Transport

Although the Covid-19 pandemic has cast a shadow of uncertainty over parts of the global transport sector – particularly aviation – beyond those immediate issues, Saudi Arabia’s transport network is positioned to play an increasingly important role in the economy in the years ahead. Improving the Kingdom’s logistics and transport infrastructure is a central goal of the National Industrial Development and Logistics Programme, with early wins in speeding up the movement of cargo through seaports demonstrating a coordinated, multi-agency effort to make significant improvements. With new roads and bridges to Bahrain and Egypt planned, Saudi Arabia is also displaying its intention to leverage its location to serve as a transport hub, connecting countries and continents in the region. This chapter contains interviews with Saad bin Abdulaziz Al Khalb, President, Saudi Ports Authority; and Bashar Al Malik, CEO, Saudi Railway Company.