Saudi Gazette report

DHAHRAN — The King Fahd Causeway, the strategic 25-kilometer bridge linking Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, has witnessed a historic surge in traffic, with over 33 million passengers recorded travelling in both directions throughout 2024 — marking the highest figures since the crossing opened nearly four decades ago.

The milestone was highlighted during a briefing attended by Prince Saud bin Naif, emir of Eastern Province, who praised the tireless efforts of all teams working on the causeway. The emir commended both Saudi and Bahraini authorities, as well as the private sector partners, for their contributions in improving operational efficiency and elevating the travel experience.

In a briefing, Prince Saud underscored the causeway’s pivotal role in strengthening economic, social, and tourism ties between the two Gulf neighbours. He also noted the bridge’s significance as a vital artery that continues to support regional connectivity and mutual prosperity.

The King Fahd Causeway Authority reported that the introduction of advanced digital systems has drastically cut wait times. The E-JESR electronic platform, which enables pre-payment of toll fees, now processes more than half of all transactions. As a result, the average toll crossing time has dropped from 15 seconds to just 3 seconds, reducing peak travel time across the causeway to around 21 minutes.

Traffic on the causeway traditionally spikes during summer vacations and festive periods such as Eid, underscoring its status as a key gateway for tourism and family visits.

Authorities reaffirmed their commitment to implementing more smart solutions aimed at enhancing safety, efficiency, and traveller convenience in the years ahead.