JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s King Salman will inaugurate the Haramain high speed rail project on Tuesday ahead of the start of commercial operations next month.
The 450 kilometer train line connects the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah with stations at Jeddah, King Abdul Aziz International Airport, and King Abdullah Economic City.
Saudi Minister of Transport, Dr. Nabil bin Mohammed Al-Amoudi, expressed his gratitude to the King for his patronage of the ceremony as well as his support for national projects.
Al-Amoudi said King Salman gives great importance to the transportation projects in Saudi Arabia as they represent the Kingdom’s efforts in serving citizens and visitors, specifically pilgrims.
He also said the King and Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman are always committed to provide the highest quality services to pilgrims, to fulfill Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to increase the number of pilgrims.
This giant project has been implemented in three stages by a number of national and international companies.
The project can carry 60 million passengers a year with a fleet of 35 trains containing 417 seats each.
Dr. Rumaih bin Mohammed Al-Rumaih, chairman of the Public Transport Authority, said the project is the region’s first high-speed electric train.
The designs of the stations of the Haramain rail were inspired by the unique Islamic architecture of the cities of Makkah and Madinah.
King Salman to inaugurate Saudi Arabia’s Haramain high-speed railway
King Salman to inaugurate Saudi Arabia’s Haramain high-speed railway
- The 450 kilometer train line connects the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah with stations at Jeddah, King Abdul Aziz International Airport, and King Abdullah Economic City
- This giant project has been implemented in three stages by a number of national and international companies
Saudi Arabia expresses concern over UAE pressure on STC, warns against threats to its security
- Saudi Arabia stressed that any threat to its national security constituted a “red line”
- Riyadh further emphasized the importance of the UAE responding to Yemen’s request to withdraw its military forces within 24 hours
Riyadh: Saudi Arabia on Tuesday expressed regret over what it described as pressure by the United Arab Emirates on Southern Transitional Council (STC) forces to carry out military operations in Yemen’s Hadramout and Al-Mahra governorates, warning that such actions pose a direct threat to the Kingdom’s national security and regional stability.
In a statement, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the reported moves were inconsistent with the principles of the Arab Coalition that supports the internationally recognised government of Yemen and undermined ongoing efforts to achieve security and stability in the country.
#Statement | Pursuant to the statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 25/12/2025 corresponding to 5/7/1447 regarding the Kingdom’s concerted efforts, working with the brotherly United Arab Emirates, to end and contain the escalatory steps taken by the Southern… pic.twitter.com/lTyU0gLgpf
— Foreign Ministry (@KSAmofaEN) December 30, 2025
The ministry referred to earlier statements by the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council and the coalition leadership concerning the movement of ships carrying weapons and heavy vehicles from Fujairah port to Mukalla without official authorization.
Saudi Arabia stressed that any threat to its national security constituted a “red line,” adding that it would not hesitate to take all necessary measures to confront and neutralize such risks.
The Kingdom reaffirmed its support for Yemen’s security, stability, and sovereignty, as well as its full backing of the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council and its government. It also reiterated that the southern issue is a just cause that can only be addressed through dialogue as part of a comprehensive political solution involving all Yemeni parties, including the STC.
Riyadh further emphasized the importance of the UAE responding to Yemen’s request to withdraw its military forces within 24 hours and to halt military or financial support to any Yemeni faction.
The statement called for wisdom to prevail in order to preserve Gulf unity, bilateral relations, and the shared goal of regional stability and development.
