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Fantastically beautiful morning mood on the Red Sea near Nuweiba / Sinai / Egypt, while the sun rises over the mountains of the opposite Saudi Arabia.
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WHISH YOU ALL MERRY CHRISTMAS1
In previous years I often spent the Christmas holidays in Egypt on the Sinai Peninsula. In the meantime, this area is no longer safe enough for me, actually a shame, because it was always very relaxed there.
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Al ´Ula is a governorate of the Medina Region and a city in north-western Saudi Arabia. Historically located on the incense route, the city was the capital of the ancient Lihyanites (Dedanites). The governorate contains the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Saudi Kingdom, called Madain Saleh (Hegra), 22 km (14 mi) north of the city. Mada’in Saleh was built more than 2,000 years ago by the Nabataeans (wiki)
Das historische Jeddah (UNESCO-Weltkulturerbe) zeigt noch die traditionelle Architektur, die einst in Städten an beiden Küsten des Roten Meeres üblich war und von der ausserhalb Saudi-Arabiens nur noch wenige Überreste erhalten sind. Der Stil zeichnet sich durch die imposanten Turmhäuser aus, die mit grossen hölzernen Roshan-Fenstererkern (Maschrabbiya) verziert sind und im späten 19. Jahrhundert von den Handelseliten der Stadt gebaut wurden, sowie durch niedrigere Korallensteinhäuser, Moscheen, Ribat-s, Suqs und kleine öffentliche Plätze, die zusammen einen lebendigen Raum bilden. Seit der 3. Kalif Othman ibn Affan Jeddah im 7. Jahrhundert n. Chr. zum offiziellen Hafen von Mekka machte, galt dieses für muslimische Pilger als « Tor nach Mekka » (Quelle: whc.unesco.org).
Historic Jeddah (UNESCO world heritage site) is an outstanding reflection of the Red sea architectural tradition, a construction style once common to cities on both coasts of the Red sea, of which only scant vestiges are preserved outside the kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the nominated property. The style is characterized by the imposing tower houses decorated by large wooden Roshan (mashrabiya) built in the late 19th century by the city`s mercantile elites, and also by lower coral stone houses, mosques, ribat-s, suqs and small public squares that together compose a vibrant space. Historic Jeddah had a symbolic role as a gate to Makkah for Muslim pilgrims since the 7th century AH when the 3rd Caliph Othman ibn Affan made it the official port of Makkah (source: whc.unesco.org).
Saudi-Arabien ist eines der wenigen Länder der Welt, in dem es Doppelstockcontainerverkehr auf der Schiene gibt. Auf der gut 550 km langen Strecke vom King Abdul Aziz Port in Dammam nach Riyadh verkehren am Tage mehrere mit EMD SDL38, SDL50 und GT46 ACS bespannte Züge. Die Strecke und der Güterverkehr wurden bis zum letzten Jahr durch die SRO (Saudi Railway Organization) betrieben und gehören seit 2020 zur SAR (Saudi Arabia Railways). In der Ausweiche Shajah hat am Morgen des 18.11.2021 der von den Loks 2033 (SDL38) und 4314 (GT46 ACS) gezogene Containerzug nach Riyadh einen Gegenzug gekreuzt und beschleunigt nun in die Sandwüste hinein.
Saudi Arabia is one of a few countries in the world with double stack container traffic by railway. Between the King Abdul Aziz Port in Dammam and the capitol Riyadh you can see several trains a day hauled by EMD SDL38, SDL50 and GT46 ACS on this about 550 km long line. The track and freight service were once owned and operated by the Saudi Railway Organization (SRO) and belong since last year to the SAR (Saudi Arabia Railways).
In the morning of November 18, 2021, loco 2033 (SDL38) and 4314 (GT46 ACS) crossed another container train at Shajah junction and are now running through the desert to Riyadh.
Das historische Jeddah (UNESCO-Weltkulturerbe) zeigt noch die traditionelle Architektur, die einst in Städten an beiden Küsten des Roten Meeres üblich war und von der ausserhalb Saudi-Arabiens nur noch wenige Überreste erhalten sind. Der Stil zeichnet sich durch die imposanten Turmhäuser aus, die mit grossen hölzernen Roshan-Fenstererkern (Maschrabbiya) verziert sind und im späten 19. Jahrhundert von den Handelseliten der Stadt gebaut wurden, sowie durch niedrigere Korallensteinhäuser, Moscheen, Ribat-s, Suqs und kleine öffentliche Plätze, die zusammen einen lebendigen Raum bilden. Seit der 3. Kalif Othman ibn Affan Jeddah im 7. Jahrhundert n. Chr. zum offiziellen Hafen von Mekka machte, galt dieses für muslimische Pilger als « Tor nach Mekka » (Quelle: whc.unesco.org).
