Riyadh’s coolest ride this summer is the metro

Commuters say the Riyadh Metro has significantly reduced travel times compared to navigating the city’s increasingly congested roads. (AN photos by Huda Bashatah)
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Commuters say the Riyadh Metro has significantly reduced travel times compared to navigating the city’s increasingly congested roads. (AN photos by Huda Bashatah)
Riyadh’s coolest ride this summer is the metro
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Commuters at Qasr Al Hokm Station. (AN Photo by Huda Bashatah)
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Updated 13 sec ago

Riyadh’s coolest ride this summer is the metro

Riyadh’s coolest ride this summer is the metro
  • Designed for over 1m passengers a day, the system is impressing locals as temperatures soar

RIYADH: As Riyadh sizzles under peak summer heat, residents are turning to the city’s new metro system for a faster, cooler way to get around, proving that public transport can thrive, even when temperatures soar.

Arab News spoke to Riyadh residents about why the summer sun is no issue when it comes to commuting.

For the past couple of months, Rashid Alikhan has opted to use the metro to get to work, hopping on at SABIC Station and getting off at King Abdullah Financial District.




Commuters say the Riyadh Metro has significantly reduced travel times compared to navigating the city’s increasingly congested roads. (AN photo by Huda Bashatah)

“The most challenging aspect has been getting to the station and back home in a way that made sense. I’d say parking is an issue if you don’t go early,” he said.

“I go before it gets too hot to walk from the parking to the station … The stations are well AC’d … but it does get hot, so you just have to bear it.”

He recommends that passengers take a seat during the transit, whenever they are available, to minimize the burden of the trip.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Riyadh Metro features driverless trains and air-conditioned cabins with designated seating areas.

• The system is also integrated with the Riyadh Bus network, creating a unified public transport solution.

• Riders can pay via contactless cards, station kiosks, or the Darb app.

“Getting first class is worth it, and avoiding the rush and the sun. If you’re walking from the car to the station, I see a lot of people taking umbrellas, so that helps.”




Commuters say the Riyadh Metro has significantly reduced travel times compared to navigating the city’s increasingly congested roads. (AN photo by Huda Bashatah)

Commuters say the Riyadh Metro has significantly reduced travel times compared to navigating the city’s increasingly congested roads.

The system includes several sustainable features, such as energy-efficient trains and stations, and regenerative braking technology that helps cut energy use.

To boost accessibility, rideshare platforms such as Uber are offering free connections through the RPT Link service, which transports passengers to metro stations within a 3 km radius.




Commuters at Qasr Al Hokm Station in Riyadh. (AN Photo by Huda Bashatah)

Nouf Al-Dossari, a content creator, said she relies on the metro for attending events and work-related outings. “It has been cost-friendly to me and saves me lots of time,” she said.

“Usually I’d leave my house an hour before to just reach in time because of the traffic, but now I leave 15 to 20 minutes before the scheduled time. It’s been wonderful.”

She encourages others to use the metro during the hot months, but also advises staying hydrated and in the shade as much as possible.




Commuters at Qasr Al Hokm Station in Riyadh.(AN Photo by Huda Bashatah)

“I believe the most challenging part is trying to find an available seat when coming back home, and even in the morning because everyone is heading to work,” she said.

While she is used to the Riyadh heat, she still uses Uber to reach the stations for safety reasons.

“Some are located near highways or busy roads which makes it a bit difficult to safely walk to and from,” she explained.




People purchase tickets at the King Abdullah Finance District "KAFD" metro station in the Saudi capital Riyadh on December 1, 2024. (AFP)

Noura Al-Dakhil has been using the metro for her daily commute for over a month and says that the transition has been relatively smooth.

“The stations I use have a big sidewalk next to it, safety measures, and comfortable access. Although the parking situation isn’t ideal — or, let’s say, nonexistent,” she said.

While she used to walk to a nearby station in cooler months, the summer heat has forced her to adapt.




The metro is built to accommodate up to 1.2 million passengers daily. (Supplied)

“In the summer, I use my car and park next to the station,” she said. For those without that option, she recommends preparing for the weather, such as using an umbrella.

