Saudi Arabia Adopts Advanced Technologies for Road Sustainability, Logistics Efficiency

The acting CEO of the Saudi Roads Authority speaking to the audience during a panel discussion (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The acting CEO of the Saudi Roads Authority speaking to the audience during a panel discussion (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Arabia Adopts Advanced Technologies for Road Sustainability, Logistics Efficiency

The acting CEO of the Saudi Roads Authority speaking to the audience during a panel discussion (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The acting CEO of the Saudi Roads Authority speaking to the audience during a panel discussion (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Badr Al-Dulami, CEO of the Saudi General Authority for Roads, announced that advanced technologies are being used to recycle road layers in Saudi Arabia. This has sped up maintenance by 40%, improved cost efficiency, and helped protect the environment.

Speaking at the “Supply Chain Conference” in Riyadh, Al-Dulami said Saudi Arabia's road network exceeds 500,000 kilometers, making it the top country in connectivity and the fourth-best in road quality among the G20 nations.

Al-Dulami also noted that the “Saudi Road Code” is designed to keep up with future changes, including performance-based maintenance contracts.

He highlighted key projects, such as the opening of the Eastern Interchange in Riyadh to reduce traffic and redirect trucks, and the Second Ring Road in Jeddah, which moves trucks outside the city to improve logistics flow.

Al-Dulami emphasized that safety, quality, and sustainability are key to transportation strategies, with a safe and high-quality road network being essential for a successful logistics system.

He also mentioned that the transportation and logistics strategy now focuses on these key areas. To support the growing demand, the authority introduced a system for issuing permits for transporting heavy loads.

Ahmed Al-Hassan, Assistant Minister of Transport and Logistics Services, highlighted that the ministry is focused on strategies to connect Saudi Arabia globally and increase its competitiveness, with a special emphasis on developing local talent to support Vision 2030.

On the second day of the conference, global experts gathered to discuss best practices for improving supply chain efficiency.

Mansour Al-Qahtani, from the Saudi Electricity Company, pointed out the role of artificial intelligence in improving data security and helping companies manage potential threats, boosting overall sector efficiency.



Islamic Development Bank Approves $575.63 Million in Financing to Member Countries

The Islamic Development Bank logo
The Islamic Development Bank logo
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Islamic Development Bank Approves $575.63 Million in Financing to Member Countries

The Islamic Development Bank logo
The Islamic Development Bank logo

The Islamic Development Bank’s Board of Executive Directors, chaired by its President, Dr. Muhammad Al Jasser, has approved $575.63 million in financing to foster education, energy, regional and international connectivity as well as job creation and food security in Africa and Central Asia.

The approvals will contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in line with the national development plans and priorities of the recipient member countries.

According to an IDB statement, the Board of Executive Directors approved financing for two energy and connectivity projects in Guinea; two education projects in Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan; a transport connectivity project in Kazakhstan; an agri-food MSMEs project in Tunisia; and a rural electrification project in Benin.

“This round of financing approvals represents a milestone in the history of our institution as our annual development approvals have exceeded $5 billion,” said Al Jasser.

He stated that the approvals include the Guinea-Senegal Road Corridor Construction Project which will receive 140 million euros in financing to strengthen Guinea's connectivity with Senegal.

The project will enhance livelihoods by facilitating efficient market and service access, improving roads, lowering transport costs, boosting agriculture, and elevating regional economic integration across West Africa.

Additionally, IsDB approved $80 million in financing for the construction of a 40 MW Thermal Power Plant in Kankan, the second largest city in Guinea, aiming to extend the electricity distribution grid to enhance people’s lives by improving the stability and reliability of electricity supply.