Drilling Rig Bored Through an Underground Tunnel in Istanbul

File Photo: Engineers perform the last checks on escalators of a station of Marmaray, a subway which links Europe with Asia some 60 metres below the Bosphorus Strait, in Istanbul October 29, 2013. REUTERS/Murad Sezer Acquire Licensing Rights
File Photo: Engineers perform the last checks on escalators of a station of Marmaray, a subway which links Europe with Asia some 60 metres below the Bosphorus Strait, in Istanbul October 29, 2013. REUTERS/Murad Sezer Acquire Licensing Rights
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Drilling Rig Bored Through an Underground Tunnel in Istanbul

File Photo: Engineers perform the last checks on escalators of a station of Marmaray, a subway which links Europe with Asia some 60 metres below the Bosphorus Strait, in Istanbul October 29, 2013. REUTERS/Murad Sezer Acquire Licensing Rights
File Photo: Engineers perform the last checks on escalators of a station of Marmaray, a subway which links Europe with Asia some 60 metres below the Bosphorus Strait, in Istanbul October 29, 2013. REUTERS/Murad Sezer Acquire Licensing Rights

A drilling machine working near an underground line connecting Istanbul's central Mecidiyekoy district to the city's main airport accidentally bored through the ceiling of the metro tunnel and the rails, a video shared by Sozcu TV broadcaster showed on Saturday.

The video showed the drilling machine in operation and the damage it had done to the tunnel and the rails, Reuters reported.

The drill pierced through ceiling of the tunnel and went all the way down to the rails of the metro tracks, it showed.

A spokesperson for the Transport Ministry said repairs to the tunnel after the incident had been completed.



Saudi Arabia’s Thuwal: Private Island Resort in the Red Sea

Thuwal resort offers absolute privacy and simple luxury (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Thuwal resort offers absolute privacy and simple luxury (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Arabia’s Thuwal: Private Island Resort in the Red Sea

Thuwal resort offers absolute privacy and simple luxury (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Thuwal resort offers absolute privacy and simple luxury (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Thuwal Private Resort has officially opened as the first island of its kind in Saudi Arabia, located off the coast of Jeddah. The resort offers a unique experience of complete privacy and luxury, perfect for escaping the everyday hustle.

The resort is set on a beautiful island in the Red Sea, accessible by a 40-minute private yacht ride from the KAUST marina, north of Jeddah.

The resort allows guests to book the entire island for total privacy and comfort, with only one group staying at a time. Whether for a peaceful family retreat, a luxurious celebration with friends, or an exclusive escape with loved ones, the resort offers a perfect setting. It accommodates up to 12 adults and 3 children.

The main villa includes three spacious bedrooms, a large living room, a fully equipped kitchen, and a 395-square-meter garden with a private pool and sunbathing terrace.

The three beachfront suites offer more privacy, each with a bedroom, outdoor terrace, private pool, and beautiful decor that blends with the natural surroundings.

The resort’s dining experience is overseen by a team of top chefs who use fresh, local ingredients to craft menus that cater to all tastes and satisfy every culinary preference. The offerings include Mediterranean-inspired seafood dishes and healthy meal options.

Moreover, the resort offers a variety of activities for all ages and interests. Adventure seekers can enjoy paddleboarding, kayaking, snorkeling, and diving to explore coral reefs and shipwrecks, with professional instructors and equipment for beginners.

For relaxation, the spa provides soothing massages and wellness treatments.

Guests can also enjoy beach soccer, volleyball, island walks, or unwind in the library, which has books and games.

The resort features an outdoor cinema where guests can watch movies under the stars, with snacks and refreshing drinks adding to the experience.

Additionally, the resort offers cultural programs inspired by Saudi heritage, including folk music, traditional performances, and crafts, enriching the overall stay.