Saudi Arabia has claimed the top spot globally in the Road Network Connectivity Index, according to a report by the World Competitiveness Forum. The Kingdom also ranked fourth among G20 nations in the Road Infrastructure Quality Index, highlighting its ongoing investment and development in the road sector.
For a country of Saudi Arabia’s size, these rankings underscore its growing international prominence and the strategic importance of its transport network. The Kingdom’s road system stretches over 73,000 km—almost double the circumference of the Earth—providing critical domestic connectivity while linking Saudi Arabia to eight neighbouring countries, including GCC states, Jordan, Iraq, and Yemen. The network supports key sectors such as Hajj and Umrah, tourism, trade, and broader logistics, positioning the Kingdom as a regional hub.
A spokesman for the Roads General Authority (RGA) attributed the achievements to the adoption of global best practices and safety-focused regulations. “We have launched the Road Code as a unified technical reference for all entities responsible for roads, guaranteeing the highest standards of planning, design, implementation and maintenance,” he said.
The authority has also introduced the Road Right-of-Way Permits Regulation, which organises activities within road corridors, enhances safety, and improves user experience, the spokesman added.
The RGA continues to roll out major projects and initiatives under the Roads Sector Program to strengthen infrastructure and achieve strategic targets. These include aiming for sixth place globally in the Road Quality Index by 2030, reducing road fatalities to fewer than five deaths per 100,000 people, implementing road safety features across the network in line with the International Road Assessment Programme (IRAP), and maintaining advanced service levels to meet growing traffic demands.
Saudi Arabia’s recognition in these international rankings reflects its commitment to combining world-class infrastructure with enhanced safety standards, while supporting economic growth and regional connectivity. The Kingdom’s road network is increasingly seen not just as a transport system, but as a driver of development and a vital component of national strategic planning.
Saudi Arabia tops global road connectivity rankings
