In a strategic move reflecting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's commitment to achieving the goals of Vision 2030, specifically the National Transport and Logistics Strategy, the General Authority for Roads revealed exceptional achievements during the past year. Thirty-seven new vital projects were completed at a total cost of SAR 3.86 billion. These tremendous efforts resulted in a historic and remarkable 60% decrease in traffic fatality rates, confirming the success of traffic safety programs and ongoing engineering improvements in saving lives.
Strategic context and infrastructure expansion
Historically, the Kingdom's vast geographical area has posed a significant challenge in connecting its cities and regions. However, continuous government investment has transformed Saudi Arabia's road network into one of the largest in the world, extending over 73,000 kilometers outside urban areas. The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) stated that recently completed projects add more than 2,093 kilometers of track. Work doesn't stop there; more than 90 additional projects are currently underway, with a total cost exceeding 8 billion riyals and a combined length of 4,804 kilometers. This will further solidify the Kingdom's position as a global logistics hub connecting three continents.
Global performance indicators and unprecedented quality
In terms of quality and safety, the Authority continued to make significant progress in performance indicators. The percentage of roads rated at 'three stars or higher' according to the International Road Assessment Programme (IRAP) rose to 81.48%, exceeding annual targets. The Authority also improved pavement quality by increasing the percentage of roads with a PCR rating exceeding 80 points, thus reducing traffic congestion and improving traffic flow between cities.
Eastern Province: The economic and industrial artery
Given its economic and logistical importance as a major industrial and export hub, the Eastern Province accounted for the largest share of these projects in 2025. The value of completed and ongoing projects there exceeded SAR 1.213 billion, encompassing eight major projects spanning 422 kilometers, in addition to 12 preventative maintenance projects costing SAR 732.6 million. Among the most prominent of these projects are the completion of the Safwa/Rahima road at a cost of SAR 434.2 million, and the development of vital intersections such as the Al-Ahsa/Abqaiq/Dhahran intersection and the Abu Hadriyah intersection at a cost of SAR 134.7 million, thus supporting urban and industrial growth.
Regional influence and international connectivity
The projects were not limited to the domestic market but extended to strengthening regional and international connectivity. A security barrier along the road leading to the Rub' al Khali border crossing with the Sultanate of Oman was constructed at a cost of approximately 155 million riyals. This strategic project enhances the efficiency of trade and logistics between the two countries and facilitates the movement of goods and travelers, positively impacting the shared Gulf economy.
Technological innovation and environmental sustainability
The roads sector has witnessed a significant technological transformation, with the Authority launching the first heavy traffic load simulator in the Middle East to study road durability. It has also expanded its use of recycled materials in rubberized roads, achieving a 33% growth rate, and increased road cooling projects in the Holy Sites by 82% to serve pilgrims. Furthermore, in line with environmental sustainability and the circular economy, the Authority has successfully recycled approximately 22 million tons of construction and demolition waste annually for use in asphalt mixes.
Supporting the national economy and local content
Economically, the local content ratio in the Authority's projects rose to 56.57%, while non-oil revenues saw a remarkable 1018% increase compared to the previous year. Furthermore, 4.8 million safe working hours were recorded, and the implementation compliance rate reached 95.5%. These figures and achievements underscore the Kingdom's continued progress in building a safe, smart, and sustainable national road network that supports economic growth and enhances the quality of life for citizens and residents.
