Eastern Province bus network carries 6m passengers in 3 years
System set to add 7 new routes soon, municipality says
Kingdom’s public transport networks have seen significant expansion in recent years
Updated 24 April 2025
Arab News
More than 6 million passengers have used the public bus network in the Kingdom’s Eastern Province since its introduction in 2022.
Comprising 10 routes and 279 stops, the service operates 85 buses for 18 hours a day. During the recent Eid Al-Fitr holiday, it was used by about 12,500 passengers per day, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
According to the municipal government, a new phase will be introduced soon that will see a fleet of environmentally buses running on seven routes in Dammam, Alkhobar, Qatif and Al-Bayda. The expansion is part of a wider plan to improve urban infrastructure, promote sustainable transport and support tourism in the region, the report said.
With tickets priced from SR3.45 (92 US cents) more than 90 percent of passengers surveyed in the first quarter of this year said they were satisfied with the service.
The country’s public transport networks have been expanded significantly in recent years as part of the government’s efforts to reduce traffic congestion and improve quality of life for people living in cities.
The six-line Riyadh Metro, which opened in December and covers about 176 km, carried more than 18 million passengers in its first two months of operation.
A key component of the King Abdulaziz Project for Riyadh Public Transport and Saudi Vision 2030, the system is designed to carry up to 3.6 million passengers a day. It has driverless trains, air-conditioned cabins and designated seating for different passenger groups.
Riyadh also has an extensive bus network, which spans more than 1,900 km, has more than 2,860 stops and a daily capacity of 500,000 passengers.
MAKKAH: The Presidency of Religious Affairs at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque has launched the “Enriching the Field Path” initiative as part of the Kingdom’s operational plan for this year’s Hajj season.
The initiative aims to enhance the pilgrimage experience through scientific guidance and awareness programs that promote a message of moderate Hajj in multiple languages, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.
It includes more than 20 digital, technical, educational, devotional and faith-based awareness initiatives delivered in various languages.
Its goal is to enrich pilgrims’ spiritual journey with impactful religious content and high-quality services, enabling them to perform rituals with understanding in a devotional atmosphere.
Sheikh Abdulrahman Al-Sudais, head of the presidency, emphasized the importance of strengthening on-the-ground efforts to deliver improved enrichment services for all pilgrims.
He urged a focus on promoting the message of a moderate, faith-based Hajj to the global community through multilingual platforms.
Al-Sudais also called for easing ritual performance with gentleness, wisdom and compassionate guidance, while using digital tools and AI to overcome time and geographic barriers in spreading the message of a humane and moderate Hajj.
Saudi foreign minister calls Indian, Pakistani counterparts to de-escalate tensions
Faisal bin Farhan discussed escalating tensions between India and Pakistan
Updated 10 May 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi foreign minister Faisal bin Farhan has urged his Indian and Pakistani counterparts to de-escalate tensions and end military confrontations.
In two seperate phone calls on Saturday, Farhan has affirmed Saudi Arabia's stance to consolidate the security and stability of the region, as well as its strategic and strong relationship with both countries.
سمو وزير الخارجية الأمير #فيصل_بن_فرحان@FaisalbinFarhan يجري اتصالين هاتفيين بكل من معالي وزير الشؤون الخارجية في جمهورية الهند الدكتور سوبراهمانيام جايشانكار، ومعالي نائب رئيس الوزراء وزير الشؤون الخارجية في جمهورية باكستان الإسلامية السيد إسحاق دار. pic.twitter.com/rtc6BzhWGg
Hail’s ancient legacy of life and language etched in stone
Thamudic scripts, petroglyphs carved into rock in Hail offers a glimpse of Arabian Peninsula’s civilizations thousands of years ago
Updated 10 May 2025
Tareq Al-Thaqafi
MAKKAH: Carved into the rocks of Hail, across its mountains and plateaus, Thamudic inscriptions stand as enduring testaments to a civilization that flourished over thousands of years ago.
More than mere markings, these inscriptions form a visual archive that offers rich insights into the lives, beliefs, customs and language of ancient Arabs, preserving their names, expressions, and everyday experiences.
Mamdouh Al-Fadel, a researcher into the history of Hail and ancient Thamudic Arabic inscriptions, told Arab News that Thamudic script was one of the most important early forms of Arabic writing.
“These inscriptions offer detailed insights into both religious and social life. They preserve a vivid record of names and ancient Arabic vocabulary.
“And portray animals that inhabited the region at the time, such as camels, ibex, gazelles, lions, cheetahs, and ostriches, helping to paint a comprehensive picture of the desert environment and way of life during that period.”
The Thamudic scripts had been found across many regions, particularly in the north, including Hail, Tayma, Tabuk and AlUla. (Supplied)
Al-Fadel said that among the most significant sites preserving these rock arts and inscriptions are Jabal Umm Sinman in the city of Jubbah, as well as the sites of Yatab, Janine Mountain, Al-Tuwal Mountain, Al-Julf, Habran, Al-Musma, and Arnan.