Historic Jeddah (UNESCO world heritage site) is an outstanding reflection of the Red sea architectural tradition, a construction style once common to cities on both coasts of the Red sea, of which only scant vestiges are preserved outside the kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the nominated property. The style is characterized by the imposing tower houses decorated by large wooden Roshan (mashrabiya) built in the late 19th century by the city`s mercantile elites, and also by lower coral stone houses, mosques, ribat-s, suqs and small public squares that together compose a vibrant space. Historic Jeddah had a symbolic role as a gate to Makkah for Muslim pilgrims since the 7th century AH when the 3rd Caliph Othman ibn Affan made it the official port of Makkah (source: whc.unesco.org).
One of the most beautiful views of eastern Sinai is from the summit of "Gebel Matamir. The summit plateau is covered in many places by a rock structure, which is reminiscent of brain mass, see in the foreground. The mountain range in the background is already in Saudi Arabia, in between the eastern tributary of the Red Sea.
Eine der schönsten Aussichten über den östlichen Sinai hat man vom Gipfel des Matamirberg. Das Gipfelplateau ist an vielen Stellen von einer Gesteinsstruktur überzogen, die an Gehirnmasse erinnert, siehe im Vordergrund. Die Bergkette im Bildhintergrund liegt bereits in Saudi Arabien, dazwischen der östliche Seitenarm des Roten Meeres.
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Die 1´300 km lange Hejaz-Bahn verlief von Damaskus nach Medina durch die Hejaz-Region Saudi-Arabiens. Sie sollte bis nach Mekka verlängert werden, aber während des arabischen Aufstands (1916-18) gegen das Osmanische Reich wurden die meisten Brücken, Ausrüstungen und Bahnhöfe von den Rebellen unter der Führung des Emirs Faisal und Thomas Edward Lawrence, besser bekannt als "Lawrence von Arabien", gesprengt. Ihr Ziel war es, die Eisenbahn zu sabotieren, die die osmanische Armee mit Lebensmitteln, Wasser und militärischen Gütern versorgte (wiki)
The 1´300 km long Hejaz Railway ran from Damascus to Medina, through the Hejaz region of Saudi Arabia. It was supposed to be extended to Makkah, but during the Arab Revolt (1916–18) against the Ottoman Empire most of the bridges, equipment and stations were blown up by the rebels led by the Emir Faisal and Thomas Edward Lawrence, better known as “Lawrence of Arabia”. Their aim was to sabotage the railway that provided the Ottoman army with food, water and military supplies (wiki)
Saudi-Arabien ist eines der wenigen Länder der Welt, in dem es Doppelstockcontainerverkehr auf der Schiene gibt. Auf der gut 550 km langen Strecke vom King Abdul Aziz Port in Dammam nach Riyadh verkehren am Tage mehrere mit EMD SDL38, SDL50 und GT46 ACS bespannte Züge. Die Strecke und der Güterverkehr wurden bis zum letzten Jahr durch die SRO (Saudi Railway Organization) betrieben und gehören seit 2020 zur SAR (Saudi Arabia Railways).
Im südlichen Abschnitt der Strecke wird die Ad Dahna-Wüste mit ihrem rötlichen Sand durchfahren. SAR 3534 und 3512 (SDL50) beschleunigen am 18.11.2021 ihren Containerzug nach Dammam östlich von At Tawdihiyah durch die Dünen.
Saudi Arabia is one of a few countries in the world with double stack container traffic by railway. Between the King Abdul Aziz Port in Dammam and the capitol Riyadh you can see several trains a day hauled by EMD SDL38, SDL50 and GT46 ACS on this about 550 km long line. The track and freight service were once owned and operated by the Saudi Railway Organization (SRO) and belong since last year to the SAR (Saudi Arabia Railways).
In the south the line crosses the Ad Dahna desert with her typical red sand. SAR 3534 and 3512 (SDL50) are seen with their eastbound container train east of At Tawdihiyah at November 18, 2021.
