Al Mashair Metro launches first journey for Hajj 2026 pilgrims. Efficient, eco-friendly Al Mashair Metro revolutionizes pilgrimage transport, enhancing ease, safety, and sustainability for millions of Hajj pilgrims. * Publish date: 7 hours ago Reading time: two min read The Al Mashair Metro has launched its first journeys for the 2026 Hajj season, marking a significant step in providing efficient and sustainable transport for pilgrims. The metro connects the holy sites of Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah, offering a modern and eco-friendly solution to facilitate the movement of over two million passengers during the pilgrimage. A high-capacity, eco-friendly transport system. Each train on the Al Mashair Metro can accommodate up to 3,000 passengers, with an operational capacity of 72,000 passengers per hour. This season, the metro is set to operate 2,000 journeys, significantly reducing the need for 50,000 bus trips and easing traffic congestion around the holy sites. Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) has completed maintenance and preparation works for the fleet of 17 trains, including upgrades to signaling, communication systems, and the control center. These efforts ensure the metro operates at the highest standards of efficiency and safety, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030 and the Kingdom's commitment to improving transport services during Hajj. A smarter, greener Hajj experience. The electric-powered Al Mashair Metro is a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia's efforts to create a smart and sustainable mobility system for pilgrims. By relying on zero-carbon emissions, the metro not only reduces travel time but also contributes to environmental sustainability. The 18-kilometer metro line includes nine stations, with three stations each in Mina, Muzdalifah, and Arafat, in addition to Jamarat Station. Trains reach speeds of up to 80 km/h and cover the distance between Arafat Station 1 and Mina Station 3 in just 20 minutes, ensuring swift and reliable transport during peak periods. A decade of service and innovation. Since its launch in November 2010, the Al Mashair Metro has played a pivotal role in facilitating pilgrims' movement between the holy sites. Its high capacity, efficiency, and eco-friendly design have made it one of the world's most advanced transport systems for large-scale events. With this year's operations, the metro continues to uphold its reputation as a key component of Hajj logistics, ensuring pilgrims can perform their rituals with ease, comfort, and reassurance. As Saudi Arabia advances toward its Vision 2030 goals, the Al Mashair Metro stands as a testament to the Kingdom's dedication to innovation and sustainability in serving its guests.

LCB reaches regional Apprenticeship Awards finals with 13 shortlistings. Leeds College of Building (LCB) is a finalist for 13 awards across ten categories at this year's West Yorkshire Apprenticeship Awards. The annual awards event celebrates outstanding apprentices, employers, and training providers across fields such as engineering, law, and construction. This year will mark the fourth edition of the awards, first set up in 2022 by the Yorkshire Evening Post. LCB is shortlisted for the 'Best Training Provider Award', as well as the 'Large Employer of the Year Award,' in collaboration with long-standing partners, Bagnalls. Bagnalls' Andy Holt has been nominated for 'Mentor of the Year' for the work undertaken with LCB apprentices, including Faith Loynes, who is herself up for the 'Intermediate Apprentice Award.' LCB apprentices Gurman Dev (employed by WSP) and Tom Butler (CML Civil Engineering) are both shortlisted for the 'Advanced Apprentice' and 'Degree Apprentice' categories respectively. LCB apprentice Martin Barlow, who works for South West Yorkshire Partnership Teaching NHS Foundation Trust, and Martyn Priestley, who works for Bradford Council, are both nominated for the 'Construction Apprentice Award.' Nominees in the 'Higher Apprenticeship' category include Jack Peacock and William Sykes, recognised for their work with Wates Group and East Riding Council respectively. LCB apprentice Caleb Graham, who works for Systra, is a finalist in the 'Technology and Digital Apprentice Award', while Farhan Miah (Arup) and Joe Rhodes (ITV) are both shortlisted for the 'Engineering / Manufacturing Apprentice Award' category. Michael Martin, LCB Curriculum Manager of Construction Crafts, said: "We are absolutely delighted to receive so many nominations across the various categories. It really is a testament to the range and quality of our apprenticeship education provision. "On behalf of everyone at LCB, I'd like to say a massive congratulations to all our nominated apprentices. We can't wait to celebrate all your success from across the year at the awards event." The West Yorkshire Apprenticeship Awards 2026 will take place on Thursday 14 May at the Cedar Court Hotel in Bradford. Visit the LCB website to find out how to secure an apprenticeship. Photo: LCB's South Bank campus at Cudbear Street, Hunslet While you're here, can we ask a favour? South Leeds Life is published by a not-for-profit social enterprise. We keep our costs as low as possible but we've been hit by increases in the print costs for our monthly newspaper which have doubled in the last two years. Could you help support local community news by making a one off donation, or even better taking out a supporters subscription? Thank you for your support