2.3 Saudi Arabia Road Network
Overview
Saudi Arabia has large road networks covering more than 200,000 kilometers, including 66,000 kilometers of roadways connecting major cities and providing access to railways, ports and airports. This growing ground network benefits from 5,000 kilometers of highways and bridges, providing extensive means to transport passengers and goods.
Under the current development plan, Saudi Arabia has allocated a substantial sum to the creation and renovation of the Kingdom’s roadways, particularly its heavily used inner-city roads, intersections and bridges. Plans are scheduled to build more than 3,500 kilometers of new roads, including 284 highways set to link the country’s main urban centers. Ambitious plans include the design and construction of Obhur Creek Bridge, located 20 kilometers from Jeddah, which would incorporate eight lanes of road traffic, footpaths and two lanes of rail transit. KSA road projects are beginning and include an additional 2,200 kilometers of road construction planned for the next development phase beginning in 2020. Land freight transportation is forecast to rise due to increasing industrial activity and the expansion of e-commerce throughout the region.
The Transport Ministry is planning to implement 23 road safety projects, with investments totaling around $586.67 million. Fifteen plans will be carried out over the next three years to upgrade intersections and junctions, improve street lighting around dangerous intersections, enhance safety facilities at animal crossings, and install protective barriers for lampposts on some roads.
For more information about government contacts, please see the following link: 4.1 Government Contact List.
Distance Matrix
|
Distances from Capital City to Major Towns (km) |
||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Riyadh |
Jeddah |
Dammam |
Al Khobar |
Taif |
Tabuk |
|
|
Riyadh |
950 |
400 |
425 |
783 |
21 |
|
|
Jeddah |
950 |
1360 |
1375 |
170 |
940 |
|
|
Dammam |
400 |
1360 |
39 |
1192 |
425 |
|
|
Al Khobar |
425 |
1375 |
39 |
1208 |
440 |
|
|
Taif |
783 |
170 |
1192 |
1208 |
775 |
|
|
Tabuk |
21 |
940 |
425 |
440 |
775 |
|
|
Travel Time from Capital City to Major Towns (hours) |
||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Riyadh |
Jeddah |
Dammam |
Al Khobar |
Taif |
Tabuk |
|
|
Riyadh |
9:30 |
4:00 |
4:15 |
7:15 |
00:30 |
|
|
Jeddah |
9:30 |
13:30 |
13:40 |
2:15 |
9:30 |
|
|
Dammam |
4:00 |
13:30 |
25 |
11:15 |
4:15 |
|
|
Al Khobar |
4:15 |
13:40 |
25 |
11:20 |
4:30 |
|
|
Taif |
7:15 |
2:15 |
11:15 |
11:20 |
7:15 |
|
|
Tabuk |
00:30 |
9:30 |
4:15 |
4:30 |
7:15 |
|
Road Security
The Ministry of Transport pays a great attention to safety on roads. The best technical standards are adopted during the studying and designing of roads that insure implementing those roads using the best modern materials and equipment's that meet safety and security conditions. Beside the appropriate design of roads, other safety factors including various instructive and directive signs, paints, reflective signs, means of drainage, various protectors and fences are provided. In addition, existing roads are being monitored and safety factors are being improved at once. The Ministry also participates with the interested authorities in different committees regarding traffic safety on roads.
Safety means on roads:
Roads are provided with all safety factors to ensure safety and security of their users, the means that the ministry implements are:
- Road shoulders paving and fix their sides.
- Widening the bridges, equal to the road and its shoulders.
- Building side parking.
- Painting the middle and the sides of roads and providing them with reflector marks (cat's eye).
- Providing roads with protection fences, informational sings, and direction sings, warning and guiding signs.
- Fencing all highways to prevent loose camels from crossing the road, building crossing points on roads to facilitate the crossing of these animals and put traps on all the sub-exits on the highways.