He said the rich vocabulary and the diversity of names found at these sites reflect the depth and complexity of social and cultural life during that era.
He highlighted the significant global impact of these discoveries, which have turned the inscription sites in Hail into important destinations for researchers and visitors from around the world.
Several of these locations, such as Jubbah, Jabal Al-Manjor, and Jabal Raat at Shuwaymis are on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, reflecting their profound archeological significance and cultural value on the global stage.
Al-Fadel said the Ministry of Culture is preserving these ancient petroglyphs by documenting archeological sites, conducting regular inspections, and fostering continuous research and academic studies.
When asked about the most striking aspects of life portrayed in the inscriptions, Al-Fadel explained: “They reveal a wealth of information about religious rituals, diverse hunting techniques, and the tools used, such as bows and arrows, spears, and even boomerangs.
“The inscriptions also depict clever hunting strategies, festive occasions like wedding dances, methods of adapting to the desert environment, the domestication of animals, and scenes of horse and camel racing, all illustrated with remarkable realism and detail.”
The script encompasses thousands of inscriptions written in various ancient Arabic languages and dialects. (SUpplied
The Thamudic inscriptions in Hail stand as timeless historical treasures that transport us to the far reaches of antiquity, placing the Kingdom among the earliest cradles of human civilization.
Saad Al-Sharif, a researcher in ancient Arabic inscriptions, notes that the Thamudic script is among the oldest and most significant writing systems used in the Arabian Peninsula.
It has been found across many regions, particularly in the north, including Hail, Tayma, Tabuk and AlUla.
He said that the script is not directly attributed to the Thamud tribe, but scholars had adopted the term “Thamudic” as a convenient label to categorize it.
The script encompasses thousands of inscriptions written in various ancient Arabic languages and dialects.
Al-Sharif said Thamudic inscriptions are a vital source for understanding the linguistic evolution of Arabic, acting as a transitional link between ancient scripts such as Lihyanite and Nabataean and the modern Arabic script.
He underscored the importance of continued research and exploration in this field to deepen understanding of the Arabian Peninsula’s history.
How new car manufacturers and startups are turning Saudi Arabia into an electric mobility hub
As global automakers like Tesla and Lucid expand, Saudi Arabia fast-tracks its EV transition under Vision 2030
Public-private partnerships power Saudi EV growth, with firms like ESSCO rolling out climate-resilient charging solutions nationwide
Updated 10 May 2025
Nada Alturki
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s electric vehicle sector is gaining traction, marked by Tesla’s first dealership in Riyadh and a growing network of charging stations, signaling increased foreign investment and a drive toward sustainability.
The momentum aligns with Vision 2030, the Kingdom’s reform plan that prioritizes sustainability and clean energy. As the government sets the stage for widespread electric vehicle adoption, companies are rapidly expanding infrastructure to meet rising local demand.
Industry leaders say the Kingdom’s approach resonates beyond its borders.
“We see Saudi Arabia’s efforts in sustainability not merely as a national initiative, but as a global inspiration,” Abdulmajeed Al-Ghamdi, general manager of sustainable solutions company ESSCO, told Arab News.
“With the development of mega-projects and smart cities powered by clean energy and intelligent mobility, we believe the future holds unprecedented potential and we are ready to be a part of it.”
ESSCO is among the companies helping to build Saudi Arabia’s EV charging network, balancing environmental priorities with user convenience. Through partnerships with leading EV charger manufacturers in Europe and China, the company has trained its workforce in installation and operational procedures.
Al-Ghamdi believes ESSCO’s nationwide maintenance expertise gives the company a competitive edge.
ESSCO and EVIQ are among the companies helping to build Saudi Arabia’s EV charging network, balancing environmental priorities with user convenience. (Supplied)
“The nature of our company, which also specializes in maintenance, gives us a significant advantage, as we already have high caliber maintenance teams distributed across various regions in the Kingdom,” he said.
“This widespread presence allows us to deploy resources quickly and efficiently, minimizing downtime and ensuring timely project execution.”
To align with regulatory standards, ESSCO collaborates with the Saudi Electricity Company and the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs. ESSCO is also addressing the unique challenges posed by the Kingdom’s vast terrain and extreme climate.
DID YOU KNOW?
• EVs don’t emit exhaust gases, improving air quality and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
• The global EV market is expected to reach $1.57 trillion by 2032.
• China leads the global EV market, accounting for some 58 percent of global EV production in 2023, driven by its top automaker, BYD.
“These standards are based on rigorous data and research provided by SASO, which plays a crucial — though sometimes under-recognized — role in advancing sustainability efforts in the Kingdom,” Al-Ghamdi said.
