Northern borders region: The Northern Borders Region has witnessed a significant evolution in transportation, from the historic Darb Zubaida (Zubaida Trail), which served as a pilgrimage and trade route, to modern rail and air transport. This development has strengthened the region's connectivity with the rest of the Kingdom and facilitated the movement of people, goods, and resources.

According to Saudi Press Agency, stretching more than 1,400 kilometers, Darb Zubaida features approximately 50 large water pools and reservoirs built to serve pilgrims and travelers. Its water structures demonstrate advanced engineering, including stepped pools and smaller basins designed to manage water flow and trap sediment.

Railways later became a key part of the region's economy, particularly for transporting mineral resources and connecting extraction sites with manufacturing and export facilities.

Air transport further expanded the network through Arar International Airport, which has a capacity of one million passengers and handles more than 10,000 flights annually. Valued at SAR382 million, the airport received the Best Airport in the Middle East award in 2026 in the category of airports handling fewer than two million passengers annually.

From Darb Zubaida to modern railways and air transport, the region's transportation infrastructure reflects its evolving role in supporting communities, facilitating resource movement, and strengthening integration into the national economy.