Saudi Northern Highway Anchors Cross-Border Transport And Trade Links

Dubai (PlantAndEquipment.com) - Saudi Arabia has emphasized the significance of the Northern International Highway, a key land transportation artery that is critical for regional and cross-border connections.

The route, which stretches over 1,700 km, connects Gulf Cooperation Council members with Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, and Turkey before continuing westward into Europe. The route links many cities, towns, and governorates, including locations in the Tabuk Region near the Jordanian border, facilitating passenger travel and cross-border trade.

The road was originally a gravel track in 1950 before being paved in 1967 to facilitate the Trans-Arabian Pipeline project. It has now evolved into a vital transportation artery in the Kingdom's road network.

Established contractors such as Consolidated Contractors Company, El Seif Engineering Contracting, Al Ayuni Investment and Contracting Company, Shibh Al Jazira Contracting Company, and Manwa Trading & Contracting have also contributed to the expansion of Saudi Arabia's road infrastructure over the last several decades.

Today, the route sees constant traffic all year, including millions of tourists and freight vehicles, mainly transit trucks traveling between GCC nations and adjacent countries.

The highway starts as a dual carriageway between Riyadh and Dammam, combining at Hafr Al-Batin before continuing north via Rafha and branching toward Hail. It then travels via Al-Uwayqilah, Arar, and At-Turaif before arriving at Al Hadithah Port on the Jordanian border, where it connects to Amman and other regional markets.