Desert near Al‘Ula, Saudi Arabia, February 2018 / mudman at Goroka festival, Papua New Guinea, September 2019
Im "North Train Network" Saudi-Arabiens werden mehrere Bauxit- und Phosphatminen mit dem Industriekomplex Ras Al-Khair am Persischen Golf verbunden. Den Güterverkehr wickelt die SAR (Saudi Arabia Railways) mit ca. 60 EMD-Maschinen des Typs SD70ACS ab. Neben den Mineralstofftransporten gibt es auch Ganzzüge mit Phosphorsäure. Einen solchen ostwärts fahrenden Leerzug führt am 22.11.2021 Lok 4037 an. Im Zugverband befinden sich noch zwei Maschinen als "Slaves" in der Zugmitte und eine Lok als "Helper" am Zugschluss. Die Aufnahme entstand zwischen Nairyah und Al Ulya.
The "North Train Network" in Saudi Arabia connect several bauxite- and phosphate mines with the industrial area in Ras Al Khair at the Persian Gulf. The SAR (Saudi Arabia Railways) use about 60 EMD machines class SD70ACS for the freight trains. You can see also block trains with phosphoric acid. One of these trains (eastbound empty train) was photographed with loco 4037 and two locos as "slaves" in the middle and and one more as a helper at the end of the train between Nairyah and Al Ulya at November 22, 2021.
Saudi-Arabien ist eines der wenigen Länder der Welt, in dem es Doppelstockcontainerverkehr auf der Schiene gibt. Auf der gut 550 km langen Strecke vom King Abdul Aziz Port in Dammam nach Riyadh verkehren am Tage mehrere mit EMD SDL38, SDL50 und GT46 ACS bespannte Züge. Die Strecke und der Güterverkehr wurden bis zum letzten Jahr durch die SRO (Saudi Railway Organization) betrieben und gehören seit 2020 zur SAR (Saudi Arabia Railways).
Zwischen Dammam und Hofuf verlaufen die 1985 eröffnete Personenzugstrecke Dammam - Riyadh und die ältere Güterverkehrsstrecke parallel. Bei Al Oyun rollen SAR 3545+3505 (EMD SDL50) am späten Nachmittag des 15.11.2021 mit einem Containerzug westwärts.
Saudi Arabia is one of a few countries in the world with double stack container traffic by railway. Between the King Abdul Aziz Port in Dammam and the capitol Riyadh you can see several trains a day hauled by EMD SDL38, SDL50 and GT46 ACS on this about 550 km long line. The track and freight service were once owned and operated by the Saudi Railway Organization (SRO) and belong since last year to the SAR (Saudi Arabia Railways).
Between Dammam and Hofuf the 1985 opened passenger line Dammam - Riyadh and the older freight line runs side by side. Near Al Oyun SAR 3545 and 3505 (EMD SDL50) hauled a westbound double stack container train in the late afternoon of November 15, 2021.
Saudi-Arabien ist eines der wenigen Länder der Welt, in dem es Doppelstockcontainerverkehr auf der Schiene gibt. Auf der gut 550 km langen Strecke vom King Abdul Aziz Port in Dammam nach Riyadh verkehren am Tage mehrere mit EMD SDL38, SDL50 und GT46 ACS bespannte Züge. Die Strecke und der Güterverkehr wurden bis zum letzten Jahr durch die SRO (Saudi Railway Organization) betrieben und gehören seit 2020 zur SAR (Saudi Arabia Railways).
In der Nähe von Al Harmaliyah ist für eine Strasse ausnahmsweise mal keine Brücke über die Bahnstrecke gebaut worden. So rollen SAR 3547+3500 (EMD SDL50) laut hupend und läutend über den Bahnübergang. Am Haken haben haben sie am 16.11.2021 einen morgendlichen Containerzug von Dammam nach Riyadh.
Saudi Arabia is one of a few countries in the world with double stack container traffic by railway. Between the King Abdul Aziz Port in Dammam and the capitol Riyadh you can see several trains a day hauled by EMD SDL38, SDL50 and GT46 ACS on this about 550 km long line. The track and freight service were once owned and operated by the Saudi Railway Organization (SRO) and belong since last year to the SAR (Saudi Arabia Railways).
Near Al Harmaliyah there is exceptionally no bridge across the railway line. So SAR locos 3545 and 3505 (EMD SDL50) have to horn and ring loud while passing a railway crossing with their double stack train from Dammam to Riyadh in the morning of November 16, 2021.
