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Saudi Arabia’s Highway 10 Claims Title of World’s Longest Straight Road
Saudi Arabia’s Highway 10 has officially earned the Guinness World Record for the world’s longest straight road, stretching an impressive 159 miles through the Rub Al-Khali desert. This surpasses the previous record holder, Australia’s Eyre Highway, which has a 91-mile straight section.
Originally built for King Fahd bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Highway 10 now serves as a crucial artery for transporting goods, connecting central and western Saudi Arabia to the UAE. While the road is remarkably long, the drive takes approximately two hours.
This recognition comes as Saudi Arabia invests heavily in its tourism sector, aiming to diversify its economy beyond oil. The government plans to inject $8.3 billion into the industry by 2030, with ambitious goals of constructing 500,000 hotel rooms and creating 1.6 million jobs.
One key project is the Red Sea Project, including the development of Sheybarah Island as a sustainable tourist destination. The island features the luxurious Shebara Resort, with futuristic overwater villas designed by UAE-based Killa Design. The resort’s unique steel orb construction minimizes environmental impact while maximizing views of the stunning natural surroundings.
Saudi Arabia’s Execution Rate Raises Concerns
Despite these advancements, Saudi Arabia faces international scrutiny over its human rights record. Amnesty International reports a surge in executions in 2023, reaching a record high of 345.
The organization warns that this number may be surpassed in 2024, with 180 executions already carried out in the first six months. A significant portion of these executions are reportedly linked to non-violent drug offenses, raising concerns among human rights organizations.