Close monitoring to accelerate the pace of completion
Under the directives of the Advisor to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, the Governor of Makkah Region, His Royal Highness Prince Khalid Al-Faisal, work and follow-up are accelerating on one of the Kingdom's largest strategic projects. In this context, the Deputy Governor of the Region, His Royal Highness Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz, who also chairs the Steering Committee for the Land Bridge Project, presided over a pivotal meeting at the Governorate headquarters. The meeting included a comprehensive review of the latest developments in the Land Bridge Project and discussed ways to provide the necessary support to ensure work progresses according to the established timelines. Emphasizing the importance of removing any obstacles, His Highness directed the formation of a specialized technical committee, stemming from the Steering Committee, to undertake meticulous on-site monitoring and address any challenges that may arise during the various stages of implementation.
The land bridge: an economic artery at the heart of Vision 2030
The Saudi Land Bridge project is a cornerstone of the national transport and logistics strategy and a key enabler for achieving the goals of Vision 2030. The project aims to establish a state-of-the-art railway network spanning approximately 1,300 kilometers, connecting Jeddah Islamic Port on the Red Sea coast in the west with King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam on the Arabian Gulf coast in the east, passing through the capital, Riyadh. This connection extends beyond these three major cities, linking vital ports and major industrial centers such as Yanbu Industrial City, Jubail Industrial City, and King Abdullah Port, creating a comprehensive logistics system that is the first of its kind in the region.
Strategic importance and broad economic impacts
The project's significance extends beyond traditional transportation, representing a qualitative leap in the Kingdom's position as a global logistics hub connecting Asia, Europe, and Africa. The land bridge is expected to revolutionize freight transport, reducing transit time between the two coasts from several days by sea to less than 24 hours by rail. This will significantly enhance the efficiency of supply chains and drastically lower transportation and insurance costs. Domestically, the project will stimulate economic growth by facilitating domestic trade, creating thousands of direct and indirect job opportunities for citizens, and establishing seven massive logistics centers along the route to support warehousing, distribution, and re-export operations. This will further promote economic diversification and reduce reliance on oil.
Regional and international impact
Regionally, the land bridge will provide a safe and rapid passage for trade between the GCC countries and global markets, offering a strategic alternative to traditional waterways. Internationally, the project enhances the Kingdom's attractiveness to foreign investment in the transport, logistics, and industrial sectors, and solidifies its role as a pivotal player in global trade, complementing major international initiatives aimed at strengthening global trade connectivity.
