Testing on hydrogen trains in Saudi Arabia was announced on Sunday. Photo: Alstom
Testing on hydrogen trains in Saudi Arabia was announced on Sunday. Photo: Alstom
Testing on hydrogen trains in Saudi Arabia was announced on Sunday. Photo: Alstom
Testing on hydrogen trains in Saudi Arabia was announced on Sunday. Photo: Alstom

Saudi Arabia announces launch of hydrogen train tests


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Hydrogen train tests are under way in Saudi Arabia as the country looks to adopt more sustainable transport systems.

Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) announced the news following the signing of a deal with French train firm Alstom, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported on Sunday.

It will conduct operational tests and studies necessary to prepare this type of train to fit the kingdom's environment, in preparation for its future entry into service.

“The step is part of plans to move to a more sustainable transport system that adopts the latest smart technologies,” said Eng. Saleh Al-Jasser, Saudi Arabian Minister of Transportation and Logistics and chairman of the SAR board of directors.

“SAR is committed to its leading role in achieving the Saudi Green Initiative, stemming from the Saudi Vision 2030, which stipulates increasing the kingdom's reliance on clean energy, reducing carbon emissions and protecting the environment.”

Hydrogen, which can be produced from renewable energy and natural gas, is widely tipped to become a critical fuel in future years as economies and industries transition to a low-carbon world.

It comes in several forms, including blue, green and grey. Blue and grey hydrogen are produced from natural gas while green hydrogen is created from splitting water molecules through electrolysis.

Dr. Bashar Al-Malik, SAR chief executive stressed his company's commitment to implementing initiatives that align with the National Transport and Logistics Strategy.

“The hydrogen train is one of the most important innovations in sustainable transport as the energy needed for the operation and movement of such trains is generated without emitting carbon,” said Dr Al-Malik.

“Their range of benefits make them an attractive choice in the drive for sustainable energy, and that they have a positive impact on the environment, economy and the future of coming generations.”

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Price, base: Dh5.1 million

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Transmission: Seven-speed automatic

Power: 800hp @ 7,100pm

Torque: 980Nm @ 4,000rpm

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VEZEETA PROFILE

Date started: 2012

Founder: Amir Barsoum

Based: Dubai, UAE

Sector: HealthTech / MedTech

Size: 300 employees

Funding: $22.6 million (as of September 2018)

Investors: Technology Development Fund, Silicon Badia, Beco Capital, Vostok New Ventures, Endeavour Catalyst, Crescent Enterprises’ CE-Ventures, Saudi Technology Ventures and IFC

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The flights

Etihad (etihad.ae) and flydubai (flydubai.com) fly direct to Baku three times a week from Dh1,250 return, including taxes. 
 

The stay

A seven-night “Fundamental Detox” programme at the Chenot Palace (chenotpalace.com/en) costs from €3,000 (Dh13,197) per person, including taxes, accommodation, 3 medical consultations, 2 nutritional consultations, a detox diet, a body composition analysis, a bio-energetic check-up, four Chenot bio-energetic treatments, six Chenot energetic massages, six hydro-aromatherapy treatments, six phyto-mud treatments, six hydro-jet treatments and access to the gym, indoor pool, sauna and steam room. Additional tests and treatments cost extra.

GAC GS8 Specs

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Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm

Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm

Transmission: 8-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh149,900

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Know your camel milk:
Flavour: Similar to goat’s milk, although less pungent. Vaguely sweet with a subtle, salty aftertaste.
Texture: Smooth and creamy, with a slightly thinner consistency than cow’s milk.
Use it: In your morning coffee, to add flavour to homemade ice cream and milk-heavy desserts, smoothies, spiced camel-milk hot chocolate.
Goes well with: chocolate and caramel, saffron, cardamom and cloves. Also works well with honey and dates.

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Punchy appearance

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Founders: Joe Franklin and Milos Savic

Launched: February 2020

Size: 10,000 users by the end of July and a goal of 200,000 users by the end of the year

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Produced Ashutosh Gowariker, Rohit Shelatkar, Reliance Entertainment

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Updated: October 09, 2023, 9:04 AM