Weighbridges and Axle Load Limits
|
Axle Load Limits |
KSA |
Iraq |
Jordan |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Truck with 2 Axles |
15 MT |
15 MT |
12 MT |
|
Truck with 3 Axles |
21 MT |
25 MT |
18 MT |
|
Truck with 4 Axles |
37 MT |
30 MT |
22 MT |
|
Semi-trailer with 3 Axles |
21 MT |
25 MT |
21 MT |
|
Semi-trailer with 4 Axles |
37 MT |
34 MT |
26 MT |
|
Semi-trailer with 5 Axles |
45 MT |
35 MT |
28 MT |
|
Semi-trailer with 6 Axles |
45 MT |
35 MT |
32 MT |
|
Truck & Drawbar Trailer with 4 Axles |
37 MT |
30 MT |
28 MT |
|
Truck & Drawbar Trailer with 5 Axles |
45 MT |
35 MT |
32 MT |
|
Truck & Drawbar Trailer with 6 Axles |
45 MT |
38 MT |
32 MT |
|
Truck & Drawbar Trailer with 7 Axles |
45 MT |
38 MT |
40 MT |
2.3.1 Saudi Arabia Border Crossing of King Fahd Causeway
Overview
The 25km-long King Fahd causeway links the Kingdom of Bahrain with the Eastern region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Crossing the Gulf of Bahrain, in the Arabian Gulf, the causeway starts in Saudi Arabia at Al-Aziziyyah, south of Alkhobar, and extends up to Al-Jasra, west of Manama in Bahrain. The causeway is a four-lane road featuring two roadways. Each roadway is 11.6m wide and includes two lanes running in opposite directions. It features a curb for emergency parking. There are five bridges, totaling 12.43km in length, along the route of the entire causeway. The first three bridges measure 934m, 2,034m and 5,194m in length and form part of the Saudi side. The Bahraini side of the causeway contains two bridges measuring 3,334m and 934m in length. The bridges are interconnected by islands and dams. Approximately 12.5km of the causeway has been constructed as a dam.
The causeway also comprises seven embankments extending 12.57km in length. A 660,000 m² border station at embankment no. 4 is the largest among all. Designed as two connected islands, the border station includes two mosques, two 65m high tower restaurants, buildings of KFCA and other government directorates and two coastguard towers. The island on the west side is designated to Saudi Arabia while that on the east side is designated to Bahrain.
|
Border Crossing Location and Contact |
|
|---|---|
|
Name of Border Crossing |
Saudi Arabia: The King Fahd Causeway Bahrain: |
|
Province or District |
Khobar, Saudi Arabia / Al Jasra, Bahrain |
|
Nearest Town or City with Distance from Border Crossing |
Khobar (32 km) |
|
Latitude |
26.184579 |
|
Longitude |
50.323520 |
|
Managing Authority / Agency |
King Fahd Causeway Authority |
|
Contact Person |
Eng / Emad Bin Ibrahim Almohaisen CEO |
|
Travel Times |
|
|---|---|
|
Nearest International Airport |
King Fahd International Airport (78 km) Truck Travel Time: 1.15 hrs Car Travel time: 50 mins |
|
Nearest Port |
Dammam Port (50 km) Truck Travel Time: 50 mins Car Travel time: 37 mins |
|
Nearest location with functioning wholesale markets, or with significant manufacturing or production capacity |
Inside the Border crossing there is Pharmacy, hyper market. banking services, ATMs, restaurants, cafes, retail stores, car rental offices, tourist services offices |
|
Other Information |
List of facilities: https://www.kfca.sa/#/commercial-entity/facilities |
|
Hours of Operation |
|
|---|---|
|
Mondays |
24/7 |
|
Tuesdays |
24/7 |
|
Wednesdays |
24/7 |
|
Thursdays |
24/7 |
|
Fridays |
24/7 |
|
Saturdays |
24/7 |
|
Sundays |
24/7 |
|
National Holidays |
None |
|
Seasonal Constraints |
The only reported closure took place was on 8 March 2020. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the causeway was temporarily closed down to all passenger traffic in order to stem the spread of the COVID-19 virus between the two countries. Commercial cargo trucks were still allowed to cross the border following stringent checks. The causeway reopened on 23 July 2020, |
Daily Capacity
On an average, it serves about 45,000 vehicles a day that increases to about 60,000 vehicles during weekends. Analysis of tourism data for 2019 shows that Bahrain welcomed 11.1 million visitors, of which 9.7 million (88 percent) arrived via the King Fahd Causeway.
For the daily/monthly capacity from the Saudi & the Bahrain Sides please check the following link https://www.kfca.sa/#/media-center/statistics
Customs Clearance
Transit documents required for trucks:
- A valid passport
- A valid driver license.
- A valid vehicle ownership certificate (form).
- A certificate of commissioning from the original owner of the vehicle certified by the competent authorities.
Entry rules
Although the travel ban has been lifted, certain restrictions are still being enforced owing to the ongoing pandemic.
From Saudi Arabia to Bahrain
Only those who have been vaccinated or recovered recently from the COVID-19 virus will be allowed to travel from KSA to Bahrain. This will be verified on the Tawakkalna app by the border authorities. In the case of passengers under the age of 18 years, a coronavirus insurance certificate is needed.
