GASTAT: Over 70.7 Million Passengers Traveled Through Land Ports in 2025

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) has reported that more than 70.7 million passengers traveled through Saudi Arabia’s land ports in 2025, a 7.2% increase compared to 2024, underscoring the Kingdom’s growing role as a crossroads for regional travel and trade. According to the Road Transport Statistics 2025 publication released by GASTAT, arriving passengers exceeded 37.0 million, while departing passengers reached approximately 33.7 million. The data highlights the vital importance of land border crossings to Saudi Arabia’s transport network and its broader economic diversification efforts under Vision 2030.

This milestone reflects the Kingdom’s sustained investment in transport infrastructure and its commitment to facilitating the smooth movement of people and goods across its borders. As Saudi Arabia continues to expand its logistical capabilities and enhance regional connectivity, the performance of land ports serves as a key indicator of the nation’s progress. The increase in passenger traffic also aligns with the broader goals of Vision 2030, which seeks to position the Kingdom as a global logistics hub and a premier destination for tourism and business. With land ports handling a significant portion of regional travel, their efficiency and capacity are critical to supporting these ambitions.

Context and Background

What does the surge in land port activity tell us about Saudi Arabia’s evolving transport landscape? The Road Transport Statistics 2025 publication, issued by the General Authority for Statistics, provides a comprehensive overview of passenger and freight movement, road infrastructure, and traffic indicators. This annual report serves as a vital reference for policymakers, researchers, and international observers seeking to understand the Kingdom’s transport dynamics. The 2025 data reveals that land ports are not merely transit points but essential arteries for regional integration and economic exchange.

Historically, Saudi Arabia’s land borders have played a central role in facilitating trade and pilgrimage, particularly with neighboring Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states. The King Fahd Causeway, which connects the Kingdom to Bahrain, remains the busiest land port, accounting for 49.1% of all passenger traffic in 2025. This is followed by Al-Khafji port at 12.2%, which serves as a key gateway to Kuwait. These ports are critical for the movement of millions of travelers, including pilgrims, tourists, and business professionals, and their performance is closely monitored as a barometer of regional mobility.

The publication also sheds light on seasonal variations, with January recording the highest traffic at over 7.4 million passengers, while March saw the lowest at approximately 4.6 million. Such fluctuations reflect the ebb and flow of travel patterns, often influenced by holidays, religious events, and economic cycles. Understanding these trends is essential for planning and resource allocation, ensuring that land ports can accommodate peak demand while maintaining high service standards. The data underscores the Kingdom’s proactive approach to managing its transport infrastructure.

Key Details

What are the specific figures behind this record-breaking year for land transport? The GASTAT report indicates that freight exported and imported through land ports exceeded 26.8 million tons, up 4.4% from 2024. Exports rose 6.3% to 14.3 million tons, while imports increased 2.4% to 12.5 million tons. Al-Batha port recorded the highest share of both exports (27.9%) and imports (31.9%), solidifying its position as a major trade corridor. These numbers reflect the robust flow of goods that supports Saudi Arabia’s economy and its trading relationships with neighboring countries.

On the roads, the number of registered and roadworthy vehicles exceeded 16.7 million by the end of 2025, up 5.3% from the previous year. Private vehicles accounted for 71.2% of the total, highlighting the dominance of personal transport. Valid driving licenses exceeded 11.3 million, with newly issued licenses reaching approximately 1.2 million, a decrease of 8.1% from 2024. This decline may indicate a maturing market or improved public transport options, but it also points to the need for continued investment in road safety and driver education.

The Road Transport Statistics publication is more than a collection of numbers; it is a tool for evidence-based decision-making. By providing detailed indicators on passenger and freight traffic, road infrastructure, and road traffic, GASTAT enables stakeholders to identify trends, assess performance, and plan for future growth. The 2025 data will inform policies aimed at enhancing the efficiency of land ports, improving road safety, and supporting the Kingdom’s broader economic diversification agenda.

International and Regional Impact

How does Saudi Arabia’s land transport performance resonate beyond its borders? The increase in passenger and freight traffic through land ports signals the Kingdom’s deepening integration with its neighbors and its growing attractiveness as a destination for tourism and business. The King Fahd Causeway, for instance, is a lifeline for travel between Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, facilitating daily commutes, family visits, and tourism. Its high share of passenger traffic underscores the strong social and economic ties between the two nations.

Similarly, Al-Khafji port serves as a vital link to Kuwait, supporting cross-border trade and movement. The rise in freight exports and imports through land ports reflects the dynamic trade relationships within the GCC and beyond. As Saudi Arabia continues to diversify its economy, these land routes will play an increasingly important role in facilitating non-oil trade and enhancing regional supply chains. The Kingdom’s strategic location at the crossroads of three continents makes its land ports indispensable for regional connectivity.

From a global perspective, the efficient movement of goods and people through land ports contributes to the stability and prosperity of the wider region. Saudi Arabia’s investments in border infrastructure and customs modernization are creating a more seamless experience for travelers and traders, aligning with international best practices. This not only boosts the Kingdom’s competitiveness but also reinforces its position as a reliable partner in global trade and logistics.

