عربي English Türkçe اردو فارسى
Logo
Latest News
Varieties

Haramain High Speed Railway Increases Makkah-Madinah Trips for Ramadan's Final 10 Days

Each train carries 417 passengers - SPA
Each train carries 417 passengers - SPA
TT
20
TT

Haramain High Speed Railway Increases Makkah-Madinah Trips for Ramadan's Final 10 Days

Each train carries 417 passengers - SPA
Each train carries 417 passengers - SPA

The Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) had previously announced its Ramadan operational plan, which included 1.6 million seats and 3,400 trips.

To accommodate the surge in Umrah performers during the final 10 days, 130 additional daily trips were added.
The Haramain High Speed Railway increased station gate capacity from eight to 24 and added two terminals for arrivals and departures to enhance passenger experience during the last 10 days of Ramadan, SPA reported.
Complimentary transportation services were also provided between the station and the Prophet's Mosque for elderly passengers and individuals with special needs.
The Haramain High Speed Railway, among the world's top 10 fastest electric railways with a speed of 300 km/h, and a major transportation project in the Middle East, connects Makkah, Madinah, Jeddah, King Abdulaziz International Airport, and King Abdullah Economic City.

Most Viewed

 
Varieties

Ministry of Interior Launches 'Ezz AlWatan' Event in Celebration of Saudi National Day

Saudi Arabia marks National Day on September 23. (SPA)
Saudi Arabia marks National Day on September 23. (SPA)
TT
20
TT

Ministry of Interior Launches 'Ezz AlWatan' Event in Celebration of Saudi National Day

Saudi Arabia marks National Day on September 23. (SPA)
Saudi Arabia marks National Day on September 23. (SPA)

The "Ezz AlWatan" events kicked off on Monday in Riyadh to mark the Kingdom’s 95th National Day.

The event is organized by the Ministry of Interior in collaboration with the General Entertainment Authority (GEA).

Running until Tuesday, the program features a creative, dramatic, and military performance simulating security operations and showcasing advanced tactics and skills.

The event also boasts an exhibition highlighting the ministry's efforts, its security system, and the development of its services.

Varieties

French Zoo Returns Poorly Panda and Partner to China

Huan Huan ("happy") and Yuan Zi ("chubby"), two Chinese pandas are seen in their enclosure at Beauval zoo in Saint-Aignan central-western France, on January 17, 2012. (AFP)
Huan Huan ("happy") and Yuan Zi ("chubby"), two Chinese pandas are seen in their enclosure at Beauval zoo in Saint-Aignan central-western France, on January 17, 2012. (AFP)
TT
20
TT

French Zoo Returns Poorly Panda and Partner to China

Huan Huan ("happy") and Yuan Zi ("chubby"), two Chinese pandas are seen in their enclosure at Beauval zoo in Saint-Aignan central-western France, on January 17, 2012. (AFP)
Huan Huan ("happy") and Yuan Zi ("chubby"), two Chinese pandas are seen in their enclosure at Beauval zoo in Saint-Aignan central-western France, on January 17, 2012. (AFP)

Two pandas at a zoo in central France will return to China in November after the female was diagnosed with kidney failure, the park's director told AFP on Monday.

Huan Huan and her partner Yuan Zi arrived at the Beauval Zoo in 2012 as part of China's "panda diplomacy" program, which sees the black-and-white bears dispatched across the globe as soft-power ambassadors.

The two pandas, both 17, had been due to stay in France until January 2027 but they will return to the Chengdu panda sanctuary, said zoo director Rodolphe Delord, adding that the zoo had been in touch with the Chinese authorities.

"The female has kidney failure, a chronic disease common in ageing carnivores. We therefore prefer to transport her to China before her condition worsens," he told AFP, adding she still showed a good appetite and normal behavior.

Delord said Huan Huan and Yuan Zi were expected to return to China in November 2025 "so they can live out their retirement in peace".

The pair produced three cubs while in France -- the first pandas to do so in the country -- and became star attractions at the Beauval zoo in Saint-Aignan-sur-Cher.

The eldest of the offspring, Yuan Meng, left France in 2024, while twins born in 2021 are expected to remain at the Beauval zoo for the time being "to raise visitors' awareness of the need to protect this iconic species", Delord said.

The giant panda was downgraded last year from "endangered" to "vulnerable" on the global list of at-risk species.

Delord said he hoped to extend the zoo's partnership with China beyond 2027.

"And perhaps bring more pandas in the future," he added.

The Beauval Zoo welcomed some two million visitors in 2023, generating revenues of around 113 million euros ($133 million).

Varieties

Makkah's Parks, Gardens Transformed for National Day Celebrations

Efforts are being exerted to enable visitors to enjoy the celebrations in a safe, attractive, and fully serviced environment for Saudi National Day- SPA
Efforts are being exerted to enable visitors to enjoy the celebrations in a safe, attractive, and fully serviced environment for Saudi National Day- SPA
TT
20
TT

Makkah's Parks, Gardens Transformed for National Day Celebrations

Efforts are being exerted to enable visitors to enjoy the celebrations in a safe, attractive, and fully serviced environment for Saudi National Day- SPA
Efforts are being exerted to enable visitors to enjoy the celebrations in a safe, attractive, and fully serviced environment for Saudi National Day- SPA

Holy Makkah Municipality announced the completion of preparations across public parks and gardens in Makkah to receive residents and visitors during the 95th National Day celebrations.

According to SPA, technical teams have been formed to carry out maintenance and inspections of facilities, playgrounds, and rides to ensure they are fully ready to welcome guests.

The municipality emphasized its commitment to providing high-quality services for the residents and visitors by overseeing the readiness of public spaces and presenting them in a manner that reflects the city’s distinguished image.

The efforts aim to enable visitors to enjoy the celebrations in a safe, attractive, and fully serviced environment.

Preparations included equipping seating areas, restrooms, and other amenities, in addition to providing expansive green spaces for leisure and recreation.

Makkah is home to more than 290 public parks of various sizes, offering a wide range of children’s playgrounds, as well as over 11 walkways with a total length of 16,410 meters.

The city also features football, volleyball, and tennis courts, in addition to public squares, shaded seating areas, fountains, walking tracks, and sports equipment for both children and adults.