Auf der gut 550 km langen Strecke vom King Abdul Aziz Port in Dammam nach Riyadh verkehren am Tage mehrere mit EMD SDL38, SDL50 und GT46 ACS bespannte Doppelstock-Containerzüge. Die Strecke und der Güterverkehr wurden bis 2020 durch die SRO (Saudi Railway Organization) betrieben und gehören seitdem zur SAR (Saudi Arabia Railways).
Am 16.11.2021 konnte zur Abwechslung neben den Containerzügen kurz vor Haradh ein von SAR 3545 und 3505 (EMD SDL50) gezogener Getreidezug in Richtung Dammam fotografiert werden.
Between the King Abdul Aziz Port in Dammam and the capitol Riyadh you can see several double stack container trains a day hauled by EMD SDL38, SDL50 and GT46 ACS on this about 550 km long line. The track and freight service were once owned and operated by the Saudi Railway Organization (SRO) and belong since 2020 to the SAR (Saudi Arabia Railways).
Near Haradh SAR 3545 and 3505 (EMD SDL50) could be seen with a grain block train in the direction to Dammam at November 16, 2021.
Saudi-Arabien ist eines der wenigen Länder der Welt, in dem es Doppelstockcontainerverkehr auf der Schiene gibt. Auf der gut 550 km langen Strecke vom King Abdul Aziz Port in Dammam nach Riyadh verkehren am Tage mehrere mit EMD SDL38, SDL50 und GT46 ACS bespannte Züge. Die Strecke und der Güterverkehr wurden bis zum letzten Jahr durch die SRO (Saudi Railway Organization) betrieben und gehören seit 2020 zur SAR (Saudi Arabia Railways).
In einer Ausweiche bei Kilometer 336, ca. 30 km westlich von Haradh, kreuzen am Abend des 18.11.2021 zwei Doppelstockcontainerzüge im letzten Licht des Tages. Die Lokomotiven 3540 (SDL50) und 4303 (GT46ACS) beschleunigen gerade mit ihrem Containerzug nach Riyadh in die mit Handweichen ausgestattete Ausweiche und passieren dabei den von 2034 (SDL38) und 3537 (SDL50) geführten Gegenzug nach Dammam.
Saudi Arabia is one of a few countries in the world with double stack container traffic by railway. Between the King Abdul Aziz Port in Dammam and the capitol Riyadh you can see several trains a day hauled by EMD SDL38, SDL50 and GT46 ACS on this about 550 km long line. The track and freight service were once owned and operated by the Saudi Railway Organization (SRO) and belong since last year to the SAR (Saudi Arabia Railways).
In the evening of November 18, 2021 two double stack trains met at a junction at kilometer 336, about 30 km west of Haradh. Loco 3540 (SDL50) and 4303 (GT46ACS) hauled a westbound train to Riyadh and passed loco 2034 (SDL38) together with 3537 (SDL50) and an eastbound train to Dammam.
Auf der gut 550 km langen Strecke vom King Abdul Aziz Port in Dammam nach Riyadh in Saudi Arabien verkehren am Tage mehrere mit EMD SDL38, SDL50 und GT46 ACS bespannte Containerzüge. Die Strecke und der Güterverkehr wurden bis zum letzten Jahr durch die SRO (Saudi Railway Organization) betrieben und gehören seit 2020 zur SAR (Saudi Arabia Railways). Der weit überwiegende Teil der Güterzüge auf der Strecke sind Doppelstockcontainerzüge.
Am Morgen des 17.11.2021 sahen wir jedoch einen Containerzug mit alten Waggons in Richtung Dammam fahren, die nur einstöckig beladen werden konnten. Einige der Wagen waren dafür mit Generatoren ausgestattet, wohl für den Anschluss von Reefer-Containern. Zudem besaß eine der beiden EMD SDL50-Lokomotiven noch die ehemalige blau-gelbe SRO-Lackierung. Es war die 3525 als zweite Lok hinter der führenden 3550. Wir verfolgten den Zug über etliche Kilometer durch die Wüste. Bei Shajah gelang ein letztes Bild im dunstigen Streiflicht der untergehenden Sonne.
Between the King Abdul Aziz Port in Dammam and Saudi Arabian capitol Riyadh you can see several mostly double stack container trains a day hauled by EMD SDL38, SDL50 and GT46 ACS on an about 550 km long mainline. The track and freight service were once owned and operated by the Saudi Railway Organization (SRO) and belong since last year to the SAR (Saudi Arabia Railways).