Economic and Strategic Significance

What economic benefits stem from the surge in land port activity? The 7.2% increase in passenger traffic and 4.4% rise in freight tonnage translate into tangible economic gains. Higher passenger numbers support the hospitality, retail, and tourism sectors, particularly in border regions. Increased freight movement facilitates trade, reduces logistics costs, and enhances the competitiveness of Saudi exports. The growth in vehicle registrations and driving licenses also indicates a rising consumer base and increased mobility, which are essential for a thriving economy.

Strategically, the performance of land ports is a key metric for Vision 2030’s goal of transforming Saudi Arabia into a global logistics hub. The National Transport and Logistics Strategy aims to increase the sector’s contribution to GDP and improve the Kingdom’s ranking in international logistics indices. By optimizing land port operations, Saudi Arabia can better connect its economy to regional markets, attract foreign investment, and create jobs. The data from GASTAT provides a baseline for measuring progress toward these ambitious targets.

Moreover, the emphasis on digitalization and smart border management is expected to further streamline processes, reducing waiting times and enhancing security. These improvements will not only benefit travelers and businesses but also strengthen Saudi Arabia’s reputation as a forward-looking nation committed to innovation and efficiency. The land ports are thus not just physical gateways but also symbols of the Kingdom’s modernization journey.

Vision 2030 Alignment

How does the land transport data reflect the broader objectives of Vision 2030? The increase in passenger and freight traffic through land ports is a clear indication of Saudi Arabia’s progress in diversifying its economy and enhancing its connectivity. Vision 2030 envisions a nation that is integrated with the region and the world, and the performance of land ports is a testament to that vision. By facilitating the movement of people and goods, these ports support tourism, trade, and investment, all of which are pillars of the Kingdom’s transformation.

Furthermore, the GASTAT report underscores the importance of data-driven policymaking in achieving Vision 2030 goals. The availability of accurate, timely statistics enables the government to make informed decisions, allocate resources effectively, and monitor progress. As Saudi Arabia continues to invest in its transport infrastructure and streamline border procedures, the land ports will play an increasingly vital role in the Kingdom’s journey toward a prosperous and sustainable future. The 2025 figures are not just numbers; they are milestones on the path to a more connected and dynamic Saudi Arabia.

20 Questions

Q1. What was the total number of passengers through Saudi land ports in 2025?

A1. The total number of arriving and departing passengers through land ports exceeded 70.7 million in 2025, according to the General Authority for Statistics.

Q2. How much did passenger traffic increase compared to 2024?

A2. Passenger traffic increased by 7.2% in 2025 compared to 2024, reflecting growing regional mobility and enhanced border efficiency.

Q3. How many arriving passengers were recorded in 2025?

A3. Arriving passengers exceeded 37.0 million, representing a significant portion of the total land port traffic.

Q4. How many departing passengers were recorded in 2025?

A4. Departing passengers reached approximately 33.7 million, accounting for 47.7% of the total passenger traffic.

Q5. Which land port handled the highest passenger traffic?

A5. King Fahd Causeway port accounted for 49.1% of passenger traffic, making it the busiest land port in Saudi Arabia.

Q6. Which port had the second-highest passenger traffic?

A6. Al-Khafji port followed with 12.2% of passenger traffic, serving as a key gateway to Kuwait.

Q7. Which month saw the highest passenger traffic in 2025?

A7. January recorded the highest traffic, with more than 7.4 million passengers passing through land ports.

Q8. Which month saw the lowest passenger traffic in 2025?

A8. March recorded the lowest traffic, with approximately 4.6 million passengers, likely due to seasonal travel patterns.

Q9. What was the total freight tonnage through land ports in 2025?

A9. Freight exported and imported through land ports exceeded 26.8 million tons, an increase of 4.4% from 2024.

Q10. How much did exports increase in 2025?

A10. Exports rose by 6.3% to 14.3 million tons, highlighting the strength of Saudi Arabia’s trade flows.

Q11. How much did imports increase in 2025?

A11. Imports increased by 2.4% to 12.5 million tons, supporting domestic consumption and industrial needs.

Q12. Which port handled the highest share of exports?

A12. Al-Batha port recorded the highest share of exports at 27.9%, reinforcing its role as a major trade corridor.

Q13. Which port handled the highest share of imports?

A13. Al-Batha port also led in imports with a 31.9% share, demonstrating its importance for both inbound and outbound trade.

Q14. How many registered and roadworthy vehicles were there by the end of 2025?

A14. The number exceeded 16.7 million, up 5.3% from the end of 2024, indicating a growing vehicle fleet.

Q15. What percentage of vehicles were private cars?

A15. Private vehicles accounted for 71.2% of the total, underscoring the dominance of personal transport in the Kingdom.

Q16. How many valid driving licenses were there in 2025?

A16. Valid driving licenses exceeded 11.3 million, reflecting a large and active driving population.

Q17. How many new driving licenses were issued in 2025?

A17. Approximately 1.2 million new licenses were issued, a decrease of 8.1% from 2024, possibly due to market saturation.

Q18. What is the purpose of the Road Transport Statistics publication?

A18. It provides indicators on passenger and freight traffic, road infrastructure, and road traffic, serving as a reference for studies and comparisons.

Q19. How does this data support Vision 2030?

A19. The data supports Vision 2030 by informing policies that enhance transport efficiency, boost trade, and position Saudi Arabia as a global logistics hub.

Q20. What does the increase in land port activity signify for Saudi Arabia?

A20. It signifies Saudi Arabia’s growing regional integration, economic vitality, and commitment to modernizing its transport infrastructure under Vision 2030.

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