The Ministry of Transportation was established in 1372 AH (1953 AD) to oversee all aspects of transportation: roads, railways, and ports. In 1975, as part of a broader reformation of the Kingdom’s ministries and public institutions, Saudi ports and railways were established. The ministry took on responsibilities including planning, designing, constructing, and maintaining roads and bridges. Subsequently, a specialized agency for transport was formed to oversee land and maritime sectors, coordinate between them, establish sector regulations, and issue necessary licenses for transport activities.

In 2003, the Ministry of Transportation was renamed the Ministry of Transport. The ministry’s duties expanded to include oversight of operational and safety regulations, air navigation services, and projects such as highways, rural roads, and urban infrastructure improvements. It also plays a legislative role for transport entities across the Kingdom’s airports. The ministry is tasked with constructing and maintaining ring roads, bridges, mountain roads, and enhancing road services throughout the regions of Saudi Arabia.

The Kingdom operates 27 airports: five international, 12 regional, and ten domestic airports, all providing comprehensive services to air travelers. Additionally, the ministry implements projects for parkways and dirt roads serving populated areas like towns and villages, adhering to international standards to accommodate future traffic growth.