Ministry of Transportation is one of the oldest ministries in the Kingdom with a vast network of responsibilities. Many of us would think that its responsibilities are limited to the construction of roads only, while in fact it is fully in charge of all components of transporting passengers and objects from one place to another. I've been following activities of this Ministry for a long time, and I found that it is one of the dynamic ministries that work in accordance of well-designed plans. When I talk about renewed youth, I actually mean every word, because the new minister has injected his ministry with new aspiring and motivated young men by appointing them in sensitive executive positions. These young men are qualified and well-trained. And their appointment has proved to be very productive in the form of new work mechanics in the implementation of cost-effective projects, planning and tenders. Indications show that organizational measures by Minister Sulaiman Abdulla al-Hamdan, saving has reached about one billion riyals. This not to mention plans aimed at privatization of some means of transportation in the Kingdom to ensure the highest standards in services. There is a current trend in the Kingdom to impose fees for using certain highways, the privatization of airports and expanding railways. All these steps, once implemented, will be for the benefit of the population and the national economy as a whole. Needless to say that any economy could not progress unless it is supported by a renewable transport structure and it seems that the minister is well aware of this fact and he knows where to compass of the national economy is pointing to. Gone are the days when projects are carried out haphazardly. We now have the "Saudi Vision 2030" marking future map of future development and growth requirements. To contribute to this vision and to the continued development of the transport system in the country, the Ministry of Transport has established the Roads and Transport Research Center. The minister has adopted the motto "build it first and they will come", that's why he doesn't wait for building of a new city and then build the required roads. This insight has helped in avoiding past mistakes and easing the citizens' life and movement. Dr. Talal Al Harbi
