The vintage trucks that once connected Saudi Arabia's villages and cities

Arab News

22-07-2025

RIYADH: The vintage red truck, referred to in Arabic as a 'lorry' after the British synonym, has become a cherished symbol of heritage in Saudi Arabia and across the Gulf.
From the 1940s through the 1970s, these trucks — typically from American manufacturers such as Ford — played a crucial role in transport, connecting remote villages with bustling cities at a time when travel options were scarce and conditions often difficult.
Historian Abdullah Al-Zahrani told the Saudi Press Agency that residents, visitors and religious pilgrims depended heavily on these vehicles for extended journeys, which could last several days.
He said that the red truck marked a turning point in transportation, providing families and children with a new level of comfort.
Beyond carrying passengers, the red truck was vital to the local economy. It transported food supplies to markets and commercial centers, enabling merchants to move goods such as dates, spices, livestock, and textiles. This, in turn, boosted rural trade and strengthened regional connections.
Salem Al-Abdali, a local resident whose father once drove a red truck in the villages south of Taif, fondly recalled its signature red paint, handcrafted sunroof, juniper wood floors, and hand-stitched canvas roof that sheltered passengers from harsh weather.
Al-Abdali noted that the red truck held a unique social standing as the main alternative to camels, and it became intertwined with memories, stories and traditional songs recited during journeys.
He added that some drivers would even transport villagers free of charge, reflecting the era's strong sense of cooperation and community spirit.