RIYADH: Saudi Arabia opened a new airport terminal in its Northern Borders Province with a capacity to serve one million passengers annually, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The new terminal at Arar airport was inaugurated on Wednesday by Prince Faisal bin Khalid bin Sultan, governor of Saudi Arabia’s Northern Borders Region, and Saudi Transport Minister Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser.
The airport terminal, which cost SR382 million ($101.85 million), has an air-traffic capacity that can accommodate more than 10,000 flights per year. It is initially being served by flights to and from the capital Riyadh through the national carrier Saudi Arabian Airlines.
Arar’s upgrade will accommodate the growth in demand for air travel by residents of the region and it will provide services at international standards. It is also in line with the Kingdom’s reform plans to achieve economic development in all Saudi regions.
The main travel terminal of the new airport has six travel gates, including two passenger gates that can serve four aircraft at once, and four gates that will serve the airside aircraft parking bays.
Inside the terminal, there are 10 check-in counters, 12 passport control counters for arrival, and eight counters for departure. There is a 900-seat capacity in the main passenger terminal while the car park can accommodate 616 spaces.
Saudi Arabia opens new airport terminal in Northern Borders Province
https://arab.news/whsh2
Saudi Arabia opens new airport terminal in Northern Borders Province
- The airport terminal cost SR382 million ($101.85 million)
Celestial spectacle in Saudi Arabia’s north on first day of Ramadan
- Venus-crescent moon alignment visible over Northern Borders Region skies
- Meteorology Center completes operational plan for the holy month
ARAR/JEDDAH: The holy month of Ramadan has commenced in Saudi Arabia with a striking astronomical display in the Northern Borders Region, setting a serene tone for the month as meteorological authorities confirmed full readiness to support pilgrims in Makkah and Madinah, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.
On Tuesday evening, the skies over Arar witnessed a rare alignment as the planet Venus paired with the slender crescent moon marking the first day of Ramadan. Appearing shortly after sunset, the crescent shimmered low on the western horizon above Venus — one of the brightest celestial bodies — in a display enhanced by clear skies.
While the conjunction is a recurring astronomical phenomenon caused by the apparent proximity of the two bodies as viewed from Earth, its coincidence with the start of the holy month added a special aesthetic and spiritual dimension to the atmosphere in the north, SPA said.
Meteorological readiness
As the faithful began their fasting, the National Center for Meteorology (NCM) announced the completion of its operational and technical preparations for Ramadan 1447 AH.
NCM Chief Executive Dr. Ayman bin Salem Ghulam confirmed that the center has finalized a comprehensive plan to ensure round-the-clock weather monitoring for Makkah, Madinah, and the roads leading to the Two Holy Mosques. The initiative aims to provide accurate forecasting to enhance the safety and comfort of the influx of visitors and Umrah pilgrims.
The plan includes heightened performance levels at observatories in the Kingdom’s airports to manage increased flight traffic and aviation safety.
To ensure pilgrims have real-time access to information, the NCM has integrated its data with the "Nusuk" and "Tawakkalna" smart applications. Ten-day extended forecasts and real-time alerts will also be available via the "Anwaa" app and displayed on guidance boards along highways.
The center has mobilized 14 media platforms to deliver swift weather alerts, ensuring high standards of security and logistical support throughout the season.
