JEDDAH: Coronavirus vaccination centers in Riyadh, Jeddah and the Eastern Province are witnessing a “great turnout” of Saudis and expats who have registered to receive the vaccine, the Saudi Ministry of Health said on Tuesday.
The centers are fully equipped and supported by medical and technical personnel. Other vaccination centers will soon be launched in all regions of the Kingdom.
Saudi Arabia on Tuesday reported eight new virus-related deaths. The death toll now stands at 6,204.
There were 149 new cases reported in the Kingdom, meaning 362,488 people have now contracted the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). There are 2,772 active cases, 401 of which are in critical condition.
According to the Health Ministry, 46 of the newly recorded cases were in Riyadh, 31 in Makkah and 10 in Madinah.
In addition, 159 more patients have recovered from coronavirus, bringing the total number of recoveries in the Kingdom to 353,512.
Saudi Arabia has so far conducted 10,937,706 PCR tests, with 34,677 carried out in the past 24 hours.
Saudi health clinics set up by the ministry as testing hubs or treatment centers have helped hundreds of thousands of people across the Kingdom since the outbreak of the pandemic.
Among those testing hubs are Taakad (make sure) centers and Tetamman (rest assured) clinics.
Taakad centers provide COVID-19 testing for those who show no or mild symptoms or believe they have come into contact with an infected individual, while Tettamman clinics offer treatment and advice to those with virus symptoms, such as fever, loss of taste and smell, and breathing difficulties.
Appointments to either service can be made through the health ministry’s Sehaty app.
Meanwhile, Asir’s specialized regional laboratory for biomolecule examination has tested 270,000 samples of coronavirus in Asir, Bisha, Najran, Jazan and Qunfudhah.
Saudi vaccination centers witness ‘great turnout’
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Saudi vaccination centers witness ‘great turnout’
- 159 more patients recover from coronavirus disease in KSA
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.
