Saudi Arabia’s 1,700-Kilometer Northern Highway Connects Kingdom to Europe
Riyadh: Saudi Arabia’s International Northern Highway is a major artery in the kingdom’s land transport network and one of the oldest global routes to Europe.
According to the Saudi Press Agency, the highway stretches approximately 1,700 kilometers and connects to numerous secondary roads, linking key towns and cities across the kingdom. It plays a vital role in strengthening regional and international connectivity and serves as a key route for the movement of people and goods.
The highway links Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries to Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, and Turkey, extending westward all the way to Europe. It provides access to cities, governorates, towns, and villages along its route. Built to high construction and safety standards, it is a central component of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy’s Roads Sector Program.
Historically, the route was first established in 1950 as a track made of sand and gravel and was fully paved with cement in 1967, connecting the eastern and western regions of Saudi Arabia. Since then, it has become a critical corridor for transportation and development.
The highway sees traffic throughout the year, with millions of people using it daily. Trucks carrying goods of various sizes traverse this route, making it an essential trade corridor for the GCC and neighboring countries.
The Saudi General Authority for Roads continues to modernize the country’s road network, prioritizing road conditions, traffic safety, and smooth flow along key highways.
