The Roads Authority confirms the readiness of the road network to serve Gulf citizens

The Saudi General Authority for Roads announced readiness of its road network to serve citizens and visitors of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. This strategic step comes as part of ongoing efforts to enhance regional connectivity and provide a safe and comfortable travel experience for all. These efforts underscore the Kingdom's leading global position, topping the road connectivity index, and its commitment to providing the highest levels of quality and traffic safety across its extensive network.

A historic journey towards developing the infrastructure of the transport sector

For decades, Saudi Arabia has prioritized developing its infrastructure, and with the launch of Vision 2030, this sector has undergone radical transformations. Historically, the Kingdom has always strived to connect its far-flung regions with a modern road network, and today, the Roads Authority has revealed that this network spans more than 73,000 kilometers. This remarkable development is not a coincidence, but rather the result of continuous planning and massive investments that have placed the Kingdom first globally in the Road Connectivity Index. This achievement reflects the ambitious strategy aimed at connecting the Kingdom's various regions with neighboring countries, facilitating trade, supporting tourism, and enhancing seamless travel between sister nations.

Ongoing field efforts to ensure the readiness of the road network

To ensure the continued quality and safety of roads, the authority explained that field monitoring teams operate around the clock. These inspectors play a vital role through regular surveys, quality checks, and immediate response to any emergencies. This continuous field presence ensures a rapid response to any challenges that travelers may face and maintains smooth traffic flow.

In addition, the authority has provided a 24/7 call center (938) to receive reports and suggestions from road users outside urban areas. This center aims to process reports quickly and efficiently, ensuring continuous improvement of road services. Furthermore, a wide range of services are available throughout the network, including petrol stations, rest areas, emergency maintenance services, and clear signage that ensures easy navigation.

Strategic dimensions and regional and international impact

The significance of these achievements extends beyond Saudi Arabia, encompassing broad regional and international impacts. Regionally, this advanced network supports economic and commercial activities and strengthens social and cultural ties among the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Internationally, these efforts strongly support the Kingdom's ambitions to become a global logistics hub connecting three continents.

The authority affirmed that these steps contribute to raising the level of safety and preparedness, and achieving the ambitious goals of the roads sector program, namely reaching sixth place globally in the road quality index and reducing the fatality rate to less than 5 deaths per 100,000 people. Work is also underway to ensure the network is covered by traffic safety factors according to the International Road Assessment Program (iRAP) classification, thus guaranteeing the maintenance of a high level of service that meets increasing capacity and promotes sustainable development.