Asir magpie, only bird species endemic to Saudi Arabia, is on IUCN’s ‘endangered’ list
Known as the Asir magpie, the bird can be found “only in a few small patches” in the mountains of Asir
About 100 breeding pairs of Asir magpies remain, making it one of the “rarest birds on the planet”
Updated 30 August 2025
Arab News
ABHA: Of 499 bird species recorded in Saudi Arabia, only one is considered endemic to the Kingdom, which means it is found nowhere else in the world.
This is according to Aramco’s 2021 book “The Birds of Saudi Arabia,” which noted that the bird known as the Asir magpie (scientific name Pica asirensis) can be found “only in a few small patches” in the mountains of Asir region in the Kingdom’s southwest.
Known for its high intelligence and ability to recognize itself in a mirror, the bird is called a magpie because of its melodious sounds. It is easily recognizable by its black and white feathers and the large, dome-shaped nest it builds, typically in juniper or acacia trees.
With only about about 100 breeding pairs of Asir magpies remaining, the Asir magpie is one of the “rarest birds on the planet.” (SPA photos)
The Asir magpie is classified as “endangered” on the Red List of Threatened Species of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, or IUCN.
A report by the Saudi Press Agency on Friday said that recent estimates suggest that only about 100 breeding pairs of Asir magpies remain, or around 200 adults, making it one of the “rarest birds on the planet.”
“The primary threat to the Asir magpie’s survival is climate change, which has limited its natural range because of rising temperatures and arid weather conditions over the past decades,” SPA said.
The Aramco book said there are 18 other species that are largely or entirely confined to the Arabian Peninsula, including the Arabian sunbird, the Arabian babbler, the Arabian scops owl, the rare Arabian grosbeak, and the Arabian woodpecker.
Saudi Arabian Railways breaks records in 2025: 14mn passengers and 30mn tons of freight
By transporting 30 million tons of freight via rail in 2025, SAR successfully removed 2 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 tons, contributing directly to the Saudi Green Initiative
Updated 6 sec ago
Arab News
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 tons in 2023 to the current 30 million tons, driven by increased industrial demand and mining logistics.
By transporting 30 million tons 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 tons, 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.
Minister of Transport and Logistic Services and SAR Chairman Saleh Al-Jasser unveiled the first “Dream of the Desert” carriage last October as one of the FII9 highlights. (SPA file photo)
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.
