In a move reflecting the rapid development of infrastructure in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the General Authority for Roads announced the completion of all construction and development works on the Riyadh-Al-Rin-Bisha dual carriageway project. This project, one of the largest strategic projects recently implemented by the Authority, spans 559 kilometers and represents a vital link and a new artery connecting the capital, Riyadh, with the southern regions.

Project details and technical specifications

The authority explained that the total cost of this massive project reached approximately 1.26 billion Saudi riyals. The road was designed and constructed according to the highest international engineering standards. The project included the construction of nine overpasses to ensure smooth traffic flow, in addition to the implementation of 650 concrete structures dedicated to rainwater and flood drainage, which enhances the road's sustainability and protects it from natural hazards during the rainy season.

In order to ensure the safety of road users, the project was equipped with the highest traffic safety standards, which included the installation of advanced directional and warning signs, the application of reflective road markings and road signs, as well as side warning vibration technology to alert drivers in case of deviating from the lane.

Strategic importance and economic dimension

The Riyadh-Al-Rin-Bisha road holds significant strategic importance, transcending its role as a mere transportation project. It represents a vital logistical hub, shortening distance and travel time between the central region, the Asir region, and the southern regions. Historically, longer routes have been the primary means of transportation, but the dual carriageway of this road will facilitate the movement of goods and passengers, positively impacting trade and logistics across the Kingdom's provinces.

The project also contributes directly to supporting the tourism sector, as it facilitates access for visitors from the capital and central regions to resorts and tourist areas in the south of the Kingdom, which enhances local economic activity in the governorates through which the road passes, and achieves developmental integration between the regions.

In line with the Kingdom's Vision 2030 and safety objectives

This achievement is consistent with the objectives of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy and the Kingdom’s Vision 2030. The General Authority for Roads has affirmed its commitment to continuing the implementation of vital projects to improve the roads sector, with the aim of achieving the Kingdom’s sixth-place ranking globally in the road quality index by 2030.

The program focuses intensively on improving safety rates, aiming to reduce road fatalities to less than 5 per 100,000 people. To achieve this, the authority is working to ensure the road network meets traffic safety standards according to the International Road Assessment Programme (IRAP) classification, while maintaining a high level of service that keeps pace with the increasing capacity of the Kingdom's road network.

In a historic step reflecting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's commitment to preserving its cultural and civilizational identity, the Council of Ministers approved the "National Policy for the Arabic Language." This decision represents a pivotal turning point in the journey to promote the Arabic language, as this policy establishes a comprehensive regulatory framework that ensures the presence of Arabic in all aspects of life, from education and media to international diplomacy and the business sector.

Historical context and the Kingdom's position as a custodian of Arabic

This policy is based on a well-established historical and geographical fact: the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is the cradle of the Arabic language, the birthplace of revelation, and home to the Two Holy Mosques. This status places an exceptional responsibility on the Kingdom to lead global efforts in protecting and developing the language. This step culminates decades of dedicated work to serve the Arabic language and aligns with the goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which focuses on strengthening national and Islamic identity and leveraging culture as a soft power to bolster the Kingdom’s global standing.

The eight principles of the national policy for the Arabic language

The adopted policy included eight key principles that form a roadmap for the future of the language in the Kingdom:

• Official language and sovereignty: Emphasizing that Arabic is the official language of the state, and it must be used in all government agencies and the private and non-profit sectors, as it is considered a symbol of sovereignty and national unity.
• Education: Adopting Arabic as the primary language of instruction at all educational levels, to ensure that future generations grow up with sound linguistic awareness and a close connection to their intellectual heritage.
• The overall picture: Arabization of the urban landscape, including directional signs, trade names, contracts, and initiative names, to clearly reflect the Saudi environment's Arab identity.
• Scientific research: Empowering Arabic in research and scientific fields, and encouraging scientific publishing in it to consolidate its interaction with modern sciences.
• Media: Media institutions are committed to providing sound linguistic content that reflects the cultural diversity of the Kingdom and preserves the integrity of the language.
• Business sector: Promoting the use of Arabic in business correspondence, recruitment, and management, and transforming the language into an economically viable tool through "language investment".
• International dimension: The use of Arabic in international forums, conferences, and official diplomatic meetings, with translation provided when needed, to emphasize the Kingdom’s status.
• Culture and Arts: Making Arabic a fundamental pillar in cultural and artistic products to promote national belonging.

Strategic importance: Language as cultural security

This decision transcends mere regulation, reaching the concept of "cultural security." Language is not simply a means of communication; it is the vessel of thought and the bulwark of identity. In the face of accelerating globalization, preserving linguistic independence is a fundamental pillar of cultural independence. This decision is expected to enhance the attractiveness of Saudi Arabia to non-native speakers wishing to learn Arabic, thereby boosting cultural and educational tourism.

The role of the King Salman Global Academy for the Arabic Language

To ensure the effective implementation of this policy, the King Salman Global Academy for the Arabic Language will play a pivotal role in issuing guidelines and providing technical support to various entities. The Academy will work to bridge the gap between legislation and implementation, ensuring that these principles are translated into tangible daily practices that elevate the status of the Arabic language locally, regionally, and internationally.