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2.2 Million Pilgrims Transported by Al Mashaaer Al Mugaddassah Metro Line

2.2 Million Pilgrims Transported by Al Mashaaer Al Mugaddassah Metro Line
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2.2 Million Pilgrims Transported by Al Mashaaer Al Mugaddassah Metro Line

2.2 Million Pilgrims Transported by Al Mashaaer Al Mugaddassah Metro Line

Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) announced the successful operation of Al Mashaaer Al Mugaddassah Metro Line during this year's Hajj season, with the train transporting over 2.2 million pilgrims on 2,206 trips across the nine stations in Arafat, Muzdalifah, and Mina.
The train operated for seven days, starting on the seventh of Dhu al-Hijjah and continuing until the end of the Days of Tashreeq. Over 29,000 pilgrims were transported on the first day, SPA reported.

The movement from Mina to Arafat saw the highest volume with over 292,000 pilgrims ferried by the train. It then facilitated the movement of over 305,000 pilgrims from Arafat to Muzdalifah, followed by over 383,000 on their return journey from Muzdalifah back to Mina.
During the Days of Tashreeq, the Al Mashaaer Al Mugaddassah Metro Line played a vital role in transporting over 1.2 million pilgrims from Mina stations (1, 2 & Muzdalifah 3) to Mina 3 station (Jamarat), facilitating their easy access to the Jamarat Bridge.
The CEO of SAR, Dr. Bashar bin Khalid Al-Malik, attributed the success of the operation to the unwavering support from the Saudi leadership. The support, he highlighted, was instrumental in SAR's ability to serve pilgrims effectively through both Al Mashaaer Al Mugaddassah Metro Line and the Haramain High-Speed Railway.

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Heatstroke Alerts Issued in Japan as Temperatures Surge 

A person visits Horikiri Iris Garden in Tokyo where temperatures reached into the mid-30s Centigrade (90F+) on June 18, 2025. (AFP)
A person visits Horikiri Iris Garden in Tokyo where temperatures reached into the mid-30s Centigrade (90F+) on June 18, 2025. (AFP)
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Heatstroke Alerts Issued in Japan as Temperatures Surge 

A person visits Horikiri Iris Garden in Tokyo where temperatures reached into the mid-30s Centigrade (90F+) on June 18, 2025. (AFP)
A person visits Horikiri Iris Garden in Tokyo where temperatures reached into the mid-30s Centigrade (90F+) on June 18, 2025. (AFP)

Sweltering temperatures prompted heatstroke alerts in multiple Japanese regions on Wednesday, with dozens of people seeking emergency medical care in the capital Tokyo.

The hot weather was headline news in the country, which last year experienced its joint warmest summer ever as climate change fueled extreme heatwaves around the globe.

Record temperatures were logged in 14 cities for June, the Japan Meteorological Agency said, while in central Tokyo the mercury hit 34.4 degrees Celsius (94 Fahrenheit).

Doctors treated at least 57 people for heat-related malaise in the capital on Wednesday, adding to the 169 people seen on Tuesday.

At least three heat-related deaths were reported in other parts of the country this week.

Some Tokyo residents wore heat-repellent clothing to beat the high temperatures, like Junko Kobayashi, 73, who showed AFP her cooling scarf.

"I soak it in water and then wrap it around my neck. It feels refreshing. And I use this umbrella too. It blocks the light and heat so it feels cooler," she said.

Other elderly residents said they were trying to take it easy so as not to risk heatstroke, while 80-year-old Naoki Ito said he was making sure to regularly drink water.

"I don't need to take a big gulp, just a small sip here and there. It's important to remember that," Ito said.

Every summer, Japanese officials urge the public, especially elderly people, to seek shelter in air-conditioned rooms to avoid heatstroke.

Senior citizens made up more than 80 percent of heat-related deaths in the past five years.

Japan is also experiencing a record influx of tourists, with foreign visitors up 21 percent year-on-year in May.

"It's been pretty stinking," said 31-year-old Australian tourist Jack Budd, who was trying to find shade whenever possible with his travel partner.

"The breeze is quite warm so it's hard to get out of it unless you go inside," he said.