From Bahrain to Saudi Arabia
Travellers from Bahrain to KSA can use any GCC-approved health app to demonstrate they have either been vaccinated or have recovered from the coronavirus. They can either show the green logo in the health apps or present vaccination/recovery certificates.
For more information on government contact details, please see the following link: 4.1 Government Contact List.
2.3.2 Saudi Arabia Border Crossing of Jadidah Arar
Overview
Arar is a border crossing between Saudi Arabia and Iraq. The nearest town in Saudi Arabia is Arar and the nearest in Iraq is An Nukhayb. The crossing has barracks for Iraqi border guards, a mosque, and offices for processing people crossing the border. The crossing sees a huge spike in traffic during the Hajj as Iraqis cross into Saudi Arabia to visit Mecca.
|
Border Crossing Location and Contact |
|
|---|---|
|
Name of Border Crossing |
Saudi Arabia: Jadidah Arar |
|
Province or District |
Arar |
|
Nearest Town or City with Distance from Border Crossing |
Arar (68 km) |
|
Latitude |
31.327152 |
|
Longitude |
41.443307 |
|
Managing Authority / Agency |
Saudi Customs Authority |
|
Contact Person |
+966114349999 |
|
Travel Times |
|
|---|---|
|
Nearest International Airport |
Name Hail International Airport (673 km) Truck Travel Time: 5:45 hrs Car Travel time: 5:15 hrs |
|
Nearest Local Airport |
Arar Airport (66 km) Truck Travel Time: 1:15 hrs Car Travel time: 00:50 hrs |
|
Nearest Port |
Dammam Port (1115 km) Truck Travel Time: 14:15 hrs Car Travel time: 12:00 hrs |
|
Nearest location with functioning wholesale markets, or with significant manufacturing or production capacity |
Arar (68 km) Truck Travel Time: 1:15 hrs Car Travel time: 00:55 hrs |
|
Other Information |
N/A |
|
Hours of Operation |
|
|---|---|
|
Mondays |
24/7 |
|
Tuesdays |
24/7 |
|
Wednesdays |
24/7 |
|
Thursdays |
24/7 |
|
Fridays |
24/7 |
|
Saturdays |
24/7 |
|
Sundays |
24/7 |
|
National Holidays |
None |
|
Seasonal Constraints |
The border experiences congestion during Hajj time. |
Daily Capacity
Under normal circumstances, Arar has a total daily capacity that can handle approximately 500 trucks for both import and export operations. As for the import activities, the border crossing has parking area that lots up to 500 trucks of different types. There is a storage facility at the border with an area of 600 square meters.
Customs Clearance
For more information on customs in Saudi Arabia, please see the following link: 1.3 Customs Information.
For more information on government contact details, please see the following link: 4.1 Government Contact List.
2.3.3 Saudi Arabia Border Crossing of Durah (Jordan)
Overview
Durah Border Crossing is a border crossing between Aqaba in Jordan and Haql in Saudi Arabia. On the Jordanian side, the border terminal is maintained by the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority. The border crossing centre is about 30 km (19 mi) from both Aqaba and Haql, and about 280 km (170 mi) from the Saudi city of Tabuk.
|
Border Crossing Location and Contact |
|
|---|---|
|
Name of Border Crossing |
KSA : Durah (Haql) |
|
Province or District |
Haql |
|
Nearest Town or City with Distance from Border Crossing |
Haql (280 km) |
|
Latitude |
39°00′9.75″E |
|
Longitude |
32°44′17.78″N |
|
Managing Authority / Agency |
Saudi Customs |
|
Contact Person |
+966114349999 |
|
Travel Times |
|
|---|---|
|
Nearest International Airport |
Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Airport (Tabuk) (242 km) Truck Travel Time: 3.45 hrs Car Travel time: 3:00 hrs |
|
Nearest Port |
Duba Sea Port (291 km) Truck Travel Time: 4:15 hrs Car Travel time: 3:30 hrs |
|
Nearest location with functioning wholesale markets, or with significant manufacturing or production capacity |
Haql (280 km) Truck Travel Time: 4:30 hrs Car Travel time: 3:45 hrs |
|
Other Information
|
N/A |
|
Hours of Operation |
|
|---|---|
|
Mondays |
24/7 |
|
Tuesdays |
24/7 |
|
Wednesdays |
24/7 |
|
Thursdays |
24/7 |
|
Fridays |
24/7 |
|
Saturdays |
24/7 |
|
Sundays |
24/7 |
|
National Holidays |
None |
|
Seasonal Constraints |
none |
Daily Capacity
The number of passengers traveling through the Al-Durah border centre is about 520,000 passengers and about 215,000 vehicles annually.