In the morning of November 17, 2021 we saw an eastbound container train with old wagons which can only loaded single storey. Therefore some of the wagons were equipped with generator for reefer containers. Also one of the two EMD SDL50 locos was still painted in old SRO livery. It was the second loco with number 3525 behind the leading 3550. After following the train over a lot of kilometers through the desert that day near Shajah we could make a last picture in the dusty light just before sundown.
Im "North Train Network" Saudi-Arabiens werden mehrere Bauxit- und Phosphatminen mit dem Industriekomplex Ras Al-Khair am Persischen Golf verbunden. Den Güterverkehr wickelt die SAR (Saudi Arabia Railways) mit ca. 60 EMD-Maschinen des Typs SD70ACS ab.
Die Bauxitzüge erreichen dabei Zuglängen von ca. 3 km und eine Last von 16.000 t. Mit einem leeren Bauxitzug rauschen 4041 als Zuglok, 4002 als "Slave" in der Zugmitte und 4019 mit 4059 am Zugschluss, bei Qaryat Al Ulya und einer Geschwindigkeit von gut 100 km/h westwärts durch die flache Wüste zur nächsten Beladung. Das Foto entstand am 21.11.2021.
The "North Train Network" in Saudi Arabia connect several bauxite- and phosphate mines with the industrial area in Ras Al-Khair at the Persian Gulf. The SAR (Saudi Arabia Railways) use about 60 EMD machines class SD70ACS for the freight trains.
The bauxit trains normally have a total length of 3 km and a weight of 16.000 tons. Locomotives 4041 in the front, 4002 as "slave" in the middle of the train and 4019 together with 4059 at the end are hauling an empty westbound train from Ras Al-Khair to the next loading. The train is seen near Qaryat Al Ulya at November 21, 2021.
Saudi-Arabien ist eines der wenigen Länder der Welt, in dem es Doppelstockcontainerverkehr auf der Schiene gibt. Auf der gut 550 km langen Strecke vom King Abdul Aziz Port in Dammam nach Riyadh verkehren am Tage mehrere mit EMD SDL38, SDL50 und GT46 ACS bespannte Züge. Die Strecke und der Güterverkehr wurden bis zum letzten Jahr durch die SRO (Saudi Railway Organization) betrieben und gehören seit 2020 zur SAR (Saudi Arabia Railways).
Zwischen Dammam und Hofuf verlaufen die 1985 eröffnete Personenzugstrecke Dammam - Riyadh und die ältere Güterverkehrsstrecke parallel.
Gerade noch rechtzeitig vor dem spätnachmittäglichen Containerzug von Dammam nach Riyadh zog am 19.11.2021 eine größere Wolkenfront ab in Richtung Persischer Golf. Mit den 2031 (SDL38), 3545 und 3505 (SDL50) mühen sich südlich von Abqaiq, bei Al Jawiyah, gleich drei Loks eine Steigung hinauf.
Saudi Arabia is one of a few countries in the world with double stack container traffic by railway. Between the King Abdul Aziz Port in Dammam and the capitol Riyadh you can see several trains a day hauled by EMD SDL38, SDL50 and GT46 ACS on this about 550 km long line. The track and freight service were once owned and operated by the Saudi Railway Organization (SRO) and belong since last year to the SAR (Saudi Arabia Railways).
Between Dammam and Hofuf the 1985 opened passenger line Dammam - Riyadh and the older freight line runs side by side.
Just in time before a westbound double stack train to Riyadh climbed up the ramp near Al Jawiyah at November 19, 2021 some bigger clouds passed away towards Persian Gulf. The train was hauled by three SAR locos 2031 (SDL38), 3545 and 3505 (SDL50).
Saudi-Arabien ist eines der wenigen Länder der Welt, in dem es Doppelstockcontainerverkehr auf der Schiene gibt. Auf der gut 550 km langen Strecke vom King Abdul Aziz Port in Dammam nach Riyadh verkehren am Tage mehrere mit EMD SDL38, SDL50 und GT46 ACS bespannte Züge. Die Strecke und der Güterverkehr wurden bis 2020 durch die SRO (Saudi Railway Organization) betrieben und gehören seitdem zur SAR (Saudi Arabia Railways).
Zwischen Dammam und Hofuf verlaufen die 1985 eröffnete Personenzugstrecke Dammam - Riyadh und die ältere Güterverkehrsstrecke parallel.
Am Vormittag des 19.11.2021 kämpfen die Loks 2030 (SDL38) und 3546 (SDL50) mit einem Containerzug von Dammam nach Riyadh den Anstieg über einen kleinen Höhenzug südlich von Abqaiq, bei Al Jawiyah hinauf.
