At his Abediyah-based office, the President of Umm Al-Qura University (UQU), Dr. Bakri bin Maatouq Assas, received Dr. Bassam Ghalman on the occasion of the expiration of his mandate as General Director of the recently-completed Haramain High-Speed Train Project and his return to UQU as a staff member. The event was in the presence of Dr. Hamza Ghalman, Dean of the College of Engineering and Islamic Architecture.  

Dr. Bassam Ghalman discussed the general situation of the project and the work carried out within its scope. He added that the entire route was completed along 460 km with a double rail track linking Makkah to Madinah through Jeddah and Rabigh. He also pointed out that the project included the design and implementation of four railway stations in Makkah, Jeddah, King Abdullah Economic City in Rabigh and Madinah, in addition to a fifth station within the new King Abdulaziz Airport. Moreover, he said that the project would not have been achieved on the ground without the blessings of God Almighty and then the generous support of the Government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques (May Allah support it!), in addition to the facilities provided by Makkah and Madinah emirates. In addition, he clarified that one of the advantages of the project was to secure a fast, convenient and safe means of transportation for citizens, residents and pilgrims, and to eliminate many of the slums passed through the project's route.

In turn, the President of Umm Al-Qura University (UQU), Dr. Bakri bin Maatouq Assas, congratulated Dr. Bassam Ghalman on the completion of the project and the success of its implemented work. He added that UQU was honored by such national competences, which could adapt to all the work entrusted to them. Besides, he appreciated the support of the Government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques (May Allah support it!) for such developmental projects that served the pilgrims, guests of the House of Allah and visitors to the Prophet's Mosque.