RIYADH: French firm Alstom organized a visit for 40 international journalists to its Katowice plant in Poland to showcase Riyadh Metro’s train car production, the Riyadh Development Authority (RDA) said on its website.
The High Commission for the Development of Riyadh (HCDR) awarded Alstom, a world leader in integrated railway systems, a contract to manufacture 69 out of 190 Riyadh Metro trains.
During the visit, the delegation watched a film detailing Riyadh Metro, also called the King Abdul Aziz Public Transport Project, which will “comprehensively change the lifestyle in the Saudi capital by providing safe, sustainable and modern transportation services.”
The delegation also watched a presentation on Riyadh Metro cars’ internal and external designs, and embedded technologies.
The tour included completed trains, and journalists explored features including audiovisual information systems; communication, lighting and air-conditioning systems; and safety and security systems.
Khalid bin Abdullah Al-Hazzani, RDA architectural projects program manager, said the project will contribute to achieving the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 by promoting a metropolitan economic infrastructure, and qualify Riyadh to become one of the world’s top 100 cities.
Al-Hazzani added that the project’s 190 driverless trains are being manufactured by three of the world’s largest manufacturers: Siemens of Germany, Bombardier of Canada and Alstom.
He said the completed trains will be tested before being shipped to the Saudi capital. He added that the car design is friendly to people with special needs, and is compatible with the climate requirements of Riyadh.
Riyadh Metro train car production showcased for journalists
Riyadh Metro train car production showcased for journalists
Saudi volunteers pack aid as KSrelief steps up help for Gaza
- Packages include rice, oil, canned goods, dairy products, shelter kits, and will be delivered through Rafah crossing
- Reported death toll of Israel’s war in Gaza has surpassed 70,000, with more than 171,000 people injured
RIYADH: The Saudi aid agency KSrelief has been preparing food baskets and shelter kits to help Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
Shalhoub bin Abdullah Al-Shalhoub, KSrelief’s director of media and public relations, called the initiative a “community-driven effort.”
Al-Shalhoub added: “There has been a popular campaign to support the Palestinian people, and this has given us the opportunity to launch the initiative to allow volunteers to help prepare the food baskets.”
Each food basket contains 7 kg of basmati rice, two bags of halva, 10 cans of tuna, 16 cans of fava beans, two large bottles of cooking oil, 1 kg of salt, 3 kg of sugar, 15 cans of evaporated milk, 1 kg of peanut butter, and a stock of cheese.
Al-Shalhoub told Arab News: “As you can see behind me, it is a beautiful sight. Seeing these young men and women here fills us with pride. You can truly sense their enthusiasm and commitment to this humanitarian work.”
KSrelief opened its volunteer portal three days ago to register participants for preparing food baskets at the agency’s warehouse. More than 80,000 people have already registered, according to Al-Shalhoub.
Anyone can sign up, choose a campaign or specialization, and volunteer.
Al-Shalhoub said: “We say to the Saudi people: You are naturally inclined toward goodness and charitable work. What we see today is one of the most inspiring humanitarian scenes embodied in this image behind me.”
The food basket and shelter kit initiative follows others led by KSrelief since the Gaza conflict began in October 2023.
Al-Shalhoub said that 80 aircraft, eight ships, and 20 ambulances had been deployed to the Gaza Strip to help the situation there.
This support is continuing across three main sectors: food security, health and medical assistance, and Ramadan programs and seasonal campaigns.
Al-Shalhoub said: “During this period (Ramadan), we are also collecting donations as part of the Palestine Campaign, which has received a high level of contributions.”
All aid will enter the Gaza Strip through the Rafah crossing. Israel reopened Gaza’s Rafah border with Egypt in early February — the only exit point for Palestinians not controlled by Israel — to limited traffic after nearly two years of closure.
The World Health Organization, the Food and Agriculture Organization, the UN Children’s Fund, and the World Food Programme reported in August 2025 that half a million people in Gaza were trapped in famine, and called for an immediate ceasefire in the conflict and “unhindered” humanitarian access.
International pressure is today focused on increasing daily truck capacity and restoring fuel access. Aid continues but remains inconsistent due to numerous missions being denied or impeded by Israeli authorities.
The reported death toll of Israel’s war in Gaza has surpassed 70,000, with more than 171,000 people injured, according to recent reports.
The World Peace Foundation reported in August 2025 that deaths from starvation and health-related causes had “without doubt” exceeded 10,000.
Those interested in volunteering for the Palestine Campaign can register through KSrelief’s Saudi international volunteer portal: volunteer.ksrelief.org/en.
