Saudi authorities said the key highway linking the kingdom to the Sultanate of Oman stands as a remarkable engineering feat in the heart of the Empty Quarter desert (Rub Al-Khali), serving as a vital artery that strengthens cooperation between the two Gulf nations across various fields. 

 

This crucial roadway stretches 564km long - from the Batha Haradh intersection to the Empty Quarter border crossing, reported SPA. 

 

Dubbing it as an engineering marvel, the Saudi authorities said the entire construction process took over 1.3 million work hours and a total of 750 specialised pieces of heavy equipment were used to tackle the harsh desert environment.

 

According to them, the project was implemented in two phases - Phase One involved the construction of a 319-km road reaching the Shaybah oil field, while the second phase extended from Shaybah to the Empty Quarter border crossing with Oman, covering a distance of 246km. 

 

The highway's design prioritized the highest traffic safety standards, incorporating 30km night lighting, road markings spanning 12 million sq m and reflective markers and warning signs, stated the SPA report. 

 

Taking the needs of both the visitors and motorists into consideration, rest stops have been set up with special parking lots for trucks and cars on both sides of the road to ensure the safety and security of all users, it stated.

 

According to the officials, this strategic project will significantly enhance trade and tourism between Saudi Arabia and Oman, facilitating the movement of pilgrims and visitors to the holy sites.

 

It will also play a pivotal role in achieving the goals of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy, thus solidifying the kingdom's position as a global logistics hub, they added.