The Saudi Arabian Government has rolled out a $1.6bn road project to connect the regions of Asir and Jazan.

Aimed to facilitate travel between the two regions, the project involves construction of a 135km dual carriage road, stretching from Al-Far’a recreation park in the south of Abha to Beesh in the north of Jazan area, reported Saudi Press Agency, citing Emir of Asir region Prince Faisal Bin Khaled.

"The project includes an additional road project worth $1.1bn, which will link Makkah and Jazan areas via the Asir region."

The project includes an additional road project worth $1.1bn, which will link Makkah and Jazan areas via the Asir region.

The second project will also involve construction of all the required services and rest houses.

Both projects are within scope of the King’s approval for executing road projects at a total cost of $6.4bn.

In 2012, the government allocated $2.87bn for 284 road projects, including the development of 4,154km of highways, secondary and branch roads, as well as the design of 2,139km of new roads.

As part of the programme, five deals worth a total of $93m were signed for the Asir province, in addition to multiple projects worth approximately $56.8m in the Makkah province.