Saudi Arabia Railways Announces Full Operational Readiness of Mashaer Train for Hajj 

The Mashaer Metro Train operates a fleet of 17 trains, each with a capacity of 3,000 passengers. (SPA)
The Mashaer Metro Train operates a fleet of 17 trains, each with a capacity of 3,000 passengers. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Railways Announces Full Operational Readiness of Mashaer Train for Hajj 

The Mashaer Metro Train operates a fleet of 17 trains, each with a capacity of 3,000 passengers. (SPA)
The Mashaer Metro Train operates a fleet of 17 trains, each with a capacity of 3,000 passengers. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) announced the full operational readiness of the Mashaer Metro Train for this year’s Hajj starting Tuesday.

SAR completed its preparations in coordination with various relevant entities. Comprehensive operational preparation included nearly 12,000 trial trips since January, in addition to four full-scale simulation exercises accurately replicating the conditions of the Hajj season to test the readiness of systems, trains, and stations and ensure safe and efficient operations.

The Mashaer Metro Train operates on five service patterns tailored to the different Hajj rituals, making it a unique transport system globally.

During the Hajj, the train is scheduled to carry out more than 2,000 trips, aiming to transport over two million passengers with high efficiency and precise organization.

SAR conducted extensive maintenance and rigorous testing on all facilities and stations of the project to ensure their readiness and compliance with safety and quality standards.

The train connects nine stations across the holy sites of Arafat, Muzdalifah, and Mina, with the final station in Mina located on the fourth level of the Jamarat Bridge, ensuring the smooth movement and safety of pilgrims.

The Mashaer Metro Train is one of the region’s most significant sustainable transport projects. It operates a fleet of 17 trains, each with a capacity of 3,000 passengers, enabling a total transport capacity exceeding 72,000 passengers per hour. This helps reduce congestion in the holy sites, lower carbon emissions, and provide a smart, safe, and environmentally friendly travel experience.

The operation of the train reflects SAR’s commitment to supporting Saudi Vision 2030 by enabling a reliable, efficient, and sustainable transport experience for pilgrims, showcasing the Kingdom’s advanced infrastructure and improving the quality of services.



Qatar Says Cargo Vessel Coming from Abu Dhabi Attacked in its Waters

 Vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, Musandam, Oman, May 8, 2026. (Reuters)
Vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, Musandam, Oman, May 8, 2026. (Reuters)
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Qatar Says Cargo Vessel Coming from Abu Dhabi Attacked in its Waters

 Vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, Musandam, Oman, May 8, 2026. (Reuters)
Vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, Musandam, Oman, May 8, 2026. (Reuters)

A cargo vessel was attacked by a drone on Sunday in Qatari waters northeast of Mesaieed port as the ship travelled from Abu Dhabi, causing a limited fire that was contained, the Qatari Defense Ministry said.

No injuries were reported and the vessel continued its journey towards ‌the port.

The UK Maritime Trade ‌Operations (UKMTO) ⁠said earlier a bulk ⁠carrier had reported being struck by an unknown projectile while sailing 23 nautical miles northeast of Doha, the capital of Qatar.

Authorities are investigating the source of the projectile, UKMTO ⁠said.

Vessels in the area have been ‌advised to transit with caution.

Ships in the Gulf have been attacked by Iran since the US and Israel launched air ‌strikes on Iran on February 28.

The Strait of Hormuz, ⁠the ⁠vital energy-trade chokepoint that connects Gulf oil producers to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, has been virtually closed since.

Separately, a Qatari tanker crossed the Strait towards Pakistan on Sunday, while Washington continued to wait for Tehran's response to its latest proposals to begin peace talks.


Saudi FM Receives Phone Call from Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah
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Saudi FM Receives Phone Call from Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah received a phone call on Saturday from Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Qatar Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, the Saudi Press Agency said.

The two officials discussed regional developments and ongoing efforts made by both countries to maintain security and stability.


Saudi Crown Prince Says Looking Forward to Working with Iraq’s Zaidi on Consolidating Ties

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. SPA
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. SPA
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Saudi Crown Prince Says Looking Forward to Working with Iraq’s Zaidi on Consolidating Ties

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. SPA
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. SPA

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, sent on Saturday a cable of congratulations to Ali al-Zaidi on his appointment as Iraq’s prime minister-designate. 

In the cable, he said he was looking forward to working with al-Zaidi on consolidating the fraternal relations between their countries and peoples and bolstering them in all fields. 

He wished him success in serving Iraq and its people. 

Earlier, Crown Prince Mohammed sent a cable to Péter Magyar to congratulate him on his election as Prime Minister of Hungary.

He also congratulated him on the formation of a new government, its gaining the confidence of the National Assembly, and taking the constitutional oath.

The Crown Prince expressed his congratulations for success and prosperity to Magyar, and for continued progress and prosperity to the people of Hungary.