Under the generous patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Saud bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz, Governor of the Eastern Province and Chairman of the Board of the Eastern Province Development Authority, the second edition of the “Roads and Transport Forum” will kick off tomorrow, Sunday, in Dammam. The forum, organized by the Eastern Province Development Authority, will run for two days under the slogan “We are moving forward with steady steps… towards a future that meets our vision.”.
General context and importance of the Eastern region
This forum comes at a crucial time as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia undergoes a comprehensive economic and developmental transformation within the framework of Vision 2030. The Eastern Province, with its vibrant cities such as Dammam, Khobar, Dhahran, and Jubail, is considered the backbone of the national economy and a major industrial and logistical hub not only for the Kingdom but for the entire region. This pivotal role necessitates advanced infrastructure and an efficient and sustainable transportation network capable of keeping pace with population growth and economic expansion, supporting trade and industry, and connecting major ports with industrial zones and vital cities.
The objectives of the forum and its expected impact
The forum aims to highlight future road and transportation projects in the region up to 2026 and explore ways to achieve integration between various relevant government and private entities. The forum is expected to have a multifaceted positive impact. Locally, it will contribute to improving the quality of life for residents by developing road networks, reducing traffic congestion, and providing safe and reliable transportation options. Regionally and nationally, infrastructure development in the Eastern Province will enhance the Kingdom's position as a global logistics hub, improve the efficiency of supply chains, and support the objectives of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy.
Highlights and events
Building on the success of its inaugural edition, this year's forum brings together a distinguished group of leaders, decision-makers, experts, and investors in the transportation sector. The agenda includes panel discussions and specialized lectures to address key challenges and opportunities, and to showcase the latest technologies and smart solutions in traffic management and sustainable road design. The forum will also witness the signing of several agreements and strategic partnerships between the public and private sectors, which will accelerate the implementation of vital projects and bolster the transportation system as a whole.
In this context, the Acting CEO of the Eastern Region Development Authority, Dr. Talal bin Nabil Al-Maghlouth, expressed his thanks and gratitude to His Highness the Prince of the region for his patronage and continuous support, stressing that this patronage reflects the great interest that the leadership gives to developing the infrastructure and enhancing efficiency and sustainability, in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 to achieve sustainable urban development that befits the status of the region, its residents and visitors.