Saudi Arabia is one of a few countries in the world with double stack container traffic by railway. Between the King Abdul Aziz Port in Dammam and the capitol Riyadh you can see several trains a day hauled by EMD SDL38, SDL50 and GT46 ACS on this about 550 km long line. The track and freight service were once owned and operated by the Saudi Railway Organization (SRO) and belong since last year to the SAR (Saudi Arabia Railways).
Between Dammam and Hofuf the 1985 opened passenger line Dammam - Riyadh and the older freight line runs side by side.
On the morning of November 19, 2021, the locos 2030 (SDL38) and 3546 (SDL50) battle with a container train from Dammam to Riyadh up over a small ridge south of Abqaiq, near Al Jawiyah.
Im "North Train Network" Saudi-Arabiens werden mehrere Bauxit- und Phosphatminen mit dem Industriekomplex Ras Al-Khair am Persischen Golf verbunden. Den Güterverkehr wickelt die SAR (Saudi Arabia Railways) mit ca. 60 EMD-Maschinen des Typs SD70ACS ab. Neben den Mineralstofftransporten gibt es auch Ganzzüge mit Phosphorsäure. Einen Leerzug Richtung Küste führt am 21.11.2021 Lok 4058 an. Im Zugverband befinden sich noch die Maschinen 4012 und 4049 als "Slaves" in der Zugmitte und die Lok 4052 als "Helper" am Zugschluss. Die Aufnahme entstand in der Höhe der Stadt Nairyah.
The "North Train Network" in Saudi Arabia connect several bauxite- and phosphate mines with the industrial area in Ras Al Khair at the Persian Gulf. The SAR (Saudi Arabia Railways) use about 60 EMD machines class SD70ACS for the freight trains. You can see also block trains with phosphoric acid. One of these trains (eastbound empty train) was photographed with loco 4058 at the front and 4012 and 4049 as "slaves" in the middle and 4052 as a helper at the end of the train near the town of Nairyah at November 21, 2021.
Saudi-Arabien ist eines der wenigen Länder der Welt, in dem es Doppelstockcontainerverkehr auf der Schiene gibt. Auf der gut 550 km langen Strecke vom King Abdul Aziz Port in Dammam nach Riyadh verkehren am Tage mehrere mit EMD SDL38, SDL50 und GT46 ACS bespannte Züge. Die Strecke und der Güterverkehr wurden bis zum letzten Jahr durch die SRO (Saudi Railway Organization) betrieben und gehören seit 2020 zur SAR (Saudi Arabia Railways).
Im südlichen Abschnitt der Strecke wird die Ad Dahna-Wüste mit ihrem rötlichen Sand durchfahren. SAR 3537 (SDL50) und eine unerkannt gebliebene Schwestermaschine durchfahren am Abend des 16.11.2021 mit einem Containerzug nach Dammam östlich von At Tawdihiyah die Sanddünen.
Saudi Arabia is one of a few countries in the world with double stack container traffic by railway. Between the King Abdul Aziz Port in Dammam and the capitol Riyadh you can see several trains a day hauled by EMD SDL38, SDL50 and GT46 ACS on this about 550 km long line. The track and freight service were once owned and operated by the Saudi Railway Organization (SRO) and belong since last year to the SAR (Saudi Arabia Railways).
In the south the line crosses the Ad Dahna desert with her typical red sand. SAR 3537 and an unknown other class SDL50-loco could be seen with their eastbound container train east of At Tawdihiyah in the evening of November 16, 2021.
Everywhere i've been, apart in Jeddah, women wear the abaya in KSA (the black dress). The tourist women are also invited to wear it. Women stay mainly in homes, and sometimes, you can spend a day without seeing one woman.
Jeddah is really different, and in restaurant, you do not have to be in separate rooms to eat, men and women are in the same place, and everybody smoke chicha!
At school and university, men and women are separated too. There is a project in KSA: a university that would mix men and women.
And another revolution: on the campus, women should be able to drive cars.
Qasr Zabal or Qasr Za’abel or Qasr Za’abal in Sakakah city, on a high hill. This is the largest town in Al Jawf (or Al Jouf) province and its capital. Sakakah is an Oasis where is located Sakakah city.
© Eric Lafforgue
Al Fifa hills are 2000 meters high, so it has became a place where many saudi people from the coast want to come for the fresh air.
The game is to have the highest house!
On the other side: Yemen.
