10 new trains to expand Saudi Arabia’s northern rail network 

The tender covers the design, manufacturing, and supply of the trains, as well as fleet maintenance services, supporting operational readiness and long-term asset sustainability. (SPA)
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Updated 17 January 2026
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10 new trains to expand Saudi Arabia’s northern rail network 

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia Railways announced a tender for the supply of 10 new passenger trains for the northern network as part of efforts to develop the transport system and enhance passenger rail services across the Kingdom. 

The move aligns with the National Transport and Logistics Strategy and the objectives of Vision 2030, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday. 

The tender covers the design, manufacturing, and supply of the trains, as well as fleet maintenance services, supporting operational readiness and long-term asset sustainability. 

Bids must be submitted by May 11, 2026, in accordance with approved regulatory procedures for public tenders, the SPA added. 

Saudi Arabia Railways CEO Bashar Al-Malik said expanding the passenger train fleet is a strategic priority. The new trains will help meet growing passenger demand by nearly tripling the operational capacity of the northern network, raising annual seating to more than 2.4 million, and strengthening the railway’s ability to support intercity travel growth. 

The trains will serve the northern network, which connects major cities including Riyadh, Al-Majmaah, Qassim, Hail, Jouf, and Al-Qurayyat. 

Plans are underway to expand the network further, including the addition of new stations such as Al-Zulfi, the SPA reported. 

The tender is part of Saudi Arabia Railways’ phased plan to modernize and expand its passenger fleet. The company is also manufacturing 10 new trains for the eastern line, aiming to improve operational efficiency, service reliability, and overall passenger transport services nationwide.


Saudi Cabinet welcomes ceasefire between Syrian government and SDF, condemns Gaza ceasefire violations

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Saudi Cabinet welcomes ceasefire between Syrian government and SDF, condemns Gaza ceasefire violations

  • Minister of Media Salman Al-Dossari said ministers welcomed cooperation between the Syrian government and the SDF, supported by Saudi Arabia and the US

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Cabinet, chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, on Tuesday welcomed a ceasefire between the Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces, reiterated the Kingdom’s support for resolving regional and international disputes through dialogue, and condemned Israeli violations of the Gaza ceasefire.

The Cabinet said the breaches in the Palestinian territory undermine efforts to stabilize the truce and advance the second phase of the peace plan, stressing the need for a just and lasting settlement that enables Palestinians to establish an independent state.

In a statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency, Minister of Media Salman Al-Dossari said ministers welcomed cooperation between the Syrian government and the SDF, supported by Saudi Arabia and the US, which led to a ceasefire agreement aimed at promoting peace, stability and national unity in Syria.

The Cabinet reviewed outcomes from several major international events hosted by the Kingdom, including the second Ministerial Council meeting of the Green Middle East Initiative, which expanded membership to 35 countries and reaffirmed commitments to plant more than 22 billion trees and rehabilitate 92 million hectares of land, SPA added.

Ministers also praised the International Conference on Building Capabilities in Data and AI in Riyadh, which saw the launch of multiple initiatives and the signing of 27 agreements to strengthen academic partnerships and advance the Kingdom’s national artificial intelligence strategy.

They commended the fifth Future Real Estate Forum, which resulted in 80 agreements and memoranda of understanding, as well as the Saudi Media Forum, highlighting Riyadh’s growing role as a global hub for innovation, digital transformation and content creation.

The Cabinet reviewed progress across government sectors, welcoming the launch of the National Privatization Strategy as a key step toward diversifying the economy, strengthening private sector participation, and improving infrastructure and public services. It also noted new development projects in the industrial cities of Makkah and Jeddah aimed at boosting local manufacturing and economic growth.

Among a series of decisions, the Cabinet approved cooperation agreements and MoUs with Cyprus, Finland, Brazil, Uzbekistan, South Korea and Mexico, alongside partnerships with Harvard University and the League of Arab States.

Ministers also approved Saudi Arabia’s National Policy for the Arabic Language, endorsed the Equestrian Authority’s membership in the International Federation of Thoroughbred Breeders, and adopted Gulf Cooperation Council framework legislation on combating narcotics and responding to hazardous materials incidents.

The Cabinet further approved the state’s final accounts for the previous fiscal year, renewed and appointed members to the General Authority for Real Estate board, and authorized several senior promotions across government departments, including ambassadorial and minister plenipotentiary roles at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.