Saudi Roads Ready For Umrah Performers, Aiming For Enhanced Ramadan Experience

Riyadh, SPA – In a significant move towards enhancing the experience of Umrah performers and worshippers during Ramadan, the General Authority for Roads has announced the completion of its comprehensive preparations and operational plans. The authority's technical and specialized personnel are fully prepared to ensure safe and smooth access to the Two Holy Mosques in Makkah and Madinah, aligning with the ambitious Saudi Vision 2030 goal of welcoming 30 million Umrah performers by the year 2030.

The authority has undertaken extensive early preparations for this year's Umrah season, evaluating over 7,000 kilometers of roads leading to the sacred sites. This evaluation aimed to ensure that these pathways meet all necessary safety and quality standards. As part of its efforts, the authority has repaved 174 kilometers of roads and rehabilitated more than 8,600 kilometers. Additionally, it has removed over 716,000 cubic meters of sand and cleaned around 4,000 drainage channels. Ensuring the safety of concrete and metal barriers and enhancing the visibility of guidance and warning signs were also key focus areas.

These meticulous efforts are designed to significantly improve the safety and readiness of the road network. This initiative is in line with the road sector's strategy, which aims to elevate the Kingdom to the sixth position globally in the Road Quality Index. Moreover, it seeks to reduce the number of road fatalities to fewer than five cases per 100,000 population. The strategy also includes plans to install traffic safety elements on the road network in accordance with the International Road Assessment Program (IRAP), provide constant service to the road network, and increase private sector participation in operational activities to 20%.

By enhancing the infrastructure and ensuring the highest standards of road safety, these efforts are expected to bolster the Kingdom's stature as a leading global logistics center. The General Authority for Roads' commitment to improving access for Umrah performers and worshippers during Ramadan is a testament to Saudi Arabia's dedication to achieving its Vision 2030 objectives.

With inputs from SPA