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Gulf Insider
23-07-2025
- Automotive
- Gulf Insider
Heritage On Wheels: The Iconic Red Truck That Connected Generations In Saudi Arabia
From the 1940s to the 1970s, a distinctive red truck — locally referred to as a lorry — became an enduring symbol of heritage and transformation across Saudi Arabia and the wider Gulf region. In an era marked by limited travel options and harsh conditions, these trucks served as lifelines, linking remote villages to major towns and cities. 'Residents and pilgrims heavily depended on the red trucks for long-distance travel, often embarking on journeys that spanned several days,' said Saudi historian Abdullah Al Zahrani while speaking to the Saudi Press Agency . He noted that the vehicles offered families a new level of comfort, marking a turning point in regional transportation. Beyond ferrying passengers, the red truck played a vital economic role. It transported food supplies to markets and helped merchants move goods such as dates, spices, livestock, and textiles — boosting trade and connecting rural economies. Salem Al Abdali, a local resident whose father once drove one of these trucks in villages south of Taif, vividly remembered its handcrafted features: the bright red paintwork, a wooden sunroof made of juniper, stitched canvas roofing, and wooden floors. He noted that these trucks became cherished alternatives to camels, forming part of the region's cultural fabric through tales, chants, and memories shared during journeys. Some drivers, he added, even offered their services for free, reflecting the era's strong sense of community and solidarity.
Arab News
22-07-2025
- Automotive
- Arab News
The vintage trucks that once connected Saudi Arabia's villages and cities
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.
