A Bahraini delegation learns about the experience of the General Authority for Roads in Saudi Arabia
In the context of strengthening cooperation and exchanging expertise among the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, the General Authority for Roads in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia received a high-level delegation from the Kingdom of Bahrain. This visit aimed to gain firsthand insight into Saudi Arabia's advanced experience in managing, operating, and maintaining road networks, particularly in the Asir region, which represents a unique model of engineering challenges and innovative solutions.
Details of the visit and the "Safe and Distinguished Roads" campaign
The Bahraini delegation's visit coincided with the Authority's implementation of its extensive "Safe and Distinguished Roads" campaign, which primarily aims to survey and assess the road network outside urban areas. The delegation received a detailed explanation of the modern methodologies used in the field surveys and how the data is utilized to improve safety and maintenance, thereby ensuring smooth traffic flow and reducing accidents.
The depth of Saudi-Bahraini relations in infrastructure
This visit is of particular importance given the long history of infrastructure cooperation between the two countries, most notably exemplified by the King Fahd Causeway, a vital artery connecting the two kingdoms. This step further strengthens Gulf integration in the transport and logistics sector, especially with the future aspirations for new rail and road connectivity projects, which necessitates the standardization of technical specifications and the adoption of successful asset management models.
Vision 2030 and Global Leadership
This visit reflects the success of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 objectives, which prioritize the roads sector to solidify the Kingdom's position as a global logistics hub. The delegation was briefed on the technologies and innovations the Authority employs to manage road assets, and the ambitious plans aimed at achieving sixth place globally in the road quality index, in addition to reducing the fatality rate to less than 5 deaths per 100,000 people.
Sharing knowledge to raise safety standards
The two sides discussed ways to implement the highest road safety standards according to the International Road Assessment Programme (IRAP). The General Authority for Roads affirmed its full commitment to transferring this knowledge and strengthening regional partnerships, ensuring increased operational efficiency of road networks in both countries and achieving infrastructure sustainability to meet future challenges and rapid population and economic growth.
