RIYADH: The Shoura Council asked the General Authority for Civil Aviation (GACA) Wednesday to establish a strategic vision to make Saudi airports among top ranked globally, achieve competitiveness, ensure safety and serve customers in the best manner.
This came in a decision of the Council after comments made by members on a report presented by the Committee of Transport, Telecom and IT based on the GACA’s annual report.
The Council also directed the GACA to allocate a special path in domestic and international airports for the handicapped and elderly people.
The Council also listened to a report presented by the Committee of Islamic and Judiciary Affairs based on the annual report by the Presidency of Scholarly Research and Ifta.
The Committee asked the Presidency of Scholarly Research and Ifta to take necessary actions for the appointment of muftis in other branches of the presidency and create jobs for the approved departments.
One female member urged the Presidency of Scholarly Research and Ifta to conduct an analytical study on divorce and how to minimize it.
In another development, the Committee of Haj, Housing and Services presented a report on the annual report by the Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu (RCJY).
The Committee asked the RCJY to employ a national work force to replace foreigners in plants operating in the two industrial cities of Jubail and Yanbu. It also recommended to raise the ratio of Saudis on the teaching staff in colleges and institutes affiliated to the RCJY.
One member asked the RCJY to attract investments in downstream industries while another member called for creation of similar industrial cities.
Later, the Council discussed a report presented by the Committee of Water, Agriculture and Environment on a draft system of dealing with plant genetic sources for food and agriculture.
In its recommendations, the Committee recommended approval of the system and the creation of a national commission of plant genetic sources for food and agriculture.
At the outset of the session, the Shoura Council approved a draft memo of understanding between the governments of Saudi Arabia and Turkmenistan in the area of sports. The Council also approved two draft memos of understanding between the governments of Saudi Arabia and Japan in energy and industry fields.
Shoura asks GACA to make Saudi airports among top ranks globally
Shoura asks GACA to make Saudi airports among top ranks globally
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.
