Riyadh Metro on its way to reshaping the city

Special Riyadh Metro on its way to reshaping the city
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The integration of nature and architecture at Qasr Al-Hokm Metro Station, making it one of Riyadh’s most visually striking public transit hubs. (AN Photo/Huda Bashatah)
Special Riyadh Metro on its way to reshaping the city
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Lush greenery inside Qasr Al-Hokm Metro Station, enhancing the commuter experience with a refreshing, eco-friendly design. (AN Photo/Huda Bashatah)
Special Riyadh Metro on its way to reshaping the city
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A view of Qasr Al-Hokm Metro Station’s modern architectural design, blending contemporary elements with traditional Saudi aesthetics. (AN Photo/Huda Bashatah)
Special Riyadh Metro on its way to reshaping the city
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An illuminated artistic installation at Qasr Al-Hokm Metro Station, reflecting Riyadh’s fusion of heritage and modernity. (AN Photo/Huda Bashatah)
Special Riyadh Metro on its way to reshaping the city
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An artistic installation inside Qasr Al-Hokm Metro Station, featuring illuminated drum-like structures inspired by Saudi heritage. (AN Photo/Huda Bashatah)
Special Riyadh Metro on its way to reshaping the city
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Passengers enter and exit Qasr Al-Hokm Metro Station, highlighting the growing reliance on Riyadh’s modern public transport system. (AN Photo/Huda Bashatah)
Special Riyadh Metro on its way to reshaping the city
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The striking entrance of Qasr Al-Hokm Metro Station, featuring a futuristic mirrored canopy reflecting Riyadh’s blend of tradition and modernity. (AN Photo/Huda Bashatah)
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A glimpse inside a Riyadh Metro train, showcasing the diverse commuters embracing the city’s new transportation era. (AN Photo/Huda Bashatah)
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Updated 03 April 2025

Riyadh Metro on its way to reshaping the city

Riyadh Metro on its way to reshaping the city
  • Some passengers praise affordability, design, while others believe it needs more speed, transfer routes, and reduced transfer times
  • Newly opened Qasr Al-Hokm Station is a key addition to the metro network, strategically located in Riyadh’s historic district

RIYADH: Riyadh Metro is rapidly reshaping the city’s public transportation landscape, providing residents and visitors with an efficient and cost-effective alternative to private cars and ride-hailing services. 

As the metro expands, its social and economic impacts are becoming more evident, from easing traffic congestion to influencing real estate trends. 

The newly opened Qasr Al-Hokm Station is a key addition to the metro network, strategically located in Riyadh’s historic district. It provides easy access to government buildings, cultural landmarks, and bustling markets, making it a crucial hub for commuters and visitors alike. 

To understand the metro’s impact firsthand, several passengers shared their experiences at Qasr Al-Hokm Station, highlighting both the benefits and challenges of using Riyadh’s latest public transport system.

For many residents, the affordability and ease of use make the metro an attractive alternative to private transportation. Menna Ali, a frequent rider, praised its cost-effectiveness: “It’s much easier to use, much cheaper than other transportation options. And you don’t have to stick in the traffic, and I’m happy with it.”

The metro is also helping to cut travel times for many commuters. Abdullah Al-Ghamdi, who regularly visits the area, noted how much simpler his commute has become. “I frequently visit this area, and I used to struggle to get here. Now, it takes me about 20 minutes from my residence to reach this place. Honestly, it’s excellent — saving time, reducing stress, and avoiding traffic. It’s truly great.”

However, while the metro is convenient for some, others note that it can be time-consuming, particularly when multiple transfers are required. Haifa Al-Marhum highlighted this challenge: “Honestly, it takes time — I have to go from one station to another and so on. So in terms of time, no, it does take a while.

“In terms of saving money, it definitely helps — whether for transportation, fuel, or for those who have a car or don’t. It’s a real money-saver, and on top of that, it helps avoid traffic,” she added.

