Construction of the first paved highway from Dhahran to Dammam, pictured here in November, 1952, was one of the elements that helped spur a surge of growth for both of those towns. Like the government railway that was completed during this period, this new road linked two major centers of activity, allowing goods, equipment and people to move easily between them. With an oil production rate of 500,000 barrels per day achieved in 1949, Dhahran and the port of Dammam became increasingly pivotal in the further development of the Kingdom. (Photo by T. F. Walters)