Saudi transport minister checks preparations ahead of Hajj

Saudi Arabia’s transport minister Nabil bin Mohammad Al-Amoudi making preparations for Hajj. (SPA)
Updated 14 August 2018
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Saudi transport minister checks preparations ahead of Hajj

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s transport minister Nabil bin Mohammad Al-Amoudi is following on the Transport ministry’s preparations in Makkah and Jeddah for this Hajj season.
The minister held tours to ensure that all transport sectors are prepared to serve the pilgrims and the smoothness of their transport from one place to another.

Al-Amoudi also checked works of maintenance and and the traffic flow on the Al-Haramain Road (highway between Jeddah and Makkah) , as well as the Prince Fawaz bridge project which has been recently inaugurated after expanding it to four lanes in both directions, removing intersections, and replacing them with roundabout entrances to avoid congestion.
The tours also included a visit to a shelter and a security setting center on the Makkah-Jeddah highway, as well as checking on the validity of licenses for buses transporting pilgrims, detecting transport violations.


Taif festival celebrates Saudi Arabia’s literary icons

Updated 11 January 2026
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Taif festival celebrates Saudi Arabia’s literary icons

  • It introduces visitors to the contributions of literary pioneers through accessible visual and narrative content

TAIF: A special section highlighting key Saudi literary figures forms part of the Writers and Readers Festival in Taif.

The area explores the lives of distinguished writers, poets, and authors who have shaped the Kingdom’s creative landscape, influencing literature, journalism, theater and intellectual thought.

It introduces visitors to the contributions of literary pioneers through accessible visual and narrative content, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

Organized by the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission, the festival runs until Jan. 15 and features 42 prominent publishing houses from Saudi Arabia and overseas, offering visitors the chance to explore the latest works in literature, philosophy and general knowledge.

Meanwhile, the festival’s interactive murals section engages visitors with openwork art panels, allowing them to contribute to the city’s features and identity.

The murals depict Taif’s natural and historical landmarks, including Al-Hada Mountain, the Taif rose gardens, and traditional Hijazi palaces. Others are inspired by Souq Okaz, a historic literary and commercial center linked to the region’s poetic heritage.

Designed by a visual artist, they blend folk-inspired elements with imaginative expression, creating a collaborative experience that celebrates the city’s beauty and brings art closer to the public.