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Al-Mashaer Metro Line Begins Operations for Hajj Season

This service follows the successful conclusion of an extensive 90-day trial operation phase - SPA
This service follows the successful conclusion of an extensive 90-day trial operation phase - SPA
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Al-Mashaer Metro Line Begins Operations for Hajj Season

This service follows the successful conclusion of an extensive 90-day trial operation phase - SPA
This service follows the successful conclusion of an extensive 90-day trial operation phase - SPA

Al-Mashaer Al-Mugaddasah Metro Line embarked on its inaugural journey this morning, marking the commencement of service for the this year's Hajj season. Pilgrims can now utilize the metro for effortless transportation between the holy sites in Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah via the nine conveniently located stations, according to SPA.
This service follows the successful conclusion of an extensive 90-day trial operation phase, as announced by Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) on Monday. The trial period served to confirm the operational readiness of the 17 trains that will serve pilgrims throughout the Hajj season.
In preparation for the holy season, SAR undertook comprehensive maintenance efforts across the entire metro system, including upgrades to trains, stations, signaling and communication systems, and the operation and control center.
SAR has bolstered its workforce by contracting over 7,500 seasonal employees. These multilingual staff members are fluent in English, Turkish, Indonesian, Nigerian languages, and more, ensuring effective communication and exceptional service for all pilgrims.

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KAUST Study: More Large Mammals Roamed Arabian Peninsula than Previously Thought

According to KAUST, the study serves as a key scientific reference supporting the objectives of the Saudi Green Initiative and the Middle East Green Initiative. SPA
According to KAUST, the study serves as a key scientific reference supporting the objectives of the Saudi Green Initiative and the Middle East Green Initiative. SPA
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KAUST Study: More Large Mammals Roamed Arabian Peninsula than Previously Thought

According to KAUST, the study serves as a key scientific reference supporting the objectives of the Saudi Green Initiative and the Middle East Green Initiative. SPA
According to KAUST, the study serves as a key scientific reference supporting the objectives of the Saudi Green Initiative and the Middle East Green Initiative. SPA

A new study by researchers at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), published in the Journal of Biogeography, has identified 15 large mammal species that inhabited the Arabian Peninsula over the past 10,000 years - three times more than previously recognized.
According to KAUST, this study offers the most comprehensive list to date of large mammals from this period and establishes a benchmark for rewilding efforts in the region. It also serves as a key scientific reference supporting the objectives of the Saudi Green Initiative and the Middle East Green Initiative, as well as the programs of the National Center for Wildlife (NCW) and the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification.
"Restoration is not just about plants, for animals play a key role in vegetation communities. In highlighting which large mammals became extinct, we are providing information that will help governments decide which mammals to reintroduce in the future,” said KAUST senior project manager and contributor to the study Christopher Clarke.
During the study, researchers analyzed thousands of petroglyphs (ancient rock carvings) collected during field expeditions as well as from shared social media content, which gave researchers access to a large collection of petroglyphs unknown to the scientific community.
The study revealed that most of the 15 mammal species come from Africa, including lions and cheetahs, and identified two species never previously recorded in the Arabian Peninsula: the greater kudu and the Somali wild donkey.
This study aligns with national efforts to restore ecological balance, particularly in light of the pioneering initiatives launched by NCW, including the reintroduction programs for the Arabian oryx and the cheetah.