© Eric Lafforgue
As the war was going on between yemeni rebels and Saudi Arabia in the area, i was not sure to be able to go in the Asir (Aseer) area.
The place is very close to Yemen, and even if the culture is different, many houses reminded me of the other side of the hills!
This village is fortified, so you are not allow to enter into, but just go around.
© Eric Lafforgue
This little girl pausing in front of her house (a hut made of mud and old rice bags) is not saudi, she is yemeni. Many yemeni people live along the coast of Tihama, on the KSA side. Most of them came decades ago as workers, but now they are mostly replaced by philipino, indian etc.
But they stay in KSA and many have kept their traditional way of life: beautiful villages with tatched huts.
The war between KSA and Yemen rebels may force many to leave their country...
Clic on the Geotag, you'll see the huts!
Jizan area, Saudi Arabia
© Eric Lafforgue
This man is the owner of the mud house, which has 7 storeys, but he does not live inside anymore, he just keep it, as it was his grand father house.
© Eric Lafforgue
You can see a mosque every 100 meters in Saudi Arabia, and even on the coinstruction site, for private house like this one, a small place is set for the 5 times a day prays.
I heard a lot of things about the religiious police. During my stay, i just saw one time this police, in a car, chasing the indians fruits sellers who were still working instead of going to mosque!
© Eric Lafforgue
KSA has not been affected by crisis, as far as i could see last month! Hundreds of cranes to build a new Princess Noura University!
Princess Nora Bint Abdulrahman University in Riyadh is a new university for women. The university is expected to cover 8 millions square metres and located on King Khalid International Airport Road at north of Riyadh. The total built up area is around 3 millions square metres. The university will include administration buildings, 13 faculties, a 700-bed student hospital, laborites, Research centres, and residential area that include accommodation for students and staff. The capacity of university is around 26,000 students.
© Eric Lafforgue
Al Jouf or Al Jawf fort is on the top of a hill, and dominate the old mud town, mostly in ruins.
The Qasa Zebal (or Qasr Zabal). It is a fort that stands on a hill in Sakaka. It was first mentioned in 1845 by traveler George A. Wallin. This irregular shaped fort is composed of 4 towers with a circular building inside. It sits at the top of a high outcrop of rock overlooking the oasis of Sakaka.
© Eric Lafforgue
Inside a house under construction in Al Fifa ( fayfa) mountains. The owner is a rich man, a former policeman as he told me, this house have 5 floors, and a penthouse over the hills of Al Fifa, near the yemeni border.
Inside, there is this giant poster, in the middle of the wokers, presenting the rulers of KSA. This is the only decoration in the giant house!
Jebel Fayfa, Saudi Arabia
© Eric Lafforgue
Hundreds of carved stones and drawings can be seen in KSA. Najran city is famous for its archeological significance. Old Najran was surrounded by a circular wall built of square stone with defensive balconies. Excavations of this site have uncovered glass, metals, pottery, and bronze artifacts. At Al-Ukhdood which is south of Najran city, carvings from those days and human bones can be seen. You just need to dig the mud, and you find some bones!
The name Al-Ukhdud means 'the ditch' (sometimes 'the trench', sometimes 'the groove') and is mentioned in the Holy Quran as the site of a massacre of Christians in 525
The Frankincense Trade Route from Yemen passed through Al-Ukhdud (the town now known as Najran) on its way to Makkah, Madinah and then on to Palestine, Syria, the Arabian Gulf and Mesopotamia.
Cities along the main caravan routes were able to levy taxes on the merchants, and in this way they became rich. At its peak, Al-Ukhdud was one of the most important trading cities in Southern Arabia and its wealth was demonstrated by the high quality construction of the main buildings. There still remain substantial areas of dressed stone, and ornate bronze drain spouts.
Al-Ukhdud declined in importance when traders discovered how to sail to India on the monsoon winds. Around the same time there was a decline in demand for frankincense when Christianity became the state religion of the Roman Empire in 395.
In revenge for this attack the Ethiopians (Abyssinians) invaded and deposed Dhu Nuwas. For the next few decades, the area was under Abyssinian rule. The city of Al-Ukhdud readily accepted Islam in 10H (631) and has remained staunchly Islamic since.
The remains of Al-Ukhdud lie south west of Najran near the museum on Prince Sultan ibn Abdul Aziz St.
© Eric Lafforgue
Outside Riyadh, you can see this huge pound: these are the cars confiscated by local Police!
