Saudi delegation discusses Arab contribution to UN’s Integrated Geospatial Information Framework
Mohammed Al-Sayel, president of the Saudi General Authority for Survey and Geospatial Information, spoke at the second meeting of the framework’s High-Level Group
Updated 02 August 2023
Arab News
RIYADH: A Saudi delegation proposed ways to implement the strategic goals of the Arab Committee of UN Experts for Geospatial Information Management for the benefit of all countries during a high-level meeting held at the UN headquarters in New York.
At the second meeting of the High-Level Group of the Integrated Geospatial Information Framework on Tuesday, the delegation highlighted the contributions of the Arab committee, which is chaired by the Kingdom through its geospatial authority.
They discussed ways to enhance communication among member states to overcome challenges and achieve impactful results.
They reviewed the work of Arab countries in relation to the high-level group and their contributions to its plans, while addressing the group’s strategic plans and the progress of its work in line with the current goals and priorities.
Pioneering electric bus service takes to the road in Makkah
The bus rapid transit project, a system designed to have higher capacity and reliability than conventional bus services, is said to be the first of its kind in the Kingdom
The vehicles operate in dedicated bus lanes within a network that includes two main bus stations and 11 stops along the route connecting them
Updated 19 December 2025
Tarek Al-Thaqafi
MAKKAH: A pioneering electric bus service took to the road in Makkah this week.
Electromin, the developer and operator of the service in partnership with Umm Al-Qura for Development and Construction, said it is expected to serve more than 125 million passengers over the next 15 years, while cutting carbon dioxide emissions by more than 31,500 tonnes compared with traditional vehicles.
The bus rapid transit project, a system designed to have higher capacity and reliability than conventional bus services, is said to be one of the first of its kind in the Kingdom. It was inaugurated on Wednesday by Amr Al-Dabbagh, chairperson of Al-Dabbagh Group; Samir Nawar, managing director of Petromin; and Yasser Abu Ateeq, CEO of Umm Al-Qura.
The bus rapid transit project is designed to have higher capacity and reliability than conventional bus services. (Supplied)
Electromin, a subsidiary of Petromin specializing in energy and mobility solutions, said the new service, which forms part of the Masar Destination mixed-use real estate development project in Makkah, is one the first transport networks of its kind in the country, and represents a significant shift toward a cleaner, more efficient urban transport model.
It operates in dedicated bus lanes, connecting key hubs within Masar and providing safe, reliable and environmentally friendly transportation for residents and visitors, the company added. The network includes two main bus stations and 11 stops along the route connecting them. It has been designed to serve more than 5 million visitors and pilgrims annually, and to be easily accessible to all users.
Operators say the service is designed as a foundation for Makkah’s future transportation system, through its integration with the broader Masar project, which includes pedestrian walkways, more than 5,000 parking spaces, metro services and other urban infrastructure.
