النقل بالسكك الحديدية في المملكة العربية السعودية : دراسة جغرافية

Abstract EN

This paper falls into five principal subjects in addition to its introduction and conclusion.

The first deals with the evolution and development of railway trans-portation in the Arabian Peninsula.

The primary phase was the establishment by the Ottomans of the railway connecting Istanbul and Al-Me'dina in Hegaz via both Syria and ،Jordan, 1908 ٨؛, when “King Abdulaziz Al-Saoud” gained full control, the second rail connection was established between Damman and Reyadh in 1947.

The paper also analysis the geographical factors, both physical and human and their impact on railway construction.

In addition, other non-geographical factors relating to the history of the kingdom.

Its economy, politics, the influence of both pilgrimage and Omra seasons, and the compititions between rail trans-port and other means of transportation - were also considered.

The Forth part of this paper is devoted to the quantitative analysis of the Saudi Arabian rail network and its socio-economic effects on the Kingdom.

The paper is concluded with some preliminary recommendation and ideas which may contribute to further development.