MMM insist that the pilgrims purchase tickets.
Last week, CRCC invited Arab News to discuss these matters with them exclusively. Arab News is the only Saudi media body to have gained first hand information about the MMM’s operation.
Authorities also allowed Arab News access to the restricted operational control areas in CRCC headquarters in Makkah. An additional visitation was also conducted in which Arab News representatives visited stations, monitoring and control centers, and met with top executives at the CRCC, including Saudi officials.
70% of Makkah Mashaer Metro staff are Saudi
70% of Makkah Mashaer Metro staff are Saudi
Saudi dialogue center in Lisbon hosts global peace forum
RIYADH: The King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Center for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue is hosting a global dialogue forum in Lisbon, Portugal, from May 14 to May 16, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Themed “Transformative Dialogue: Building Alliances for Peace in a Changing World,” this event marks a significant milestone in the center’s decade-long commitment to fostering global change and peace.
Bringing together influential leaders from decision-making institutions, the forum offers an opportunity to forge partnerships addressing today’s complex challenges, the SPA reported.
It serves as a platform for global political figures, intellectual leaders and clerics to tackle issues of peaceful coexistence and sustainable development amid rapid transformations.
Attendees include former French president, Francois Hollande; Sheikh Dr. Saleh bin Abdullah bin Humaid, the imam of the Grand Mosque in Makkah; Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, the archbishop of Constantinople; Matteo Renzi, former Italian prime minister; and former president of Austria, Heinz Fischer.
Exploring dialogue’s transformative potential, the forum aims to advance human rights, social cohesion, reconciliation and environmental cooperation in line with the center’s mission, the SPA said.
By fostering cooperation among nations, international institutions and civil society, the forum seeks to build understanding between cultures and religions.
With participation from prominent figures across various fields, this forum holds significant potential to shape policies and priorities for peaceful coexistence and societal advancement, the SPA reported.
Fitness campaign promotes regular physical activity
RIYADH: The Saudi Sports for All Federation has said that its 2024 summer campaign, “Move Your World,” aims to help people engage in physical activities.
After surveying men and women across the Kingdom, the federation identified various obstacles and difficulties that people face daily, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.
The federation had solicited opinions from adult citizens and residents to pinpoint the primary reasons for their irregular participation in sports or physical activities.
A total of 46 percent of respondents said they did not have enough time in their daily routines for exercise or sports. About 14 percent mentioned health issues, disabilities, or injuries. Approximately 13 percent cited social or family obligations, and 8 percent said they feared picking up injuries.
The federation aims to raise awareness about the benefits of physical activity and help people overcome barriers hindering their participation, the SPA reported.
The summer campaign will offer weekly challenges to help motivate people. Additionally, it will emphasize the significance of physical activity for individuals of all ages.
Saudi deputy FM receives US deputy assistant secretary of state
- The most prominent regional and international developments discussed
RIYADH: Saudi Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed Elkhereiji received Daniel Benaim, US deputy assistant secretary of state for Arabian Peninsula affairs, in Riyadh on Sunday.
The two sides discussed strengthening Saudi-US relations and ways to enhance cooperation, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The most prominent regional and international developments were also discussed, as well as the efforts put forth in these areas.
Jeddah Historic District, Cruise Saudi team up to boost visitor numbers, economy
- Sides sign memorandum of understanding to ‘drive economic growth’
- Partnership ‘pivotal’ in regeneration of district, Cruise Saudi CEO says
JEDDAH: The Jeddah Historic District Program and Cruise Saudi have agreed to work together to increase the number of international cruise visitors to the city while preserving its cultural and historical integrity.
The program, established in 2018 under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture, oversees various initiatives within the Historic Jeddah region with the aim of promoting it as a cultural center.
Cruise Saudi is owned by the Public Investment Fund and manages cruise-related services and infrastructure, including the development of terminals and operation of shore excursions.
Since its creation it has welcomed more than 300,000 cruise passengers.
The two sides signed a memorandum of understanding to boost economic activity and promote the region, using private sector expertise to improve the visitor experience.
“The tourism sector is experiencing growth and prosperity, which contributes to enhance the Kingdom’s presence on the global tourism map in line with Saudi Vision 2030,” Abdulaziz bin Ibrahim Al-Issa, director general of the Jeddah Historic District Program, said.
“Our strategic partnership with Cruise Saudi is not only to drive economic growth but also to actively engage in the regeneration of the district. We are committed to protecting both the tangible and intangible heritage that earned the district its UNESCO status.”
Cruise Saudi CEO Lars Clasen said: “This partnership is pivotal in the strategic regeneration and sustainability of the district. With this alliance, we are dedicated to presenting Cruise Saudi tourists with an experience that inspires the visitors with the district's enriched heritage.
“Jeddah’s Historic District is one of our most popular Shorex destinations and we continue to witness just how much international passengers enjoy exploring its unique historic sites through the tours and experiences we offer.
“This MOU represents our shared vision and marks an exciting new chapter, paving the way for collaborative efforts to draw even more visitors to this enchanting destination while protecting its heritage and authenticity.”
Riyadh to host Global AI Summit in September
- The summit will bring together international ministers, organization heads, CEOs of major tech companies, and AI experts
- Topics at the conference will include AI innovation, industry trends, and fostering human talent in AI and other key areas
RIYADH: The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority will host the third Global AI Summit from Sept. 10 to 12 at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center in Riyadh, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.
Abdullah Al-Ghamdi, president of SDAIA, highlighted Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s dedication to advancing the national data and artificial intelligence agenda, aiming to bolster the Kingdom’s global presence in these fields.
The summit will bring together international ministers, organization heads, CEOs of major tech companies, and AI experts to discuss global AI developments and announce initiatives and agreements, advancing international efforts in data and AI under the Kingdom’s banner.
Topics at the conference include AI innovation, industry trends, shaping a better future with AI, fostering human talent in the field, and other key areas.
This summit, under the crown prince’s leadership, is a testament to the successes of Vision 2030, which position Riyadh as a global hub for cutting-edge AI developments, the SPA said.
