Education is the best asset parents could give to their children, Pakistan Ambassador Muhammad Naeem Khan said here on Friday.
He was speaking at the 8th Commendation Ceremony at the Pakistan International School in Riyadh. Awards, including gold medals, trophies, shields and appreciation certificates, were presented to 144 students for their excellent performance in examinations.
Besides, 35 teachers came in for praise for producing excellent examination results through their outstanding teaching skills.
The commendation ceremony was attended by over 400 guests, including students, parents, teachers and guests.
Speaking on the occasion, the envoy remarked that education is the best investment that any parent could embark upon.
“Education helps mold our character and enables us to be useful citizens in society,” he said, adding that education also helps eradicate poverty in society and build confidence among people.
Khan said that the school is the ideal platform to undo bad habits and develop positive habits in their place and that it also produces a generation of youth who would be useful to their nations.
“Teachers must also focus on inculcating discipline and good moral values in the minds of youth,” he said. Khan mentioned that students look upon their teachers as role models.
“Teachers know the strengths and weaknesses of each and every student. It is their duty help develop a balanced personality among students,” Khan added.
Khan was the the chief guest at the event, while Khayyam Akbar, deputy chief of Mission at Pakistani Embassy, and Syed Hammad Abid, liaison officer and community welfare attaché at the embassy, also attended the function.
School Principal Mian Iqbal, School Management Council (SMC) Chairman Tariq Mahmood and members of the SMC were hosts to the event.
While welcoming the guests, Iqbal provided an overview of the school’s activities. He mentioned that the commendation ceremony covered a group of students reading during a period of four years from 2010 to 2013 and for the SSC and HSC final examinations.
In his vote of thanks, Mahmood thanked the ambassador and embassy officials for their guidance and support for bringing about improvement to the school.
Pak Ambassador: Education is best investment for parents
Pak Ambassador: Education is best investment for parents
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.
