Riyadh Metro Opens Its Doors to the Public Sunday

This comes following the inauguration by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud on November 27, 2024 - SPA
This comes following the inauguration by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud on November 27, 2024 - SPA
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Riyadh Metro Opens Its Doors to the Public Sunday

This comes following the inauguration by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud on November 27, 2024 - SPA
This comes following the inauguration by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud on November 27, 2024 - SPA

Riyadh Metro, operated by the Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC), opened its doors to passengers on Sunday.
The metro is now serving commuters on three of its six lines: the Blue Line (Al-Olaya-Al Batha), the Yellow Line (King Khalid International Airport Road), and the Purple Line (Abdulrahman bin Aauf Street–Sheikh Hassan bin Hussain bin Ali Road).
The remaining three lines will follow a sequential operation plan. The Red Line (King Abdullah Road) and the Green Line (King Abdulaziz Road) will start on December 15, 2024, while the Orange Line (Madinah Road) will start being operational on January 5, 2025.
According to SPA, stations on the Blue Line, Al-Olaya-Al Batha, will open to passengers before the end of 2024.

These stations include Ministry of Interior, Qasr Al-Hukm, Sulaiman Al Habib, Al Murooj, Murabba, Wurud 2, Bank Albilad, King Fahd District, King Fahd Library, National Museum, Al Batha, and Al-Aziziyah.
An Naseem Station on the Purple Line, along Abdulrahman bin Aauf Street–Sheikh Hassan bin Hussain bin Ali Road will open during the same timeframe.
Passengers can specify their destinations and buy tickets using the "darb" mobile app or directly from vending machines at the stations.



Ramadan Season in Jeddah : ‘Year of Handcrafts’ Boosts Business Growth

The number of visitors surpassed one million during the first week of the season's launch (SPA)
The number of visitors surpassed one million during the first week of the season's launch (SPA)
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Ramadan Season in Jeddah : ‘Year of Handcrafts’ Boosts Business Growth

The number of visitors surpassed one million during the first week of the season's launch (SPA)
The number of visitors surpassed one million during the first week of the season's launch (SPA)

The historic Jeddah area (western Saudi Arabia) blends authentic heritage with the modernity of the city during Ramadan nights, offering visitors a unique experience to explore traditional Ramadan atmospheres.
Visitors are immersed in unforgettable moments of charm and inspiration in this historic area, which has transformed into a vibrant living artwork and a tourist destination for locals, residents, and visitors from around the world.
Organized by the Ministry of Culture, Ramadan Season is being celebrated across cities nationwide, highlighting Saudi traditions through cultural and community events.
Under the slogan “Our Nights Have Returned,” the streets and public spaces have been adorned with decorative lights and installations, creating a magical atmosphere.
Ramadan Season in Jeddah offers a variety of events and activities that provide visitors with an immersive experience full of joy, set against the backdrop of cafes adorned with designs inspired by the region's heritage.
This creates a unique atmosphere where the rich past meets a thriving present.
Additionally, traditional crafts take center stage as a key element of Saudi culture, with specialized workshops held to teach these age-old skills, promoting awareness and highlighting their cultural significance.
In this regard, artisan and soap maker Hashim Al-Shawi told Asharq Al-Awsat: “The designation of 2025 as the Year of Handcrafts has had a positive impact on us, both in terms of support and empowerment, helping us reach more customers.”
“This has contributed to the expansion of our business and increased our participation in the workforce,” added Al-Shawi.
He explained that all of his soap-making tools and materials are 100% locally sourced, noting that the soap is made from seven natural oils.
Al-Shawi also highlighted that he has created 21 different scents, driven by his passion for the craft that has, over the past nine years, evolved into a steady source of income.
Ramadan Season has played a key role in supporting local entrepreneurs by providing small and medium-sized businesses with the opportunity to showcase their products in heritage markets.
This boosts the local economy and offers artisans and artists a platform to display their work.
The Ministry of Culture aims, during the Season, to offer a rich cultural experience that combines enjoyment with knowledge.
It highlights the cherished Ramadan customs and traditions, enhancing cultural awareness and reinforcing the social values that distinguish Saudi society during the holy month.