“It’s a game changer. And wear airy fabrics. I switched to cold caffeinated beverages, which helped too.”

The metro is built to accommodate up to 1.2 million passengers daily. It features driverless trains and air-conditioned cabins with designated seating areas.

The system is also integrated with the Riyadh Bus network, creating a unified public transport solution. Riders can pay via contactless cards, station kiosks, or the Darb app.


Saudi traditional container keeps its cool — and makes a cultural comeback

For generations, Al-Samil  played a vital role in desert life as a simple storage container for food and water. (SPA)
For generations, Al-Samil played a vital role in desert life as a simple storage container for food and water. (SPA)
Updated 5 sec ago

Saudi traditional container keeps its cool — and makes a cultural comeback

For generations, Al-Samil  played a vital role in desert life as a simple storage container for food and water. (SPA)
  • Al-Samil is handmade from tanned livestock skin using time-honored methods, and can preserve the quality and taste of ghee, yogurt, and water for extended periods without the need for cooling

RIYADH: As part of ’s Year of Handicrafts, a traditional handmade leather container used to store food before the advent of refrigeration is making a comeback in the Northern Borders region.

For generations, Al-Samil played a vital role in desert life as a simple storage container for food and water.

For generations, Al-Samil  played a vital role in desert life as a simple storage container for food and water. (SPA)

Now the traditional items are being celebrated as a lasting emblem of Bedouin heritage, Saudi Press Agency reported.

Al-Samil is handmade from tanned livestock skin using time-honored methods, and can preserve the quality and taste of ghee, yogurt, and water for extended periods without the need for cooling.

FASTFACT

At Arar’s traditional market, local artisans display Al-Samil alongside other crafts, including sadu weaving, spinning tools, and embroidered garments.

More than just functional, Al-Samil reflects a self-sufficient way of life and craftsmanship passed down through generations.

Today, interest in Al-Samil is being reived at heritage festivals and handicraft exhibitions held across cities and governorates in the region.

The container is still valued for storing wild ghee and fermented yogurt, with the leather adding a distinct flavor. Many rural homes and farms still use it.

At Arar’s traditional market, local artisans display Al-Samil alongside other crafts, including sadu weaving, spinning tools, and embroidered garments.

The market has become a key attraction for both residents and tourists looking to experience the region’s cultural heritage firsthand, the SPA reported.

 


Saudi project clears 1,559 mines in Yemen

The project trains local demining engineers and provides them with modern equipment. (Supplied/Project Masam)
The project trains local demining engineers and provides them with modern equipment. (Supplied/Project Masam)
Updated 10 sec ago

Saudi project clears 1,559 mines in Yemen

The project trains local demining engineers and provides them with modern equipment. (Supplied/Project Masam)
  • The demining operations took place in Marib, Aden, Jouf, Shabwa, Taiz, Hodeidah, Lahij, Sanaa, Al-Bayda, Al-Dhale and Saada

RIYADH: Members of ’s Project Masam removed 1,559 explosive devices from various regions of Yemen last week.

The total included 1,513 unexploded ordnances, 45 anti-tank mines and one anti-personnel mines, according to a recent report.

Ousama Al-Gosaibi, the initiative’s managing director, said that 504,295 mines have been cleared since the project began in 2018.

The explosives were planted indiscriminately and posed a threat to civilians, including children, women and the elderly.

The demining operations took place in Marib, Aden, Jouf, Shabwa, Taiz, Hodeidah, Lahij, Sanaa, Al-Bayda, Al-Dhale and Saada.

The project trains local demining engineers and provides them with modern equipment. It also offers support to Yemenis injured by the devices.

Teams are tasked with clearing villages, roads and schools to facilitate the safe movement of civilians and delivery of humanitarian aid.

