The announced Oman Road to Saudi opening will create the 1st direct tarmac road linkage between Oman and Saudi Arabia, despite the border between the two countries being some 700 kilometres long. This is all about to change with the Oman Road to Saudi opening south-east of the international border intersection between Oman, Saudi & the UAE.
The Oman section runs from the town of Ibri to the border, through relatively flat, open plain. However the Saudi section goes through the broadest section of Sand Dunes in the Rub Al Khali towards the Shaybah Oilfield, and from there onwards. It promises to be a spectacular drive in Saudi of almost 600kilometers.
The Oman road section was completed in 2013 according to Omani authorities and it is quoted at $519.2m. The completed Saudi section is said to be costing $266.6m. The earliest ‘official’ opening is said to be in October 2015 & the new border will enable a drive from Riyadh and beyond into Oman without the need to pass through the UAE. While its a beautiful route, doubtless the main beneficiary will be those travelling from Oman on the Haj & Umrah. Trade and tourists from Saudi will have a breeze getting into Oman spearheaded by Al Marai of Saudi which has a remarkable distribution system in Oman for is varied products, including dairy.
The intention is apparently to link Sohar Port with the new Oman Saudi Road opening, this presumably will be dual-carriageway as there are existing roads that link through the mountains.
You must be logged in to post a comment.