The National Center for Meteorology in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia issued its daily report on the expected weather conditions for today (Thursday), indicating the continuation of weather fluctuations witnessed in several regions of the Kingdom, which range between thunderstorms and surface wind activity that stirs up dust and sand.

Expected rainfall map

The center explained in its report that the chance of thunderstorms accompanied by surface wind activity and reduced horizontal visibility remains high in parts of the southern and southwestern regions. This weather pattern includes the highlands of Jazan, Asir, and Al-Baha of Makkah region and reaching the southern parts of Madinah . These forecasts are part of the seasonal rainy season that affects mountainous areas due to the topography and the flow of moisture.

Surface winds and dust

Regarding the central, eastern, and northern regions, the National Center for Meteorology noted a significant increase in surface winds stirring up dust and sand, which could lead to near-zero horizontal visibility in open areas and on highways. This warning includes the eastern parts of the aforementioned rainy regions, as well as large parts of Najran, Riyadh, Qassim, Hail, and Al-Jawf regions, and the western parts of the Northern Borders .

Possibility of rain in central Saudi Arabia

The report did not rule out the possibility of rain-bearing thunderclouds extending to parts of central Saudi Arabia, noting the possibility of light rain that could cool the atmosphere and contribute to improving air quality after the dust storms.

General context and safety recommendations

These weather fluctuations are part of the Kingdom's typical climatic patterns during transitional periods, as different air masses interact, causing atmospheric instability. These reports are of particular importance to citizens and residents, especially drivers on highways connecting different regions, given the impact of dust and rain on visibility.

Weather experts and relevant authorities always advise caution in such conditions, staying away from flood channels and valleys in rainy areas, using warning lights, and reducing speed while driving in areas experiencing wind and dust activity to maintain public safety.

The Madinah Region Development Authority, represented by the "Madinah Buses" project, announced the launch of its operational plan for shuttle bus services during the holy month of Ramadan 1447 AH. This strategic step aims to facilitate the movement of worshippers, visitors, and pilgrims to and from the Prophet's Mosque and Quba Mosque, ensuring smooth traffic flow in the central area.

Service routes and main stations

The authority explained that the service will include dedicated routes covering various parts of Medina to ensure accessibility for the widest possible range of users. The buses will pass through a number of key and strategic stations, and the approved list includes:

• King Fahd's plan.
• Haramain High-Speed ​​Railway Station.
• Shatha station.
• Al-Khalidiyah neighborhood.
• Sayyid al-Shuhada area.
• College of Peace.
• The sports stadium.
• The garden.

In addition, a vital route has been designated that extends from the Al-Aliya area to the Quba Mosque, to connect the prominent religious landmarks with each other and facilitate the visit of worshippers to the Quba Mosque.

The importance of shuttle transport during peak seasons

The shuttle bus service becomes crucial during the holy month of Ramadan, as Madinah witnesses an influx of millions of visitors from within the Kingdom and abroad. This project directly contributes to alleviating the severe traffic congestion that can occur on roads leading to the central area surrounding the Prophet's Mosque. By utilizing high-capacity buses, the number of private vehicles entering the city center is reduced, thus lowering carbon emissions and protecting the environment, in addition to saving visitors time and effort in searching for parking.

Enhancing the experience of pilgrims

This announcement comes as part of ongoing efforts to enhance the experience of visitors and pilgrims, aligning with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 and the Guests of God Service Program. Authorities in Madinah are committed to providing highly reliable transportation services that ensure passenger comfort and safety. The shuttle bus system has proven highly successful in managing crowds and regulating pedestrian and vehicle flow during previous seasons, making it a cornerstone of operational plans for religious seasons.

The authority affirmed its commitment to applying the highest standards of safety and comfort in the buses used, while providing accurate timetables to reduce waiting times, allowing worshippers to devote themselves to worship and perform their rituals with ease and peace of mind.

The Saudi capital, Riyadh, concluded the Saudi Media Forum 2026 , in an exceptional event that witnessed the crowning of the winners of the Saudi Media Award 2026 in its new version, thus consolidating the Kingdom’s position as a media powerhouse in the region, and a global platform that embraces senior decision-makers, experts and creators in the content and media industry.

A global achievement in the Guinness Book of Records

In a precedent that confirms the magnitude of the momentum the event has gained, the Saudi Media Forum has earned a Guinness World Records certificate as the largest media event in the world in terms of the number of attendees, reflecting the growing soft power of the Kingdom and its ability to organize major events that attract the world’s attention.

Broad international participation and institutional transformation

The head of the Saudi Media Forum, Mohammed Al-Harthi, revealed remarkable figures that distinguished this edition, noting the participation of nearly 300 speakers from around the world. Al-Harthi affirmed that the forum is steadily progressing from a seasonal annual event to a sustainable, year-round institutional endeavor aimed at developing the media landscape and enhancing the capabilities of national talent.

The context of media transformation and Vision 2030

The success of the Saudi Media Forum 2026 aligns with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which prioritizes the media sector as a key pillar of the economy and an effective tool for conveying an accurate picture of Saudi Arabia's developmental transformations. In recent years, the forum has fostered a fertile environment for exchanging expertise between Saudi media professionals and their international counterparts, thereby enhancing the professionalism of the local media landscape.

Foresight and the challenges of technology

The forum not only celebrated the winners but also became a genuine opportunity to envision the future of media in the digital age. Attendees discussed the latest developments and challenges facing the sector, particularly with the rise of artificial intelligence technologies and their direct impact on content creation and the media landscape as a whole. The presence of a distinguished group of media figures and decision-makers underscored the forum's importance as an international platform for discussion, collaboration, and building strategic, cross-border partnerships.

The importance of the Saudi Media Award

The Saudi Media Award, whose prizes were distributed at the conclusion of the forum, is one of the most important catalysts for media creativity in the region, as it aims to encourage professional competition and honor creative individuals in the fields of journalism, television, and digital media, thus contributing to raising the quality of content provided to the public.