French Sports Minister Swims in Seine ahead of Olympics

The river Seine will host the opening ceremony of the summer Paris Olympics. Emmanuel DUNAND / AFP/File
The river Seine will host the opening ceremony of the summer Paris Olympics. Emmanuel DUNAND / AFP/File
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French Sports Minister Swims in Seine ahead of Olympics

The river Seine will host the opening ceremony of the summer Paris Olympics. Emmanuel DUNAND / AFP/File
The river Seine will host the opening ceremony of the summer Paris Olympics. Emmanuel DUNAND / AFP/File

French Sports Minister Amelie Oudea Castera took the plunge and swam in the River Seine on Saturday, in a publicity moment that French authorities hope will show the capital's river is clean enough and ready to stage swimming events at the Olympic Games.
Oudea Castera was filmed by BFM TV as she briefly swam in the Seine near the Alexandre III and Invalides bridges, Reuters said.
The triathlon and marathon swimming legs of the Olympics, which run from July 26 to Aug. 11, are due to be held in the Seine. The famous river was used in the 1900 Paris Olympics.
Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo, who championed a campaign to clean up the often polluted river in time for the games, has also promised to swim in the Seine to mark the arrival of the Olympics in Paris and the river's suitability for swimming events.



Makkah Taxi Service Introduced at Hajj Conference, Exhibition

The RCMC announced that Makkah Taxi began operations on Monday January 13 - SPA
The RCMC announced that Makkah Taxi began operations on Monday January 13 - SPA
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Makkah Taxi Service Introduced at Hajj Conference, Exhibition

The RCMC announced that Makkah Taxi began operations on Monday January 13 - SPA
The RCMC announced that Makkah Taxi began operations on Monday January 13 - SPA

The Hajj Conference and Exhibition marked the launch of Makkah Taxi, a new transportation service developed by the General Transport Center of the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites (RCMC), with the first operating license under the contract concession system in Makkah.
The RCMC announced that Makkah Taxi began operations on Monday, January 13, rolling out in phases to ensure a smooth transition.

According to SPA, the service will operate around the clock, featuring 47 designated locations strategically positioned throughout Makkah at key stations and around the Grand Mosque area for convenient access and efficient service.
Minister of Transport and Logistic Services Saleh Al-Jasser presented the Makkah Taxi operating license to the winning company at the conference launch. The fleet is projected to reach approximately 1,800 vehicles by the end of 2025, significantly enhancing transportation services and meeting the growing demand within Makkah.