The story of Saudi Arabia’s railway system is a remarkable journey of progress and transformation, beginning with a visionary idea in the mid-1940s. The Arabian American Oil Company (Aramco) introduced the concept of a railway to address the need for a commercial port on the Gulf coast, facilitating the transportation of imported goods to its warehouses. This innovative plan laid the foundation for a rail network that would later revolutionize transportation in the Kingdom.
The Genesis of Saudi Railways
The initial proposal by Aramco aimed to connect Dammam with Riyadh through a railway that would serve dual purposes: supporting the burgeoning oil industry and contributing to the Kingdom’s economic growth. The establishment of a port capable of receiving massive ships was envisioned as a significant step toward achieving these goals. When presented to King Abdulaziz Al Saud, he approved the ambitious project, ordering its immediate implementation. Work commenced on October 21, 1947, and by October 20, 1951, the railway line was officially inaugurated in Riyadh during a grand ceremony attended by King Abdulaziz, King Saud, and senior officials.
Initially managed by Aramco, the railway was later integrated into the Ministry of Finance and renamed the Railway Authority. On May 13, 1966, a royal decree established the General Corporation for Railways, transforming the system into a public institution governed by commercial principles.
Expansion Through Dry Ports
As Saudi Arabia’s economy grew, the volume of imports arriving at the Dammam port surged dramatically. By the mid-1970s, the roads between Dammam and Riyadh experienced severe congestion. This led to the creation of Riyadh’s dry port in 1981, a transformative solution allowing goods to be transported by rail directly to Riyadh, where customs clearance and distribution could occur efficiently. The dry port’s success was evident in its rapid growth; container volume skyrocketed from 21,000 TEUs in 1981 to over 318,000 TEUs by 2006.
SAR: A New Era in Saudi Railways
The establishment of the Saudi Railway Company (SAR) in 2006 under the Public Investment Fund marked a turning point for the Kingdom’s railways. SAR was tasked with managing and operating railway projects, beginning with the North Train project. By February 2021, a Cabinet decision replaced the General Corporation for Railways with SAR, consolidating its position as the operator and owner of all railway assets, including infrastructure and rolling stock.
Today, SAR oversees three primary networks: the North, East, and Al Haramain Express. It also manages operations for the Holy Sites Rail, with a combined network spanning over 5,380 kilometers and serving five key ports, including King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam and the dry port in Riyadh. SAR’s operations also extend to industrial hubs such as Jubail and Ras Al-Khair.
Modern Achievements and Global Recognition
SAR’s achievements reflect its commitment to excellence. Its Northern Train network, stretching 2,750 kilometers, utilizes the advanced European Train Control System Level 2 (ETCS L2), ensuring safe and reliable operations. The network transports over 60 million tons of minerals annually, significantly reducing road congestion by eliminating more than 4.5 million trucks.
The Haramain High-Speed Railway, one of the world’s fastest electric trains, connects Makkah, Madinah, Jeddah, and King Abdullah Economic City at speeds of up to 300 km/h. Meanwhile, the Eastern Train network links Riyadh with Dammam, Al-Ahsa, and Abqaiq, offering seamless passenger and freight services.
SAR has garnered international accolades, including recognition as one of the top three railway companies in the Global Safety Index for Train Operators in 2019 and the International Safety Award from the British Safety Council in 2020.
Future Vision
SAR continues to embody the Kingdom’s strategic vision for transportation, leveraging advanced technologies and sustainable practices to enhance connectivity and economic growth. By prioritizing innovation, safety, and efficiency, Saudi Arabia’s railway sector is poised to remain a cornerstone of national development and a testament to the Kingdom’s progress.