Customs Clearance
For more information on customs in Saudi Arabia, please see the following link: 1.3 Customs Information.
Other Relevant Information
In addition to being a border crossing center with visa issuance ability, the Durra border crossing has a branch for the Jordan Insurance Federation, and a free market zone on the Jordanian side. A gas station is available on the Saudi side of the border crossing center.
For more information on government contact details, please see the following link: 4.1 Government Contact List.
2.3.4 Saudi Arabia Border Crossing of Al-Mudawara (Jordan)
Overview
Al Mudawara Border Post connects Saudi Arabia with Jordan. It was officially opened in 1979. The nearest Saudi town is the Halat Ammar Center of Tabuk region opposite it on the Jordanian side the Ma’an Governorate.
|
Border Crossing Location and Contact |
|
|---|---|
|
Name of Border Crossing |
KSA: Halat Ammar |
|
Province or District |
Tabuk |
|
Nearest Town or City with Distance from Border Crossing |
Halat Ammar (2.9 km) |
|
Latitude |
29.192791 |
|
Longitude |
36.072819 |
|
Managing Authority / Agency |
Saudi Customs |
|
Contact Person |
+966114349999 |
|
Travel Times |
|
|---|---|
|
Nearest International Airport |
Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz International Airport (Tabuk Airport) (116 km) Truck Travel Time: 2:00 hrs Car Travel time: 1:30 hrs |
|
Nearest Port |
Name Duba (323 km) Truck Travel Time: 4:15 hrs Car Travel time: 3:50 hrs |
|
Nearest location with functioning wholesale markets, or with significant manufacturing or production capacity |
Name Halat Ammar (2.9 km) Truck Travel Time: 00:05 hrs Car Travel time: 00:05 hrs |
|
Hours of Operation |
|
|---|---|
|
Mondays |
24/7 |
|
Tuesdays |
24/7 |
|
Wednesdays |
24/7 |
|
Thursdays |
24/7 |
|
Fridays |
24/7 |
|
Saturdays |
24/7 |
|
Sundays |
24/7 |
|
National Holidays |
None |
|
Seasonal Constraints |
Winter months, rainy season, etc. |
Customs Clearance
For more information on customs in Saudi Arabia, please see the following link: 1.3 Customs Information.
2.3.5 Saudi Arabia Border Crossing of Salwa (Qatar)
Overview
The Salwa Border Post is the land border crossing between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Qatar. The Salwa border crossing is geographically affiliated to Alo’daid Governorate in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, 460 km away from the Saudi capital Riyadh, via Riyadh Saad Khurais Al Hofuf Salwa Road, 90 km from the Qatari capital Doha. Border crossing is managed by the Saudi Customs & the Ministry of Interior. The cross border provides services to travelers through passports, customs, police, traffic , the Saudi Red Crescent , border guards and civil defence.
On December 19, 2017, the border was officially closed, and no passengers were allowed to pass due to political problems with Qatar. And in January of the year 2021, the port was reopened after an agreement was reached between the two countries at the 41st Gulf Cooperation Council summit in Al-Ula.
|
Border Crossing Location and Contact |
|
|---|---|
|
Name of Border Crossing |
KSA: Salwa border port |
|
Province or District |
Alo’daida |
|
Nearest Town or City with Distance from Border Crossing |
Town Name: Alo’daida (108 km) |
|
Latitude |
24.741205 |
|
Longitude |
50.757083 |
|
Managing Authority / Agency |
Saudi Customs & Ministry of interiors |
|
Contact Person |
+966114349999 |
|
Travel Times |
|
|---|---|
|
Nearest International Airport |
King Fahd (Dammam) International Airport (233 km) Truck Travel Time: 3:15 hrs Car Travel time: 2:45 hrs |
|
Nearest Port |
Dammam Port (297 km) Truck Travel Time: 3:45 hrs Car Travel time: 3:00 hrs |
|
Nearest location with functioning wholesale markets, or with significant manufacturing or production capacity |
Alo’daida (108 km) Truck Travel Time: 2:00 hrs Car Travel time: 1:15 hrs |
|
Other Information |
N/A |
|
Hours of Operation |
|
|---|---|
|
Mondays |
24/7 |
|
Tuesdays |
24/7 |
|
Wednesdays |
24/7 |
|
Thursdays |
24/7 |
|
Fridays |
24/7 |
|
Saturdays |
24/7 |
|
Sundays |
24/7 |
|
National Holidays |
None |
|
Seasonal Constraints |
N/A |
Customs Clearance
For more information on customs in Saudi Arabia, please see the following link: 1.3 Customs Information.
