Road Safety, Sustainability Conf.: Underscoring Saudi Arabia’s Robust Infrastructure
Saudi Arabia will host the first Road Safety and Sustainability Conference in Riyadh, from November 3-4, 2024, reported the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
The conference will bring together more than 1,000 road experts, specialists and officials to discuss road safety and the future of this sector through a series of interactive sessions and workshops.
Road Safety and Sustainability Conference
Sponsored by the Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistics Services, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Roads General Authority (RGA), Saleh Al-Jasser, Riyadh will host the prestigious exhibition, in partnership with the International Road Federation.
Under the theme “Innovating for Tomorrow,” the conference will discuss the importance of road safety and sustainability within the regional context. It will focus on international best practices, the latest technological advancements, and the revolutionary role of artificial intelligence (AI) and Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) in shaping future transportation strategies.
Key Topics
The conference will explore sustainable roads and transport with discussions focused on innovative transport solutions, policies that aim to reduce carbon emissions, and the smooth integration of infrastructure to enhance safety on roads.
Moreover, it will highlight the role of AI and ITS in promoting sustainable mobility, enhancing traffic management, improving vehicle safety and reducing environmental impact.
The conference will also host an exhibition to showcase the latest advancements in AI, ITS and sustainable transport, providing opportunities for professionals to connect and exchange expertise and ideas.
Saudi Road Network
Saudi Arabia boasts a robust road network, connecting all the Kingdom’s regions and major cities through seamless routes. The Kingdom has shown strong commitment to expanding and developing its road network, recognizing the crucial role of transportation in connecting communities and promoting economic growth.
In the light of this, Saudi Arabia has made remarkable achievements in expanding and enhancing its road connectivity. Today, the Kingdom enjoys a vast network of roads, extending over 73,000 kilometers, designed in line with international standards.
According to the Saudi Transport Ministry, the total length of highways exceeds 5,000 kilometers, with more projects underway. Moreover, the Ministry is developing several ring roads and bridges across the Kingdom, as well as completing hill roads in mountainous areas. It is also responsible for road maintenance across the Kingdom’s cities and regions.
National Transport Strategy
The Saudi Roads General Authority (RGA) is the linchpin of the Transport Ministry’s efforts to develop the Kingdom’s road network. Established in 2022, the RGA is responsible for enhancing the safety and sustainability of the road sector, through the implementation of innovative and sustainable solutions.
The Ministry has also introduced the National Transport and Logistics Strategy (NTLS) to further enhance the safety and sustainability of roads. The NTLS aims to establish Saudi Arabia’s position as a global logistics hub and improve the quality of life in Saudi cities.
In order to promote sustainability, Saudi Arabia is undertaking several initiatives. These include promoting the sales of electric vehicles (EVs), electrifying public transport vehicles, and introducing incentives programs to encourage consumers on using sustainable alternative to private cars.
Remarkable Success
Owing to the Transport Ministry’s efforts, Saudi Arabia has solidified its position as a world leader in road connectivity. The Kingdom has managed to secure a high ranking in the Road Quality Index (RQI) for 2023, with a score of 5.7. This has placed Saudi Arabia in the 4th rank among G20 countries.
The significant achievement reflects the Kingdom’s efforts to improve road quality, enhance operational efficiency, ensure safety and achieve the ambitious targets of the national transport and logistics services strategy, which fall within the Saudi Vision 2030.
In another testament to Saudi Arabia’s robust road network, the Kingdom successfully transported three giant Boeing 777 aircraft in a journey across Saudi Arabia’s roads from Jeddah to Riyadh. This impressive operation demonstrated the high connectivity of the Kingdom’s road network and the high efficiency of its road infrastructure.
