After years, Turkish trucks resume operations via Saudi Arabia with TIR

In a major milestone for regional transport and trade, three Turkish trucks have used TIR to transit Saudi Arabia for the first time in many years.

A TIR operation, carried out via Iraq, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait, has restored a vital land corridor between Türkiye and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region.

Building on recent TIR progress through Iraq and Kuwait, the re-entry into Saudi Arabia marks another breakthrough for Middle East connectivity. It paves the way for Turkish operators to reach markets such as Qatar and the United Arab Emirates more efficiently and securely.

Saritaş International Transport owner Ahmet Sari said, "Resuming operations via Saudi Arabia with the TIR transit system after a long period is a historic milestone for the transport sector.

"The Saudi Arabia corridor is strategically important. It provides the most direct and efficient land connection from Türkiye to GCC markets. TIR allows us to conduct these operations in a faster, safer and more predictable way.

"On behalf of Saritaş Transport, I would like to thank IRU, national authorities, and all of our partners for their strong support and cooperation in making this milestone possible."

IRU General Delegate in Istanbul Erman Ereke said, "This operation demonstrated the potential of TIR to unlock long-awaited corridors in the GCC region.

"We are now one step closer to a fully integrated overland network between Türkiye, the GCC and beyond."