Prince Saud bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz, the Emir of the Eastern Region, launched six major road projects in the region with a total value of 406 million Saudi Riyals during a ceremony held at the Emirate headquarters in Dammam. The event also witnessed the signing of a massive package of transport system agreements in the region, exceeding 3 billion Saudi Riyals, in the presence of Minister of Transport and Logistics Services Engineer Saleh Al-Jasser and several officials.
Details of the New Projects
The launched projects included the installation of a metal barrier on the Batha border crossing road with the Sultanate of Oman, in addition to the construction of more than five intersections on a road connecting the Dammam/Jubail Expressway, the Riyadh/Dammam Expressway, and the Dammam/Dhahran/Aqeer/Salwa road with the Buqayq intersection. The projects also included the construction of a camel crossing bridge and a turnaround bridge on the Buqayq/Al-Ahsa road, as well as the renovation of multiple sections of the Kharj/Ha’er road and the development of the intersection of Prince Mohammed bin Fahd Road with the extension of the Riyadh/Dammam road.
These projects collectively aim to improve connectivity between the governorates of the Eastern Region and Gulf Cooperation Council countries, while enhancing the road user experience for citizens, residents, and travelers alike.
Giant Transport Agreements
The new agreements include contracts for Dammam airports exceeding 1.2 billion Saudi Riyals, covering the power station project for King Fahd International Airport, the medium-voltage electrical distribution network, the construction of a new power station, and the modernization of the distribution network to improve the reliability of the airport’s electrical infrastructure.
The agreements also include the development project for the northern road leading to King Fahd International Airport by upgrading the route between the airport and Safwa Bridge according to the latest standards to enhance traffic safety and smooth movement. Additionally, an agreement was signed for leasing space to operate aircraft catering services at the airport, along with a concession agreement to operate a bus station in the region.
Ambitious Economic Vision
Prince Saud bin Nayef emphasized that the high-quality projects being implemented in the transport and logistics sector in the region reflect the support this sector receives from the wise leadership. He noted that developing infrastructure and enhancing the efficiency of road networks, ports, airports, and railways contributes to boosting the competitiveness of the Eastern Region and solidifying its economic and logistics position.
He stated: “These projects advance the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 towards creating an integrated and sustainable transport system that enhances quality of life and supports growth and development.” This step comes at a time when the Kingdom continues to accelerate the pace of spending on giant infrastructure projects as part of its strategy to diversify the economy and reduce reliance on oil.
Impact of Projects on Citizens and Residents
Residents of the Eastern Region and travelers through it will experience tangible improvements in road quality and ease of movement between cities and governorates, especially on vital axes serving hundreds of thousands of vehicles daily. The development of King Fahd International Airport will enhance the efficiency of services provided to travelers and strengthen its position as one of the Kingdom’s most important airports, while the new transport agreements will create investment opportunities and jobs in the logistics sector in the region.
Additionally, improving connectivity with Gulf countries via the Batha crossing will facilitate trade and travel between the Kingdom and the Sultanate of Oman, supporting regional integration.
This Gulf economic sought-after.
Summary
These projects and agreements are tangible evidence of the Kingdom’s commitment to achieving the targets of Vision 2030 in the transport and logistics sector. For the average citizen and resident, this means better roads, easier mobility, and broader economic opportunities. The Eastern Province is heading towards becoming a global logistics hub, and these projects are the building blocks of that future.
