Saudi Arabia tops global road connectivity rankings – report

Saudi Arabia has topped global rankings for road connectivity, with its national highway network extending more than 73,000 kilometres, longer than the Earth’s circumference of about 40,075 kilometres, according to the Roads General Authority.

The achievement places the Kingdom first worldwide in the Road Network Connectivity Index, based on reports by the World Competitiveness Forum, reflecting years of sustained investment in transport infrastructure and network integration.

The authority said the scale of the road network is matched by its strategic importance. Saudi Arabia’s highways serve as a critical backbone for domestic mobility and regional connectivity, linking the Kingdom with eight neighbouring countries, including GCC states, Jordan, Iraq and Yemen. This connectivity underpins key sectors such as Hajj and Umrah, tourism, trade and logistics, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s position as a global logistics hub.

Saudi achieves global transport milestone

In addition to leading the global connectivity index, the Kingdom ranked fourth among G20 countries in the Road Infrastructure Quality Index, highlighting the quality and reliability of its road assets alongside their scale.

The Roads General Authority said it applies international best practices across planning, design, construction and maintenance to enhance safety and user experience. A major step in this effort has been the launch of the Road Code, which acts as a unified technical reference for all entities responsible for roads, ensuring consistent standards across the sector.

The authority has also introduced the Road Right-of-Way Permits Regulation, aimed at organising activities within road corridors, improving safety levels and enhancing the overall experience for road users, in line with its regulatory and supervisory mandate.

Looking ahead, the authority said it continues to implement major projects and initiatives under the Roads Sector Programme. Key targets include ranking sixth globally in the Road Quality Index by 2030, reducing road fatalities to fewer than five deaths per 100,000 people, and ensuring the road network is fully covered by safety features in line with the International Road Assessment Programme.

Maintaining advanced service levels and ensuring the network can meet future capacity demands remain central priorities, as the Kingdom continues to expand and modernise its transport infrastructure to support long-term economic growth and regional connectivity.