Riyadh’s Diplomacy Takes Center Stage at Saudi Media Forum

Participants are seen at a panel discussion at the Saudi Media Forum. (Saudi Media Forum)
Participants are seen at a panel discussion at the Saudi Media Forum. (Saudi Media Forum)
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Riyadh’s Diplomacy Takes Center Stage at Saudi Media Forum

Participants are seen at a panel discussion at the Saudi Media Forum. (Saudi Media Forum)
Participants are seen at a panel discussion at the Saudi Media Forum. (Saudi Media Forum)

The second day of the Saudi Media Forum in its fourth edition, held in Riyadh, featured discussions and workshops with the participation of local and international media professionals, academics, experts, and specialists. The sessions explored the role of media in shaping perceptions, cultural identities and narrating Saudi Arabia’s transformation toward its future.

One of the key discussions focused on Saudi diplomacy and its role in fostering strategic partnerships that promote peaceful solutions. Participants emphasized that media plays a crucial role in conveying the true image of Saudi Arabia’s global efforts.

Political analysts noted that trust in Saudi Arabia and the credibility of its political positions played a key role in preventing the possibility of a third world war. They highlighted the high-level meeting in Diriyah on Tuesday, where senior American and Russian delegations, under the patronage of Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, started to mend the diplomatic rift between Washington and Moscow.

Jameel Al-Theyabi, editor-in-chief of Saudi Arabia’s Okaz newspaper, pointed out that Saudi soft power was evident in the historic meeting between the US and Russian delegations in the heart of the Saudi capital.

Western media, which once portrayed Saudi Arabia negatively, has now shifted its focus, highlighting the Kingdom’s remarkable potential and capabilities, he remarked.

Saudi Arabia is pursuing an interactive, dynamic and attractive foreign policy that seeks to address global crises and challenges, he went on to say. He linked this approach to Vision 2030, spearheaded by Crown Prince Mohammed, which aims to bring transformational change to the region.

Political writer and analyst Jasser Al-Jasser stated that Saudi Arabia’s political foundations are built on clarity and credibility. He asserted that the changes led by the Crown Prince have transformed the Kingdom’s approach across all sectors, boosting global trust, recognition and admiration for Saudi Arabia and its leadership.

Al-Jasser highlighted the far-reaching impact of Saudi Arabia’s political and economic transformation, noting that its effects are clearly reflected in global indicators. He described this transformation as a long-term journey, emphasizing that one of the keys to Saudi Arabia’s success is its team of ministers and officials, who have played a significant role in shaping both policies and leadership under Vision 2030.

He also acknowledged the Kingdom’s regional and international responsibilities, underlining the humanitarian dimension of its efforts. He praised the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center for advancing humanitarian work through its extensive technical and logistical capabilities.



Haramain High-Speed Railway Sets Ramadan Record, Transporting 48,000 Passengers in a Single Day

The train continues to operate at full capacity, with the number of daily trips gradually increasing since the start of Ramadan, reaching 130 trips per day during the last 10 days of the month. (SPA)
The train continues to operate at full capacity, with the number of daily trips gradually increasing since the start of Ramadan, reaching 130 trips per day during the last 10 days of the month. (SPA)
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Haramain High-Speed Railway Sets Ramadan Record, Transporting 48,000 Passengers in a Single Day

The train continues to operate at full capacity, with the number of daily trips gradually increasing since the start of Ramadan, reaching 130 trips per day during the last 10 days of the month. (SPA)
The train continues to operate at full capacity, with the number of daily trips gradually increasing since the start of Ramadan, reaching 130 trips per day during the last 10 days of the month. (SPA)

The Haramain High-Speed Railway set a record for the highest number of passengers transported in a single day since its inauguration in 2018, with around 48,000 passengers on the 15th day of Ramadan.

Since the beginning of the holy month, the average daily ridership has exceeded 39,000 passengers, reflecting the high demand for the train as the fastest means of reaching Makkah.

The train continues to operate at full capacity, with the number of daily trips gradually increasing since the start of Ramadan, reaching 130 trips per day during the last 10 days of the month.

To accommodate this significant demand, the Saudi Railway Company (SAR) has adjusted the train schedules to match peak times for Umrah performers, worshippers, and visitors.

Modifications have also been made to passenger flow routes within stations, and extra lounges have been provided at the Madinah station to facilitate smoother movement and enhance the travel experience.

The Haramain High-Speed Railway is one of the most prominent transportation projects serving worshippers year-round. It connects Makkah and Madinah, passing through Jeddah, King Abdulaziz International Airport, and King Abdullah Economic City. Operating on a 453-kilometer electric line, it ranks among the top 10 fastest trains in the world, with an operational speed of up to 300 km/h.

SAR announced its operational plan for Ramadan before the season began, which included providing 1.6 million seats across more than 3,400 trips on the Haramain High-Speed Railway.