High-speed train travels across the Saudi Arabian desert.

The Haramain high-speed train travels the 450 km route across the desert at a speed of 300 km/h.

The Haramain high-speed train will carry millions of pilgrims to the holy city of Mecca. Photo: AFP

With 50 trips a day, the Haramain high-speed train runs on a 450-kilometer route along the Red Sea coast. Haramain, meaning "two sanctuaries" in Arabic, connects the cities of Mecca and Medina, located at opposite ends of the railway line. The route also connects Jeddah Airport with the King Abdullah Economic City, according to CNN . The sleek, elongated train traverses the scorching desert, carrying passengers at speeds of 300 km/h.

The Haramain train, among the 10 fastest trains in the world , marks the beginning of a sprawling railway network across Saudi Arabia as the country invests billions of dollars in infrastructure to boost tourism and diversify revenue streams beyond oil.

During the Hajj pilgrimage from June 26th to July 1st, authorities will add more trains to accommodate the large number of pilgrims participating in the religious event. According to Tawfiq Al Rabiah, the Hajj minister in Saudi Arabia, more than two million pilgrims from over 160 countries will arrive this year. "With smooth roads and train networks, shuttle bus services, and unified infrastructure, pilgrims will have a seamless travel experience," Al Rabiah shared.

The stations along the railway line are efficient, modern, and comfortable, with beautiful designs. Both Jeddah and KAEC stations are inspired by diamonds and are almost identical. Designed by the British architectural firm Foster + Partners, the buildings feature sharp angles, smooth, glossy black walls, and numerous small star-like carvings on the ceiling, allowing light to shine through at different angles.

Saudi Arabia is planning to add more high-speed rail services in the near future. In January 2022, Investment Minister Khalid al-Falih announced plans to build 8,000 km of railway across the country.

An Khang (According to CNN )

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