Rub-el-Khali Highway to open up new markets for Omani exports

Rub-el-Khali Highway to open up new markets for Omani exports

The Highway will allow Omani exports to reach international markets through the Red Sea gateway, and Saudi exports to reach the rest of the world through the Sea of Oman and the Arabian Sea. Muscat: The Sultanate of Oman and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) officially opened the direct road connecting them, the Rub-el-Khali Highway, and inaugurated its checkpoints on both sides of the borders. The 725-km desert road starts at (Oman's side) Ibri roundabout in the Governorate of A'Dhahirah and ends at the Rub-el-Khali checkpoint, covering a distance of 161 kilometres. From the Saudi side, the road begins at Al Bat'ha junction and ends at the border checkpoint—a stretch of 564 kilometres. The Rub-el-Khali Highway assumes significance in economic terms. It contributes to the expansion of commercial exchange and tourism activity. It enables Omani exports to reach international markets through the Red Sea gateway. It also gives direct access for Saudi exports to reach the rest of the world through Sea of Oman and the Arabian Sea. Abdullah Saud Al Anzi, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the Sultanate of Oman, spoke exclusively with The Times of Oman, coinciding with the opening of the Rub-el-Khali Road: