As part of intensive preparations for the holy month of Ramadan and to facilitate the movement of visitors and pilgrims in Madinah, the Madinah Buses Project has announced the launch of its seasonal operational plan, which includes the operation of eight shuttle bus routes. This vital service aims to transport worshippers and visitors to and from the Prophet's Mosque and Quba Mosque, under the direct supervision of the Madinah Development Authority.

Route details and opening times

The project clarified that the service will be available daily throughout the holy month, with buses departing from 3:00 PM and continuing until one hour after the Taraweeh prayers, ensuring worshippers can return to their destinations easily and conveniently. The shuttle network covers several key locations and residential areas to serve the largest possible segment of residents and visitors, and includes the following stops:

• Al-Khalidiyah neighborhood.
• King Fahd neighborhood.
• Haramain High-Speed ​​Railway Station (a strategic connection point for those coming from Mecca and Jeddah).
• Shatha neighborhood.
• Master of Martyrs.
• College of Peace.
• The sports stadium.
• The garden.

A direct and specific route has also been allocated starting from the “Al-Aliya Station” parking lot to transport worshippers directly to the Quba Mosque, reflecting the interest in linking historical Islamic landmarks with an advanced transportation network.

Reducing traffic congestion and improving quality of life

This initiative is part of a comprehensive strategy to manage crowds and regulate traffic in the central area surrounding the Prophet's Mosque. It is well known that Ramadan sees a massive influx of people to the mosque, which typically causes traffic congestion and challenges in securing parking spaces. Therefore, shuttle services are the ideal solution to reduce reliance on private vehicles, contributing to lower carbon emissions, an improved urban landscape, and saving time and effort for worshippers.

The context of development and serving the guests of God

The "City Buses" project falls within the Kingdom's ongoing efforts to achieve the goals of Vision 2030, specifically the Guests of God Service Program, which aims to enhance the quality of services provided to pilgrims and visitors. Madinah, as the second capital of Islam and home to the Prophet's Mosque, is a central focus of these development plans. The connection between the Prophet's Mosque and Quba Mosque holds immense religious and historical significance, as visitors are keen to pray at Quba Mosque following the Sunnah (Prophetic tradition). Therefore, providing safe and reliable transportation between these two sites is essential to enriching the spiritual experience for visitors.

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, chaired the Cabinet session held today (Tuesday) in Riyadh. The Cabinet began its session by extending its congratulations to all citizens and Muslims worldwide on the approaching holy month of Ramadan, praying to God Almighty to accept everyone's good deeds and to perpetuate the blessings of security and safety upon the Kingdom under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques.

Pride in the founding day and historical depth

In the context of national occasions, the Cabinet affirmed that the Kingdom's celebration of its National Day, which falls on February 22, represents a profound expression of pride in the deep-rooted foundations of the Saudi state, which extend back nearly three centuries. The Cabinet noted that this day commemorates the pillars of justice, unity, and stability established by the imams and kings, making the Kingdom a leading model among nations. This celebration serves to connect current generations with their glorious history, reinforcing national identity and the authentic values ​​upon which the state was founded.

Record successes in serving the guests of God

The Council discussed the efforts made to serve pilgrims to the Two Holy Mosques, expressing its gratitude to God Almighty for granting the Kingdom success in managing the Hajj and Umrah seasons. The Council commended the Kingdom's projection of receiving 19.5 million pilgrims and Umrah performers from outside the Kingdom by 2025, a figure that reflects the rapid development in infrastructure, digital services, and logistics, in line with the objectives of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 and the Guests of God Service Program, which aims to facilitate the hosting of pilgrims and enrich their religious and cultural experience.

A firm stance towards the Palestinian cause

On the political front, the Cabinet reiterated the Kingdom's condemnation of the Israeli occupation authorities' decision to designate lands in the West Bank as "state land." The Cabinet affirmed that these illegal measures undermine the prospects for peace and constitute a blatant violation of the historical rights of the Palestinian people. The Cabinet emphasized the Kingdom's unwavering position calling for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state within the June 4, 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, and urged the international community to fulfill its responsibilities to halt these violations.

Strengthening military industries and international partnerships

The Council commended the resounding success of the third edition of the World Defense Show in Riyadh, noting the strategic agreements and partnerships signed during the event. The Council affirmed that these steps directly contribute to supporting the localization of military industries, technology transfer, and strengthening local supply chains, which are fundamental pillars for achieving self-sufficiency and enhancing the Kingdom's defense capabilities in line with the objectives of the National Vision.

Strategic decisions and approvals

The Council concluded its session by issuing several important decisions, most notably approving the National Strategy for Biosafety and Biosecurity , which aims to strengthen the system for preventing and protecting against biological risks. The Council also approved regulations governing the continued presence of vehicles registered in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries within the Kingdom, and amended the name of the "World Cup Esports Foundation" to the "Esports Foundation."

On the international relations front, the Council authorized a number of ministers to discuss and sign memoranda of understanding with several countries, including Japan in the areas of city management and traditional arts, Italy in the field of justice, Indonesia in the palm and date sector, Bahrain in government communication, and Algeria in digital government, in addition to agreements with China, Brazil and the African Centers for Disease Control.