Saudi Arabia Ranks First Globally for Road Connectivity as Highway Network Tops 73,000km

Saudi Arabia has secured the top global position for road connectivity, with its national highway network now stretching beyond 73,000 kilometres longer than the Earth’s circumference of approximately 40,075 kilometres according to the Roads General Authority.

The milestone places the Kingdom first worldwide in the Road Network Connectivity Index, based on assessments by the World Competitiveness Forum. The ranking reflects decades of sustained investment in transport infrastructure, network expansion and integration across the country.

The Roads General Authority highlighted that the size of the network is matched by its strategic significance. Saudi Arabia’s road system serves as a vital backbone for domestic mobility while also supporting regional and international connectivity. The Kingdom’s highways link it with eight neighbouring countries, including GCC states, Jordan, Iraq and Yemen, reinforcing its role in facilitating trade, tourism, logistics, and the movement of pilgrims for Hajj and Umrah.

In addition to leading global connectivity rankings, Saudi Arabia placed fourth among G20 countries in the Road Infrastructure Quality Index, underscoring the high standards, reliability and safety of its road assets alongside their extensive reach.

To maintain and enhance performance, the authority applies international best practices in road planning, design, construction and maintenance. A key initiative has been the introduction of the Road Code, which provides a unified technical reference for all entities involved in road development, ensuring consistency and quality across the sector.

The authority has also implemented the Road Right-of-Way Permits Regulation, designed to regulate activities within road corridors, improve safety and enhance the overall experience for road users, in line with its regulatory and supervisory role.

Looking ahead, Saudi Arabia continues to roll out major projects under the Roads Sector Programme. 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 achieving full safety coverage across the road network 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 modernise its transport infrastructure to support long-term economic growth and regional connectivity.