More Facilities to Expedite Travel Across King Fahd Causeway

Gulf Insider

12-04-2025

As part of new facilities to cut travel time across the King Fahd Causeway linking Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, the operator of the vital bridge has introduced a trial fast-track measure based on the utilization of smart cameras, a Saudi media report has said.
The experiment, conducted for two hours per day, uses cameras at the customs gates on the Saudi side for self-clearing, leading to passport control offices, reported Okaz newspaper.
Data and vehicle information will then be verified to facilitate procedures for travellers at the stopping points.
The procedure ensures a single point for cars bearing Saudi licence plates. Should the experiment prove successful, it would be applied to all vehicles.
Last month, the King Fahd Causeway Authority introduced the 'Jesr Plus' track, designated for faster passage procedures and fewer stops. Passengers can book their crossing times and pay for the new path through the Jesr app.
Passengers can cross within one hour of the time they specify in the app. The service allows a limited number of cars per hour to ensure smooth traffic.
The crossing gates have been equipped with smart cameras and linked to the Jesr app to read the licence plates and facilitate automatic crossing.
The latest facilities aim to raise the capacity of the procedure zones on the causeway to nearly 2,500 vehicles per hour.
Inaugurated in 1986, the 25km-long bridge usually sees heavy traffic during the summer holiday and the Muslim feasts of Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha.
The causeway is also of economic importance for both Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, particularly for their tourism and logistics sectors.