Bab Rizq Jameel (BRJ), an initiative of Abdul Latif Jameel Community Initiatives (ALJCI), created 58,440 jobs in 2012, according to a report issued by the auditors Deloitte & Touche, Bakr Abul Khair & Co.
This was an increase of 17 percent compared to 2011 when BRJ created 49,957 jobs. The report is based on mutual arrangements between the auditing firm and ALJCI to verify results every three months.
Mohammed Abdul Latif Jameel, chief job creator at BRJ, stated that the body will launch new branches in the Kingdom to create more jobs for young males and females. He said more than 500 young job creators are working with the BRJ to find employment for people.
The jobs were created with support from the Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF), Credit and Savings Bank and Ministry of Labor. Several programs led to the creation of these jobs. Through the productive household program, 28,202 females across the Kingdom were able to start their own micro businesses, such as selling handmade products, perfumes and local foods. There was a repayment rate of 99 percent.
During the same year, the direct employment program helped 23,984 young males and females find jobs in the private sector. This program links job seekers and companies looking for qualified staff.
In addition, 104 females were employed in the “work from home” program under the supervision of Nafisa Shams Academy for Arts and Crafts. The academy also provided training for 783 female trainees. The training ended with 360 jobs for females at private companies.
In addition, BRJ financed 4,757 small projects for young males and females through loans of up to SR 150,000, payable within five years. Through the taxi ownership program, 584 young males became taxi drivers, while another 440 young males joined the truck ownership program to transport goods, equipment and passengers.
Bab Rizq Jameel creates 58,440 jobs in 2012
Bab Rizq Jameel creates 58,440 jobs in 2012
Saudi Arabia Railways breaks records in 2025: 14 million passengers and 30 million tonnes of freight
Saudi Arabia Railways breaks records in 2025: 14 million passengers and 30 million tonnes of freight
- Transporting 30 million tons of freight via rail in 2025 meant 2 million truck journeys removed from Kingdom’s highways and 139 million liters of fuel saved
- It also meant a reduction of carbon emissions by 364,000 tons, contributing directly to the Saudi Green Initiative
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) has announced record-breaking operational milestones for the year 2025, solidifying its position as a cornerstone of the Kingdom’s logistics and tourism sectors.
SAR transported over 14 million passengers, representing a significant leap from the 11.2 million passengers recorded in 2023, highlighting the increasing adoption of rail travel for both commuting and pilgrimage, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Similarly, freight operations have expanded robustly from approximately 24 million tonnes in 2023 to the current 30 million tonnes, driven by increased industrial demand and mining logistics.
By transporting 30 million tonnes of freight via rail in 2025, the network successfully removed two million truck journeys from the Kingdom’s highways, resulting in 139 million liters of fuel saved.
It also meant a reduction of carbon emissions by 364,000 tonnes, contributing directly to the Saudi Green Initiative, the report said.
These figures underscore SAR’s pivotal role in realizing the National Transport and Logistics Strategy (NTLS) and Saudi Vision 2030, delivering a network that is not only efficient but also environmentally sustainable.
“Dream of the Desert”
A standout achievement of 2025 was the official launch of the Dream of the Desert, the first luxury train service in the Middle East and North Africa.
Developed in partnership with the Italian luxury hospitality company Arsenale Group, this service has redefined rail tourism. The train features 40 custom-designed luxury cabins, offering a “rail cruise” experience inspired by the classic Orient Express but with a distinct Saudi Arabian identity. The route traverses the Kingdom from Riyadh to Al Qurayyat, stopping at key cultural heritage sites including Ha’il and Al-Jouf, effectively turning the journey itself into a destination.
In a major move to capitalize on Transit-Oriented Development (TOD), SAR announced the establishment of a SAR6 billion real estate fund focused on Makkah.
This fund is dedicated to developing prime lands adjacent to the Haramain High Speed Railway station in Makkah. The initiative aims to enhance the pilgrim experience by constructing high-capacity hotels, commercial centers, and residential units directly linked to the station. This development not only diversifies SAR’s revenue streams but also supports the government’s goal of hosting 30 million Umrah pilgrims annually by seamlessly integrating transport and accommodation.
Global Recognition
Internationally, SAR’s commitment to excellence was recognized on the global stage. SAR became the first company to win the prestigious International Union of Railways (UIC) award for long-distance tourist trains.
The ceremony was held at the union’s headquarters in Paris, France, with broad participation from major railway companies worldwide.
The UIC, known as the worldwide railway organization, presented the award in recognition of SAR’s innovation in integrating luxury tourism with heavy rail infrastructure.
This accolade cements SAR’s reputation for service quality and places the Kingdom on the map as a premier destination for railway enthusiasts and luxury travelers alike.
