Muscat - The new road that will cut down the distance between Oman and Saudi Arabia by 800km is likely to open next year. The road will pass through the Rub al Khali (Empty Quarter) and the eastern province of Ihsa in Saudi Arabia.
The road's section in Oman is around 160km long while 519km will be in Saudi Arabia.
The Saudi section links the Khorais-Bathaa road to the Omani border, via Shayba and Umm Zamoul. "The road in Oman's section has been completed. We are now waiting for Saudi Arabia to complete work on its side of the road," H E Dr Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Salim al Futaisi, Minister of Transport and Communications said recently.
Currently, the road from Oman to Saudi Arabia passes through UAE. According to an official in the Ministry of Transport and Communications, the road will pave the way for economic development of Dhahirah governorate. "The new road will boost trade and cut short the distance between Saudi Arabia and Oman by nearly 800km. This will benefit travellers from both countries as thousands of passengers shuttle between Oman and Saudi Arabia via Abu Dhabi."
© Muscat Daily 2014
