RIYADH: The Saudi Railway Company, also known as SAR, has signed a cooperation agreement with ride-hailing platform Careem to offer passengers additional transportation services after they arrive at its stations.
The aim is to make it easier and for passengers to travel on from railway stations to their final destinations, according to a statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency on Wednesday.
The first phase of the agreement covers North Train stops in Riyadh and Qassim, and Eastern Train stations in Riyadh, Dammam and Hofuf. Phase two of the agreement will expand the service to stations in Al-Majmaah, Hail, Al-Jawf and Qurayyat on the North Train line, and Abqaiq on the East Train route, for a year.
The new passenger transportation service allows SAR customers to easily book a ride to their final destination ahead of their arrival at a station. Careem, which is owned by Uber, will provide reception areas at stations for the new service, with clear signs guiding passengers to them from platforms.
Abdulmajid Al-Khathlan, SAR’s director-general of commercial operations for the passenger sector, said that the agreement will improve the service provided to passengers, help them arrive at their final destinations in a timely manner, and enhance the logistics sector.
Ghaith Al-Juhani, the general manager of Careem in Saudi Arabia, said that the collaboration is an example of the company’s role in supporting the transport system and providing the best and easiest solutions for travelers.
He added that it represents a new way of thinking about the best methods of travel and transportation, and is helping to create a unique experience from which passengers will benefit.
Saudi Railway Co. and Careem launch joint passenger transport service
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Saudi Railway Co. and Careem launch joint passenger transport service
- Rail passengers will be able to book a Careem ride to take them to their final destination before they arrive at a station
- Special reception areas will be provided at stations covered by the service, which includes stops on the North Train and East Train lines
Diriyah Co. partners with Midad to develop Four Seasons hotel in Diriyah
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund-backed developer, Diriyah Co., has signed a joint development agreement with Midad Real Estate Investment and Development Co. to construct the Four Seasons Diriyah Hotel and private residences.
The partnership will strengthen collaboration between the two companies through the development of the luxury Four Seasons Diriyah, which will feature 159 rooms, alongside private Four Seasons residences, spanning approximately 235,000 sq. meters within Diriyah’s master plan.
The project’s total value is projected at SR3.1 billion (approximately $827 million), encompassing both land acquisition and construction expenses.
Midad is one of the Kingdom’s leading real estate developers, expanding its portfolio of high-end projects and maintaining numerous strategic partnerships with prominent global brands, reinforcing its reputation as a trusted name in luxury residential and hospitality development across Saudi Arabia.
This partnership marks the first major collaboration between Diriyah Co. and Midad, supporting Diriyah’s plans to develop 40 luxury hotels across its two main projects: the 14-sq.-km Diriyah Project and the 62-sq.-km Wadi Safar Project, a premium destination that blends lifestyle, culture, and entertainment.
Commenting on the agreement, Minister of Tourism and Secretary-General of Diriyah Co., Ahmad Al-Khatib, said: “The Kingdom continues to set new standards in developing tourism destinations, with Diriyah at the forefront.”
He added that such partnerships enhance the world-class experiences Saudi Arabia offers and strengthen the Kingdom’s position as a leading destination in this sector.
Diriyah Co. CEO Jerry Inzerillo commented that the Four Seasons Diriyah Hotel and Residences will be one of the Kingdom’s largest luxury hotels.
“We are proud to announce this joint development with Midad, one of Saudi Arabia’s top real estate developers. This agreement reflects our ongoing commitment to enabling Saudi partners to contribute to Diriyah’s transformative journey and confirms Midad’s confidence in the opportunities the project presents,” Inzerillo added.
Midad CEO Abdelilah bin Mohammed Al-Aiban said: “This project is a pivotal milestone for our company, allowing us to bring the Four Seasons experience to one of the Kingdom’s most prominent heritage destinations.”
He added: “We are excited to deliver a project that embodies design excellence, world-class service, and sustainable value, while contributing meaningfully to Saudi Arabia’s tourism, cultural, and economic ambitions.”
The collaboration comes amid rapid progress on the SR236 billion Diriyah project, which has awarded construction contracts worth more than SR101.25 billion to date.
Diriyah is expected to contribute approximately SR70 billion directly to the Kingdom’s gross domestic product, create more than 180,000 jobs, accommodate 100,000 residents, and host around 50 million annual visitors.
The development will feature contemporary office spaces accommodating tens of thousands of professionals across technology, media, arts, and education, complemented by museums, retail destinations, a university, an opera house, and the Diriyah Arena.
It will also offer a diverse selection of restaurants and cafes, alongside nearly 40 world-class resorts and hotels distributed across its two primary master plans.