While the metro provides financial relief for many commuters, its speed remains a concern. During peak hours, the overall travel time can be comparable to driving in heavy traffic, raising questions about whether it truly offers a faster alternative. Although it eliminates some of the stress of car travel and reduces fuel costs, the metro’s slower pace may not be ideal for those in a hurry.

Passengers at Qasr Al-Hokm Station also praised the metro’s accessibility, well-placed signage, and helpful staff. Fahad Hussain noted how easy it is to navigate the system. “The staff here make everything easy in terms of assistance and explaining locations. Everything is simple, and we haven’t faced any difficulties so far. Plus, the signs are available everywhere.”

The metro’s modern design and efficiency have also impressed international visitors. Georgii Korshunov, a traveler from Russia, described the system as futuristic, comparing it to Moscow’s extensive metro network. Meanwhile, Kate Pirogova, highlighted its user-friendly layout. “I like Riyadh Metro, it’s very modern, very simple to navigate.” 

To further encourage public transport adoption, authorities have introduced a free Uber ride initiative, allowing passengers to activate a voucher through the Uber app for complimentary rides within 3 km of any metro station. This initiative aims to address the “last-mile problem” by providing seamless connections between metro stations and final destinations, making public transport a more viable option for daily commutes. 

The metro’s influence extends beyond daily commutes; it is also shaping real estate trends in Riyadh. Landlords and real estate agents are increasingly promoting properties by emphasizing their proximity to metro stations, signaling a growing demand for metro-accessible housing.

This trend is common in global metropolitan areas, where transit-oriented developments often lead to increased property values and higher rental demand. As Riyadh continues to expand its metro network, neighborhoods near stations may see a surge in desirability and investment potential. 

The Riyadh Metro represents a major shift in the city’s transportation culture, gradually reducing reliance on private vehicles and contributing to ’s Vision 2030 goals for sustainable urban mobility. By offering an affordable, efficient, and environmentally friendly alternative, the metro is paving the way for a more connected and accessible city.

However, the metro still faces challenges in terms of speed and efficiency, particularly for those who are accustomed to faster car travel, even in traffic. While its affordability and reliability are strong advantages, future enhancements — such as faster trains, express routes, or reduced transfer times — may be key to convincing more residents to make the permanent switch to public transport.


Training program promotes smart farming practices 

Training program promotes smart farming practices 
Updated 26 August 2025

Training program promotes smart farming practices 

Training program promotes smart farming practices 
  • Participants are learning about advanced systems for climate control, smart irrigation, crop monitoring, and energy-saving solutions

Riyadh: The National Research and Development Center for Sustainable Agriculture, known as Estidamah, and NEOM food company Topian have been running their second greenhouse management training program in Riyadh.

The program, which began on Aug. 24 and ends on Thursday, aims to promote sustainable agricultural practices by providing comprehensive training in the management and operation of climate-controlled greenhouses.

Participants are learning about advanced systems for climate control, smart irrigation, crop monitoring, and energy-saving solutions, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

The curriculum also addresses key challenges such as water scarcity, soil health, and biodiversity conservation, the SPA added. 

This initiative is a part of Estidamah’s knowledge-transfer program, which seeks to improve farming efficiency and enhance food security. This is in line with the objectives of the country’s National Agriculture Strategy.


Yanbu fisheries support program boosts efficiency

Yanbu fisheries support program boosts efficiency
Updated 26 August 2025

Yanbu fisheries support program boosts efficiency

Yanbu fisheries support program boosts efficiency

RIYADH: The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture’s Yanbu office, in cooperation with Reef National Foundation, delivered 65 marine engines to fishermen in the governorate, along with around 1,234 tools and pieces of equipment for boat outfitting.

The initiative is part of support programs for small-scale fishermen to strengthen the fisheries sector, ensure sustainable marine resources, and contribute to the ministry’s strategic goals.

The programs also included training and qualification for 580 beneficiaries to improve efficiency in all fishing processes, ensuring the highest quality products reach consumers, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

Earlier, the office provided about 17 preservation and refrigeration vehicles and 40 fishing boats under the localization of the fishing profession initiative, in cooperation with the Yanbu Cooperative Society for Fishermen.

