Saudi Arabia Opens One of Its Longest Marine Bridges to Boost Logistics, Economic Growth

25/11/2025 05:42 AST

Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Transport has inaugurated a major new marine bridge in the Eastern Province, described as one of the longest in the Kingdom and the second-largest dual marine bridge in the country.

The project is expected to significantly enhance mobility, logistics, and economic activity in an area central to Saudi Arabia's energy industry.

The bridge will serve thousands of employees at the Ras Tanura Oil Refinery, operated by Saudi Aramco. Ras Tanura is the Kingdom's first refinery and remains one of the largest oil processing facilities in the world.

The structure forms part of the newly inaugurated Safwa-Rahima Road, opened by Prince Saud bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz, Governor of the Eastern Province. The 15-kilometer route links Safwa in Qatif Governorate to Ras Tanura via a 3.2-kilometer dual marine bridge.

Officials say the project will reduce travel time, ease congestion, and improve connectivity between two densely populated and industrial zones.

Alongside the bridge opening, the government also launched upgrades to the Dhahran-Buqayq-Abu Hadriyah Road. The works include the construction of five new bridges, expanded lighting systems, and improved rainwater drainage.

Minister of Transport and Logistics Services, Engineer Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, stated that the new bridge adds a direct access route that strengthens supply chains and facilitates the flow of goods and services from Ras Tanura Port. He described it as an integral part of a modern transport network linking Safwa and Ras Tanura to major highways such as the Dammam-Jubail Expressway.

Al-Jasser emphasized the bridge's dual value: boosting the energy sector while increasing social and economic integration between neighboring communities. He noted that the project will enhance logistics services supporting the oil industry, reduce travel distances, and raise transport efficiency in one of Saudi Arabia's busiest industrial hubs.

According to the General Authority for Roads, the new bridge creates an additional entry and exit point for Ras Tanura, cuts travel distance to Dammam and Qatif, and provides a direct link to King Fahd International Airport.

The project also includes new drainage channels, road paving, and extensive safety measures, including signage, ground markings, vibration strips, and concrete barriers to improve traffic flow and road safety across the region.

Asharq Al Awsat