Strengthening the strategic partnership: A Bahraini delegation learns about the pioneering Saudi experience in road network management
In a move reflecting the deep fraternal ties and strategic partnership between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, a high-level Bahraini delegation visited the headquarters of the General Authority for Roads in the Asir region. The visit aimed to gain firsthand insight into Saudi Arabia's advanced experience in managing and developing road networks. This visit comes within the framework of the two countries' ongoing efforts to exchange expertise and implement global best practices in the vital infrastructure sector.
A historical background of fruitful cooperation
Saudi-Bahraini relations are based on a solid historical foundation of cooperation across all fields, with the infrastructure and transportation sector being a prime example. The King Fahd Causeway, which has connected the two countries for decades, stands as the most prominent symbol of their logistical and economic integration. This visit is a natural extension of this cooperation, as Bahrain seeks to benefit from the significant advancements Saudi Arabia has made in developing and managing its roads, particularly in light of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 goals.
The Saudi experience as a leading model in the region
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has invested heavily in the roads sector as part of its National Transport and Logistics Strategy, which aims to solidify the Kingdom’s position as a global logistics hub. The General Authority for Roads has launched ambitious initiatives such as the “Safe and Excellent Roads” campaign, which aims to survey and assess the road network to enhance safety and maintenance standards. The Bahraini delegation was briefed on the campaign’s operational mechanisms, the methodologies used in the field surveys, and the innovative technologies employed in managing road network assets, which ensure operational efficiency and long-term sustainability.
The importance of the visit and its expected impact
This visit is of paramount importance on several levels. Locally, the expertise gained will contribute to the Kingdom of Bahrain's efforts to develop its road network according to the highest international standards. Regionally, this cooperation serves as a model for integration among the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and enhances the efficiency of interconnected transport networks that support trade and tourism within the region. Internationally, these initiatives reflect Saudi Arabia's commitment to achieving its ambitious goals, such as ranking sixth globally in the road quality index by 2030 and significantly reducing road fatalities, thus reinforcing its position as a global leader in road safety.
A promising future of fruitful partnerships
The General Authority for Roads affirmed its commitment to strengthening regional and international partnerships to exchange knowledge and expertise, serving shared objectives and enhancing quality of life. This visit is expected to pave the way for further technical and training cooperation programs between the two countries, ensuring the highest standards of traffic safety and operational efficiency for road networks in both kingdoms, and supporting sustainable development in the region.