The initiative’s fishing boats generated sales exceeding SR697,000 ($186,000) through more than 2,700 fishing trips, the SPA reported.


Saudi cabinet reaffirms support for OIC stance on Gaza, urges urgent global action

Saudi cabinet reaffirms support for OIC stance on Gaza, urges urgent global action
Updated 26 August 2025

Saudi cabinet reaffirms support for OIC stance on Gaza, urges urgent global action

Saudi cabinet reaffirms support for OIC stance on Gaza, urges urgent global action
  • The ministers also reviewed the outcomes of recent high-level engagements, including Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s meeting with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi

JEDDAH: The Saudi Council of Ministers, chaired on Tuesday by King Salman, affirmed its support for the outcomes of the meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation’s Council of Foreign Ministers, held in Jeddah to address Israel’s ongoing aggression against the Palestinian people.

In a statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency, the cabinet reiterated the Kingdom’s call on the international community, particularly the permanent members of the UN Security Council, to urgently intervene to end the violence and protect civilians.

The ministers also reviewed the outcomes of recent high-level engagements, including Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s meeting with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and his phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The session further discussed a message King Salman received from President El-Sisi regarding bilateral relations between Riyadh and Cairo.


denounces Israeli incursion into Syrian territories

 denounces Israeli incursion into Syrian territories
Updated 26 August 2025

denounces Israeli incursion into Syrian territories

 denounces Israeli incursion into Syrian territories
  • Syria says Israel takes some territory around Mount Hermon despite talks
  • An Israeli military spokesperson said troops carried out a routine operational activity in an area of southern Syria

strongly condemned Israeli incursions inside the Syrian border, it was announced on Tuesday, calling them “a flagrant violation of the sovereignty” of Syria. 

A statement from the Saudi Foreign Ministry said: “The Kingdom of expresses its strong condemnation and denunciation of the continuation of Israeli violations, its incursion into Syrian territories, and its interference in its internal affairs.”

It added the act was “a flagrant violation of the sovereignty” of Syria and international law and also violated “the disengagement agreement signed between Syria and Israel in 1974, which comes amid the tension in the situation in the Sweida Governorate.”

 

Syria said on Monday that Israel had sent 60 soldiers to take control of an area inside the border around Mount Hermon. The Syrian government said the operation violated its sovereignty and posed a further threat to regional security.

“This dangerous escalation is considered a direct threat to regional peace and security,” said a statement from Syria’s foreign ministry.

A spokesman for the Israeli military said troops carried out routine operational activity in an area of southern Syria but did not operate in Beit Jinn, an area close to the border with Lebanon and near Mount Hermon.

Monday's incident took place near a strategic hilltop overlooking Beit Jinn, according to the Syrian ministry. It was also reported that Israel arrested six Syrians there.

The incident comes as the two countries engage in US-mediated talks on de-escalating their conflict in southern Syria. Damascus hopes to reach a security arrangement that could eventually pave the way for broader political talks.

 


Global symposium charts future of digital regulation

Global symposium charts future of digital regulation
Updated 26 August 2025

Global symposium charts future of digital regulation

Global symposium charts future of digital regulation
  • GSR25 will close with a resolution outlining regulatory principles for the post-digital era

RIYADH: The Global Symposium for Regulators opens in Riyadh next week, bringing together delegates from more than 190 countries to discuss the future of digital regulation.

With the theme “Regulation for Sustainable Digital Development,” the event is being hosted by ’s Communications, Space and Technology Commission with the UN International Telecommunication Union. It will address topics including artificial intelligence, sixth-generation networks and the integration of terrestrial and non-terrestrial systems. 

Officials say the symposium marks a milestone in shaping global digital governance, stressing the role of regulators in driving innovation, protecting consumers, and closing the digital divide while advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals. 

It comes as aims to become a global digital leader following its appointment to the UN’s ITU digital regulation network board. Internet use in the Kingdom reached 99 percent in 2024.

GSR25 will close with a resolution outlining regulatory principles for the post-digital era, based on participants’ insights and session recommendations.