Saudi Arabia Leads Global Road Connectivity Rankings

Saudi Arabia has achieved the top position in global road connectivity, with its national highway network extending over 73,000 kilometers, surpassing the Earth's circumference of approximately 40,075 kilometers, as reported by the Roads General Authority. This accomplishment places the Kingdom first in the Road Network Connectivity Index, a measure derived from assessments by the World Competitiveness Forum. The ranking reflects years of significant investment in transportation infrastructure and the integration of road networks throughout the country. The Roads General Authority emphasized that the extensive road network is not only vast but also strategically vital. Saudi Arabia's highways facilitate essential domestic mobility and regional connectivity, linking the Kingdom with eight neighboring countries, including those in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), as well as Jordan, Iraq, and Yemen. This connectivity supports critical sectors such as Hajj and Umrah, tourism, trade, and logistics, thereby reinforcing Saudi Arabia's role as a global logistics hub. In addition to its leading position in connectivity, Saudi Arabia ranked fourth among G20 nations in the Road Infrastructure Quality Index, underscoring the quality and reliability of its road assets alongside their extensive reach. The Roads General Authority has adopted international best practices in planning, design, construction, and maintenance to enhance safety and improve the user experience. To further these goals, the authority has introduced the Road Code, which serves as a unified technical reference for all entities involved in road management, ensuring consistent standards across the sector. Additionally, the newly implemented Road Right-of-Way Permits Regulation aims to organize activities within road corridors, thereby improving safety and enhancing the overall experience for road users. Looking to the future, the Roads General Authority continues to pursue major projects and initiatives under the Roads Sector Programme. Among its objectives are achieving a sixth-place ranking globally in the Road Quality Index by 2030, reducing road fatalities to fewer than five deaths per 100,000 people, and ensuring comprehensive safety features across the road network in accordance with the International Road Assessment Programme. Maintaining high service levels and preparing the network for future capacity demands remain central to the Kingdom's ongoing efforts to expand and modernize its transport infrastructure, supporting long-term economic growth and regional connectivity.

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