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- Minister says 50 percent drop in road deaths highlights Kingdom’s commitment to safety standards
RIYADH: Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistics Saleh Al-Jasser inaugurated the Road Safety and Sustainability Conference and Exhibition in Riyadh on Sunday.
The two-day event, themed “Innovating for Tomorrow,” is organized by the General Authority for Roads together with the International Road Federation, and has attracted over 1,000 specialists from more than 50 countries, including major global companies.
Al-Jasser, who is also the chairman of the General Authority for Roads, said that the number of deaths on the Kingdom's roads has decreased by nearly 50 percent, exceeding the targets set in the National Transport and Logistics Strategy introduced in 2021.
In his speech, the minister also praised the Kingdom’s efforts to elevate road safety standards and enhance sustainability.
Al-Jasser said that the Kingdom ranked fourth among the G20 countries in the Road Quality Index, confirming its leadership in achieving the highest standards of safety and quality on roads.
The conference emphasizes Saudi Arabia’s global standing in the roads sector. Key projects under the National Transport and Logistics Strategy have improved road safety and reduced fatalities, affirming the Kingdom’s commitment to safety.
Saudi Arabia has introduced initiatives to preserve road infrastructure, including performance-based contracts for greater transparency, spending efficiency, and service standards, aligning with Vision 2030.
Following the inauguration, a ministerial session titled “Road Safety: Innovation and Lessons Learned” gathered officials from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Georgia, Cyprus, and Nepal to discuss policy-driven solutions for road safety, emissions reduction, and sustainable infrastructure.
The conference features over 130 scientific papers and 27 innovative technologies on sustainable transport, including advancements in AI and smart transport systems for traffic management, vehicle safety, and environmental impact reduction.
An exhibition with 20 organizations showcases innovations in AI, smart transport, and sustainable mobility.
The conference offers a platform for global experts to share insights, best practices, and the transformative role of emerging technologies in road safety and transport.