The Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Dental Association, Dr. Ziad Al-Lahim, affirmed that Saudi dental professionals are among the best in the world, praising the advanced level achieved by the healthcare sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. These statements highlight the qualitative leap the Kingdom has witnessed in training its human resources, making Saudi dentists strong competitors to their counterparts in developed countries.

The fruits of decades of government investment and scholarships

Dr. Al-Lahim explained that this excellence did not come about by chance, but is the result of a long-term government strategy, in which the Kingdom's government spared no expense in training and qualifying doctors. He pointed out that the overseas scholarship programs, which have continued for the past 35 years, have played a pivotal role in this achievement, with thousands of dentists being sent to the world's most prestigious universities and medical centers. These students have returned home with extensive scientific knowledge and precise practical experience, contributing to the transfer and localization of the latest medical technologies in the field of dentistry.

A robust academic infrastructure and world-class training staff

In his interview with "Akhbar24," Dr. Al-Lahim highlighted the significant expansion of the educational infrastructure, noting the existence of at least 25 dental colleges distributed across the Kingdom. These colleges are distinguished by their highly qualified teaching staff, who received their training in leading medical countries such as the United States, Sweden, Japan, and the United Kingdom. Upon their return, these graduates immediately began training future generations of dentists, thus ensuring the sustainability of educational and professional quality.

The Saudi Board: Global competition and rigorous standards

Regarding specialized professional training programs, the Chairman of the Board of the Saudi Dental Association affirmed that the Saudi Board programs in dental specialties have reached a level of maturity and strength comparable only to American programs. He explained that the Saudi Board receives and accepts a large number of trainees according to rigorous standards that ensure the graduation of consultants and specialists of the highest caliber.

Al-Lahim attributed the relative progress of the United States in this field solely to the historical “seniority” of American programs compared to their Saudi counterparts, while emphasizing that the Saudi doctor today is not only distinguished at the regional level, but has become a distinctive and unique figure at the global level.

The impact of development on the health sector and the goals of the vision

This remarkable development in the dental sector aligns with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, specifically the Health Sector Transformation Program, which focuses on improving healthcare services and enhancing the efficiency of healthcare practitioners. The presence of world-class Saudi talent strengthens the Kingdom's position as a leading destination for medical care, reduces the need for treatment abroad, and opens up opportunities for the future of medical tourism in specialized dental fields.

Minister of Transport and Logistics and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Authority for Roads, Engineer Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, inaugurated the sixth edition of the "Distinguished and Safe Roads" campaign on Sunday. This initiative complements the Kingdom's ongoing efforts to enhance road safety and improve the efficiency of the national road network. The inauguration was attended by a number of officials and representatives from relevant agencies.

Strategic shift towards sustainability

The current iteration of the campaign has witnessed a fundamental shift in its methodology. Al-Jasser explained that the initiative, which began as a simple idea, has matured into a massive national project. The Minister announced the expansion of the campaign to encompass all regions of the Kingdom, under the generous patronage of Their Royal Highnesses the Princes of the Regions, transforming it from a limited, intensive five-day campaign into a sustainable, year-round initiative. This step aims to conduct a comprehensive and accurate survey and assessment of the entire road network outside urban areas, with the support and sponsorship of Najm Insurance Services Company.

Vision context and infrastructure development

This campaign comes within the framework of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy, stemming from the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which prioritizes the quality of life and safety of citizens and residents. Saudi Arabia boasts a vast road network exceeding 73,000 kilometers, making its maintenance and monitoring a challenging task requiring innovative solutions. The cumulative efforts of recent years have yielded remarkable results, with the campaign and its associated projects contributing to a nearly 60% reduction in road fatalities. This has propelled the Kingdom to fourth place among G20 countries in the road quality index, an achievement that reflects the country's unwavering commitment to infrastructure development.

Advanced technologies are being introduced into service for the first time

As part of the drive towards digital transformation and the use of artificial intelligence in road management, the Minister of Transport launched a package of modern technologies being used for the first time in the campaign's history. Among the most prominent of these technologies are:

• Paint reflectivity measurement: A technology that relies on mobile vehicles to ensure clear paths at night, linking the results to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) without disrupting traffic.
• Warning vibrations: Using road markings that emit vibrations to alert drivers when they go off course, and are characterized by economic efficiency and a longer lifespan.
• Digital photogrammetry: Specialized equipment for surveying non-pavement elements to ensure comprehensive assessment.
• Real-time control and monitoring room: to ensure rapid response and support decision-making based on predictive data analysis.

Community partnership and government integration

The General Authority for Roads and Transportation (GARTA) emphasized that the campaign relies not only on official efforts but also heavily on community participation. GRTA called on all road users to contribute by reporting observations through the "938" call center or smart applications, considering the citizen to be the third eye of the authorities. More than 620 members, distributed across 62 field teams, are participating in the campaign. These teams represent the transportation system, university students, the Special Forces for Road Security, and representatives from the Ministries of Energy, Communications, and Industry, demonstrating exemplary government integration.

Through these ongoing efforts, the Kingdom aspires to reach sixth place globally in the road quality index, and reduce death rates to less than 5 cases per 100,000 people, which enhances the Kingdom’s position as a global logistics hub and achieves quality of life targets.