 


Saudi deputy FM receives EU ambassador

Waleed Elkhereiji (R) and Christophe Farnaud in Riyadh. (Supplied)
Waleed Elkhereiji (R) and Christophe Farnaud in Riyadh. (Supplied)
Updated 21 sec ago

Saudi deputy FM receives EU ambassador

Waleed Elkhereiji (R) and Christophe Farnaud in Riyadh. (Supplied)
  • They reviewed relations between the Kingdom and the EU, as well as regional and international developments of common interest

RIYADH: Saudi Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed Elkhereiji received EU Ambassador to the Kingdom Christophe Farnaud in Riyadh on Monday.

During the meeting, they reviewed relations between the Kingdom and the EU, as well as regional and international developments of common interest, the Foreign Ministry said in a post on X.

Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for Economic and Development Affairs Abdullah bin Zarah received Dya-Eddine Bamakhrama, ambassador of Djibouti and dean of the diplomatic corps, in Riyadh on Monday. They discussed economic matters of mutual interest.

 

 


Documentary shines light on ’s progress, development

New Konoz documentary highlight's Kingdoms advancements towards achieving 2030 goals. (SPA)
New Konoz documentary highlight's Kingdoms advancements towards achieving 2030 goals. (SPA)
Updated 07 July 2025

Documentary shines light on ’s progress, development

New Konoz documentary highlight's Kingdoms advancements towards achieving 2030 goals. (SPA)
  • Movie celebrates political, economic, cultural, sporting advancements

RIYADH: ’s transformation toward its Vision 2030 goals has been documented in a new film by the Ministry of Media.

Launched by the ministry’s Konoz initiative, “The Destination” highlights the progress made in the political, economic, medical, sporting, cultural, media and artistic fields.

Mirroring the film's title, has become a global destination for investment, tourism, and much more. (Supplied)

Its title reflects the Kingdom’s path toward becoming a global destination for tourism and investment.

Konoz CEO Abdullah Al-Ahmari credited megaprojects and upcoming events such as the AFC Asian Cup 2027, Expo Riyadh 2030 and FIFA World Cup 2034.

HIGHLIGHT

‘The Destination’ includes interviews with key figures from various fields as well as testimonies, quotes and historical records. It is part of a series of films produced by Konoz in cooperation with almost 90 organizations and more than 2,600 individuals.

“The Konoz initiative aims to document the Kingdom’s achievements through creative productions,” he said, describing the country as a “model admired by the world.”

The film reflected the progress being made on the ground and highlighted the initiative’s focus on Saudi talent in shaping the Kingdom’s future, he said.

“The Destination” includes interviews with key figures from various fields as well as testimonies, quotes and historical records. It is part of a series of films produced by Konoz in cooperation with almost 90 organizations and more than 2,600 individuals.

The Konoz initiative is part of the Human Capacity Development Program under Vision 2030. Its goal is to promote n culture around the world by highlighting the contributions and success stories of its citizens.

 


Grant helps nonprofits to create green jobs

Grant helps nonprofits to create green jobs
Updated 07 July 2025

Grant helps nonprofits to create green jobs

Grant helps nonprofits to create green jobs
  • Funding available for projects that equip low-income individuals with vocational and technical skills for green sectors
  • Initiative is aligned with Vision 2030’s goals of economic diversification and green investment

JEDDAH: The King Khalid Foundation has opened applications for the fourth round of its Green Grant, aimed at empowering nonprofit organizations across .

Applications for the grant are open until Aug. 9, with funding available for projects that equip low-income individuals with vocational and technical skills for green sectors, improving livelihoods through sustainable jobs.

The initiative is aligned with Vision 2030’s goals of economic diversification and green investment, and enables nonprofits to drive sustainable development, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

Eligible projects include organic farming, ecotourism, recycling, energy efficiency, renewable energy, reforestation, and wildlife protection.

The grant fosters job creation and income opportunities, while preserving the environment and reducing ecological impact, the SPA added.

Launched in 2022 by Princess Nouf bint Mohammed, CEO of the foundation, the program has since expanded nationwide, offering workshops on the green economy and emerging environmental careers.

This cycle accepts proposals only from nonprofit organizations; individual applications are not eligible. Grant amounts vary by project scale and feasibility.

Successful applicants will join workshops from Aug. 18–24, with final recipients announced in October 2025. For guidelines, applications, and more details, visit kkf.org.sa/greengrants.