Riyadh is the capital and largest city of Saudi Arabia. It is also the capital of Riyadh Province, and belongs to the historical regions of Nejd and Al-Yamama. It is situated in the center of the Arabian Peninsula on a large plateau, and is home to 4,854,000 people, and the urban center of a region with a population of close to 6 million people
Once a small walled city, Riyadh has developed into a dynamic metropolis over the years. Along with the urban areas of Dhahran, Dammam, Khobar and Jeddah, Riyadh has become a focal point for both travel and trade.
In addition to being the center of power, the city is also a commercial hub. Numerous educational, financial, agricultural, cultural, technical, and social organizations have set up base here. The architecture is mostly modern, including contemporary high-rise towers, but the Al-Dira district, the nucleus of the city, has been rebuilt in a style meant to evoke the old mud-brick buildings of pre-20th century Nejd. Riyadh is considered as the capital city and the financial and business center of the Middle East.
© Eric Lafforgue
This is Madain Saleh in Saudi Arabia, a sister city to Jordan’s Petra.
There is no airport in the area, so the only way to visit the UNESCO world heritage site is to drive hours and hours.
But the scenery is incredible. No tourists, no tshirts sellers, no camels ridings, nobody but hundreds of Nabataeans tombs!
The Archaeological Site of Al-Hijr (Madâin Sâlih) was formerly known as Hegra, it is the largest conserved site of the civilization of the Nabataeans south of Petra in Jordan. It features well-preserved monumental tombs with decorated facades dating from the 1st century BC to the 1st century AD. With its 111 monumental tombs, 94 of which are decorated, and water wells, the site is an outstanding example of the Nabataeans culture...
© Eric Lafforgue
Loke in many places in KSA, there is still an old town close or inside the modern town. For travelers like me, those places are far more interesting then the modern ones. In Najran, theold town is now becoming just ruins, and every year the rains destroy it more and more...
Those men were playing football in the old big square.
© Eric Lafforgue
Al Ula العلا is the base to access the ancient Nabatean city of Madain Saleh.
Al-Ula town is located in the north-western part of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia between Al-Madina and Tabuk. Al-Ulah in the past was known as Dydan. It is one of the biggest old urban areas located on the main trade route. Al-Ula used to be a crossroad between the civilizations of India and the south of the Arabian Peninsula and civilizations of Sham (Syria), Egypt and Iraq in the north from the old time until the first century B.C. Legend has it that the sun of this town vanished when Anbatt conquered the north of the Arabian Peninsula and Al-Ula fell to ruins as conquerors took Al Hajar town as their second capital. Here, there is a large number of tombs built and engraved in different engineering shapes such as Dydan, Muaieni, Lehyania, Thomodiah and Nabtiah decorations. One of the Islamic archaeological sites in Al-Ula is the fortress on the top of Al Musa Hill named after the famous Leader Musa Bin Naseer.
© Eric Lafforgue
A mosque is a place of worship for followers of Islam. The mosque serves as a place where Muslims can come together for prayer as well as a center for information, education, and dispute settlement. The Imam leads the prayer.
© Eric Lafforgue
The Al Masmak Castle is now a museumin Riyadh. This fort had originally been the stronghold of king Mohammed bin Abdullah bin Rasheed. The handover of the power took place in 1319 H. It is very different from the Oman forts i visited, with nice decoration and architecture.
The funny thing:
there a CCTV monitoring, so sometimes you hear a big voice in hidden loudspeakers "do not touch this!".
Big Bro is even in KSA!
© Eric Lafforgue
Madain Saleh in Saudi Arabia, a sister city to Jordan’s Petra.
UNESCO world heritage site, located in the Al-Ula sector, within the Al Madinah Region of Saudi Arabia.
The Archaeological Site of Al-Hijr (Madain Salih) was formerly known as Hegra, it is the largest conserved site of the civilization of the Nabataeans south of Petra in Jordan. It features well-preserved monumental tombs with decorated facades dating from the 1st century BC to the 1st century AD. With its 111 monumental tombs, 94 of which are decorated, and water wells, the site is an outstanding example of the Nabataeans' culture.
© Eric Lafforgue
The mosque of Omar Ibn al-Khattab is situated in the town of Dawmat al-Jandal, a major intersection of ancient trade routes linking Mesopotamia, and the Arabian Peninsula. The mosque was built in 634-644. The mosque is built in stone.
The Saud family is believed to have rebuilt the prayer hall in 1793. In 1975, buildings surrounding the minaret from the south and the west were demolished, and the minaret and the mosque restored yet again.
© Eric Lafforgue