The municipality of Al-Khobar Governorate announced the launch of a strategic project aimed at linking its traffic signal network to a central control system based on artificial intelligence, in a qualitative step aimed at enhancing the city’s position within the IMD Smart Cities Index globally, and confirming its ability to harness the latest technologies to serve humanity and improve the quality of life.

General context and Vision 2030

This initiative comes within the framework of the comprehensive national transformation underway in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in line with the goals of Vision 2030, which prioritizes improving quality of life and upgrading urban infrastructure. Adopting smart city technologies, such as artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things, is a cornerstone for achieving these goals, as the Kingdom seeks to transform its major cities into smart and sustainable global hubs. The Khobar project represents a practical application of this ambitious vision.

Mechanism of action and expected impact

The new system relies on a sophisticated network of cameras and sensors deployed at major intersections. These devices collect real-time, accurate data on vehicle traffic density and pedestrian flow. This data is transmitted instantly to a central, AI-powered control system, which performs predictive analysis of traffic patterns. Based on this analysis, the system dynamically and automatically adjusts traffic light timing, ensuring smoother traffic flow and minimizing unnecessary delays.

Project importance and dimensions

This project is expected to have a direct and positive impact on the lives of residents and visitors to Al-Khobar. By improving traffic flow, the system will reduce daily commute times and alleviate peak-hour congestion. It will also lower fuel consumption and carbon emissions, thus promoting environmental sustainability. Furthermore, the project will enhance road safety by reducing the likelihood of accidents at intersections and facilitating the passage of emergency vehicles. Internationally, this achievement reinforces Al-Khobar's position as a model smart city in the region and underscores the Kingdom's commitment to innovation and sustainable urban development.

In a strategic move aimed at strengthening air connectivity between the Sultanate of Oman and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Airports Group II, the operator of Taif International Airport, in cooperation with Oman Air, announced the launch of direct flights between the Omani capital, Muscat, and the city of Taif. Three weekly flights are scheduled on this new route, which was inaugurated during an official ceremony held in the international arrivals hall at Taif Airport.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by high-level representatives from both sides. Representing Oman were the Consul General of the Sultanate of Oman, Mr. Salem Al-Busaidi; the Director of Air Transport at the Omani Civil Aviation Authority, Mr. Salem Al-Husseini; and the Vice President of Sales at Oman Air, Mr. Ahmed Al-Mahrouqi. From the Airports Cluster II, the Director General of Navigation Activities, Engineer Mohammed Mousalli, and the Director of Taif International Airport, Mr. Fahd Al-Osaimi, were present.

Strategic importance within the framework of Vision 2030

The launch of this direct air route comes within the framework of the ambitious goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to transform the Kingdom into a global logistics hub and a leading tourist destination. Enhancing air connectivity with countries in the region and the world is a cornerstone for achieving these goals, facilitating access for tourists, pilgrims, and businesspeople to various cities across the Kingdom. This new route represents a vital air bridge connecting the Sultanate of Oman with one of Saudi Arabia's most important tourist and religious destinations.

Positive impact on tourism and the economy

This new route is expected to have a tangible positive impact on the tourism and economic sectors in Taif and the surrounding areas. Known as the "Bride of Summer Resorts," Taif boasts a unique historical and touristic appeal thanks to its mild summer climate, stunning natural beauty, and rich heritage. Its proximity to Mecca also makes it a vital gateway for pilgrims performing Umrah and Hajj. The new route will contribute to boosting tourism from the Sultanate of Oman, increasing hotel occupancy rates, supporting local businesses, and strengthening the fraternal and economic ties between the two brotherly nations.

Growing growth at Taif International Airport

This launch coincides with the remarkable growth witnessed by Taif International Airport. Last year, the airport welcomed over 1.5 million passengers, achieving 8% growth, while the number of flights reached approximately 11,700, a 5% increase, across eight domestic and international destinations. The Airports Cluster affirms that the launch of these new international flights is part of its ongoing commitment to enhancing the passenger experience and meeting their needs, as well as continuing to build strategic partnerships with global airlines to strengthen the position of the Kingdom's airports on the international map.

The King Fahd Causeway Authority has announced an update to the toll fees for crossing the vital bridge linking Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, with the new prices taking effect on February 18, 2026. This adjustment is part of ongoing development plans to ensure the bridge's continued efficiency and provide the best possible services to travelers.

According to the new toll, the fee for small cars and motorcycles will increase to 35 Saudi Riyals for a one-way crossing. The fee for minibuses (coasters) has been set at 55 Riyals, while the fee for large buses will be 70 Riyals. For freight vehicles, a new pricing mechanism has been adopted at 7 Riyals per ton of truck load, more accurately reflecting the volume of use and the operational footprint on the bridge's infrastructure.

Historical background and strategic importance

The King Fahd Causeway, officially opened in 1986, is one of the region's most prominent engineering projects and a vital artery strengthening economic, social, and cultural ties between the two sister kingdoms. Spanning approximately 25 kilometers over the Arabian Gulf, the bridge sees millions of travelers cross annually, making it one of the busiest land crossings in the Middle East. This was not the first time tolls had been adjusted; the first increase since the bridge's opening came in early 2016, when tolls for small vehicles rose from 20 to 25 riyals.

Expected impacts and consideration of social aspects

The new revenue is expected to contribute to funding routine maintenance and ongoing development projects for the bridge facilities, including upgrading security and technological systems and improving the overall passenger experience. Economically, while the adjustment to truck fees may have a slight impact on transportation and logistics costs between the two countries, it aims to ensure the continued efficient and safe flow of goods.

In a move reflecting consideration for humanitarian and social aspects, the King Fahd Causeway Authority confirmed that specific categories of travelers will not be affected by this increase. Tolls for people with disabilities, students studying in the other country, and frequent travelers who cross the bridge daily will remain unchanged, in recognition of their special circumstances and to facilitate their continuous movement, which forms an essential part of the interconnected social fabric between the two kingdoms.