Rather than viewing the harsh climate as a hurdle, ESSCO sees it as a chance for innovation.
“Drawing from our extensive experience with solar energy systems in both public and private sector projects, we are actively working on integrating solar power and energy storage solutions into our EV charging infrastructure,” Al-Ghamdi explained.
“By capitalizing on Saudi Arabia’s abundant natural sunlight, we are helping pave the way for a more self-sustaining and resilient charging network.”
The company’s work highlights the growing cooperation between the public and private sectors in building a sustainable EV infrastructure.
“We closely follow the significant role played by the Public Investment Fund in driving large-scale investments in the EV sector,” Al-Ghamdi explained.
PIF has played a central role in advancing the Kingdom’s EV industry, most notably through its backing of Lucid, a US-based electric vehicle manufacturer.
Lucid established the Kingdom’s first EV production facility and became the first global automaker to join the “Made in Saudi” program — a milestone in localizing high-tech manufacturing and promoting national industrial growth.
The firm’s assembly plant in Jeddah’s King Abdullah Economic City, which opened in September 2023, is already operational, with a full-scale manufacturing facility expected by 2026.
“I’m very proud of the team, what we’ve been able to accomplish in Saudi Arabia — the first-ever international automotive manufacturing plant in the Kingdom,” Faisal Sultan, vice president and managing director of Lucid Middle East, told Arab News earlier this year.
Lucid Motors is proudly delivering the #LucidAir in Saudi Arabia.
Lucid is not the only player driving Saudi Arabia’s EV ambitions.
Ceer, the Kingdom’s first homegrown electric vehicle brand, is also preparing to launch its debut model in 2026. The company’s production facility is designed for an annual output of 240,000 units, CEO Jim DeLuca told Arab News earlier this year.
Despite global headwinds, DeLuca remains optimistic — but realistic — about the pace of EV adoption.
In the same interview, he acknowledged that global market growth has been slower than expected, noting that product quality, affordability, infrastructure and government incentives will determine how quickly Saudi Arabia transitions to EVs.
“The Ministry of Investment is working on ecosystem incentives to accelerate EV adoption,” DeLuca said. “We see steady growth in the early days, but incentives will be key to making EVs the catalyst for Saudi Arabia’s automotive transformation.”
Backed by the PIF, both Lucid and Ceer benefit from an expanding web of financial support, industrial licensing and regulatory frameworks. These tools have created fertile ground for a local EV ecosystem — one that attracts international players while empowering domestic champions.
The Kingdom’s ambitions stretch beyond manufacturing.
In 2023, the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Co. inaugurated a research and development center in Riyadh, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s push toward becoming a regional innovation hub. That same year, the Kingdom launched its first EV fast-charging station in the capital, marking a critical milestone in public infrastructure readiness.
Charging station of the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Company. (Supplied)
Saudi Arabia’s bold push into the EV market signals more than just an economic pivot; it positions the Kingdom as a leader in environmental transformation across the Middle East.
With Vision 2030 in full swing, the country has committed billions to electrifying its transport sector. Its dual-track strategy — nurturing local brands like Ceer while partnering with global manufacturers like Lucid — underscores a long-term commitment to sustainability.
Adding momentum to this shift, Tesla opened its first dealership and service center in Saudi Arabia in April 2025, marking a key milestone in its Middle East expansion. The flagship Riyadh location offers the Model 3, Model Y and Cybertruck. Tesla also plans pop-up stores in Jeddah and Dammam, along with new Supercharger stations and service centers.
People arrive to attend Tesla's official launch ceremony in Riyadh on April 10, 2025. (AFP)
The effort comes as the region, long dependent on oil exports, faces growing international pressure to decarbonize. By advancing EV adoption, Saudi Arabia is setting a new tone — one focused on reducing transport-related carbon emissions and improving urban air quality in cities such as Riyadh and Jeddah.
EV adoption is only part of the equation. With parallel investments in renewable energy — including solar and green hydrogen — the Kingdom is laying the groundwork for a carbon-neutral power grid. This transition could eventually allow EVs to operate with net-zero emissions, amplifying their environmental impact.
Regionally, Saudi Arabia’s leadership is likely to influence policy beyond its borders.
As the largest economy in the Arab world, the Kingdom’s bold approach to sustainable mobility may push neighboring Gulf states to follow suit — whether through regulatory reform, infrastructure development or public-private collaboration.
Saudi and Moroccan Islamic affairs ministers meet to discuss bilateral cooperation
Updated 10 May 2025
SPA
RIYADH: Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance Sheikh Abdullatif bin Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh received Moroccan Minister of Endowments and Islamic Affairs Ahmed Al-Tawfiq at his residence on Thursday.
The two discussed aspects of bilateral cooperation in serving Islam and enhancing joint efforts on issues of concern to the Islamic world. Several senior officials were also present at the meeting.