Other Relevant Information
Organizational and precautionary controls and procedures for importers at Abu Samra port.
By Qatar customs:
For more information on government contact details, please see the following link: 4.1 Government Contact List.
2.3.6 Saudi Arabia Border Crossing of Al-Wadiah (Yemen)
Overview
All humanitarian and life serving cargo are cleared at special fast-tracking treatment. Export cargos are subject to scanning except those, which has effect with x-rays. In-transit cargo are not subjected to scanning as they had already been scanned at the point/port of entry and moving with customs seals. No available land for cross-loading export and in-transit trucks nor storage facility on KSA side and no-mans land.
Average customs clearance per truck with clean/query free documents takes within a day. The customs clearance is fully automated; with agent process all documentation for further clearance on-line. There are three mounted scanners two on entry and one at exit side to facilitate/fast track cargo verifications. Additional two mobile scanners are available to support the three-mounted units on need basis.
|
Border Crossing Location and Contact |
|
|---|---|
|
Name of Border Crossing |
KSA: Al-Wadiah Yemen: Al-Wadiah |
|
Province or District |
Negran |
|
Nearest Town or City with Distance from Border Crossing |
Sharora (47 km) |
|
Latitude |
16.957166 |
|
Longitude |
47.017668 |
|
Managing Authority / Agency |
Saudi Customs |
|
Contact Person |
+966114349999 |
|
Travel Times |
|
|---|---|
|
Nearest International Airport |
Sharurah Airport (50 km) Truck Travel Time: 45 hrs Car Travel time: 35 hrs |
|
Nearest Port |
Jazan Port (711 km) Truck Travel Time: 10:00 hrs Car Travel time:9:20 hrs |
|
Nearest location with functioning wholesale markets, or with significant manufacturing or production capacity |
Sharora (47 km) Truck Travel Time: 40 hrs Car Travel time: 30 hrs |
|
Other Information |
N/A |
|
Hours of Operation |
|
|---|---|
|
Mondays |
24/7 |
|
Tuesdays |
24/7 |
|
Wednesdays |
24/7 |
|
Thursdays |
24/7 |
|
Fridays |
24/7 |
|
Saturdays |
24/7 |
|
Sundays |
24/7 |
|
National Holidays |
None |
|
Seasonal Constraints |
None |
Customs Clearance
For more information on customs in Saudi Arabia please see the following link: 1.3 Customs Information.
For more information on government contact details, please see the following link: 4.1 Government Contact List.
2.3.7 Saudi Arabia Border Crossing of Rub al-Khali (Oman)
Overview
Rub Al-Khali is a border checkpoint established on the Oman–Saudi Arabia border. The establishment of the border checkpoint was announced by the two countries in 2006. The checkpoint connects the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia with the Ad Dhahirah Region of Oman. It is located in the Rub' al Khali desert.
|
Border Crossing Location and Contact |
|
|---|---|
|
Name of Border Crossing |
KSA: Rub Al-Khali entry point |
|
Province or District |
Al-Ahsa Governorate |
|
Nearest Town or City with Distance from Border Crossing |
Shaybah (246 km) |
|
Latitude |
22.200051 |
|
Longitude |
55.508378 |
|
Managing Authority / Agency |
Saudi Customs |
|
Contact Person |
|
|
Travel Times |
|
|---|---|
|
Nearest International Airport |
Dammam International Airport (918 km) Truck Travel Time: 10:00 hrs Car Travel time: 9:30 hrs |
|
Nearest Port |
Dammam Port (925 km) Truck Travel Time:10:15 hrs Car Travel time: 9:35 hrs |
|
Nearest location with functioning wholesale markets, or with significant manufacturing or production capacity |
Shaybah (246 km) Truck Travel Time: 3:00 hrs Car Travel time: 2:30 hrs |
|
Hours of Operation |
|
|---|---|
|
Mondays |
24/7 |
|
Tuesdays |
24/7 |
|
Wednesdays |
24/7 |
|
Thursdays |
24/7 |
|
Fridays |
24/7 |
|
Saturdays |
24/7 |
|
Sundays |
24/7 |
|
National Holidays |
None |
|
Seasonal Constraints |
N/A |
Customs Clearance
For more information on customs in Saudi Arabia, please see the following link: 1.3 Customs Information.
For more information on government contact details, please see the following link: 4.1 Government Contact List.