For More Diverse Economic Options, “Medina” Embraces Clean Environment through Sustainable Transportation

Over the past months, the Medina region has witnessed a variety of municipal projects aimed at providing services to residents and visitors, especially in terms of diverse sustainable transportation options. The “electric scooter” service seems to add to the diversity of these options, thus creating more opportunities for economic diversity in digital services, as economists suggest. Rental and sales places for electric scooters are attracting visitors traveling within the Medina region, as this means of transportation – as enthusiasts consider it – is faster and easier to navigate through the congestion around the Prophet’s Mosque. It serves as an alternative mode of transportation to vehicles that consume a lot of fuel and occupy road spaces, making it easier for visitors to reach historical sites and mosques within the area, in addition to its health benefits and its eco-friendly nature due to its reliance on electricity. Mohammed Al-Samman, the owner of a bicycle rental shop, mentions that the scooter rental rate is not less than 70% during the year. Similarly, an Arab resident of the Medina region points out that using scooters is not limited to park-goers within designated areas only. It has become a means of transportation for students residing in the Medina region, hosting thousands of foreign students studying at the Islamic University who prefer various modes of transportation. The General Authority for Transport stated that it provided various options for transportation during Hajj for the first time in the second quarter of 2022 to serve the guests of Allah. Among these services is the smart scooter service, with the launch of 1000 electric scooters for the year 2023, including four-wheeled, three-wheeled, and two-wheeled options, covering a distance of 2 kilometers with a designated route. This contributes to serving the pilgrims, reducing their travel time by 60%. In late 2022, Al-Makar Development and Investment Company announced its collaboration with Careem to enhance sustainable transportation services. This includes setting up electric bike stations with 165 stations and 1600 bikes in the Medina region. The partnership aims to enhance modern transportation services and improve the visitor experience in the kingdom, enhancing the quality of life. Muthar Sheikha, the CEO of Careem, mentioned in a previous press interview that the transportation network does not only cover the area around the Prophet’s Mosque, but also public areas and tourist attractions in the city. He emphasized that the service was first launched in Dubai as the world’s largest bicycle company and later expanded to the Medina region. Many people are now inclined towards cost-effective digital options due to global inflation. Instead of using expensive modes of transportation, they are choosing digital options that offer reduced rental rates per minute or hour. He confirmed that there will be growth in digital services in tourist-attractive areas.