dubai to saudi road trip

Plan a road trip from Dubai to Saudi Arabia

October 10, 2022 Blog 0 Comments

11 Most useful road trip checklist or tips to travel from Dubai to Saudi Arabia by road.

Saudi Tourist Visa https://visa.visitsaudi.com/Login

Mandatory car insurance.

• Own vehicle only
• Offroad coverage – Not covered
• Emergency roadside assistance Axa Saudi 8001160020
• Emergency roadside assistance – Not covered

2. Purchase 3rd party car insurance at the Saudi border

• 107 Al Wuheida St – Deira – Dubai
• 04 296 1122
• https://goo.gl/maps/Lm5UwhYmC72ak3Qk9

Tourism Certificate

Go to ag cars (rta) near emirates motorsports org and get the tourism certificate – 170aed.

Get a NOC from the bank if your car is financed.

Medical Insurance

Confirm medical coverage in Saudi and the process to make a claim or emergencies.

Cash in Hand

Get 3000 SAR in cash. * During the Trip .

Vaccination

• Within 72 hours of your arrival in Saudi – Vaccinated Traveler registration https://muqeem.sa/#/vaccine-registration/register-visitor?type=VaccinatedVisitor

Original vaccine certificate attested – *The Al Hosn PDF with the UAE digital seal is accepted*

Get a PCR test – Must be within 72 hours of arrival in Saudi Check for updates https://www.visitsaudi.com/en/covid-19-information-page

Tawakkalna (PCR – Saudi App)

Download and register the Tawakkalna application before arriving at the point of departure. https://ta.sdaia.gov.sa/en/index To use Tawakkalna in Saudi you will need phone and data services on your cellphone. *This is like the Al Hosn app, you need to show this everywhere you go. **The app may only be accessible in Saudi and may give you an error while trying to update the information outside of KSA.

Mobile Internet

Mobile data – local SIMs are about 100 SAR for 10GB of data for 1 month. *Keep in mind you will need data to get the Tawakkalna app updated with your vaccine and PCR info after crossing the border so you may need to buy a roaming data pack to start with. So plan accordingly.

Document Checklist

• Print – Vaccination certificate
• Print – Saudi Visas
• Print – PCR results
• Print – Medical insurance cards
• Print – Car insurance
• Print – Car insurance – GCC Coverage
• PACK and Print – Passport
• Print – UAE residency visa
• PACK – Carnet and Tourism Certificate
• Find and print – Canadian embassy in Saudi info

During the Trip

• Cash – Bring enough cash as most gas stations don’t accept Visa or MC.
• Bring a bottle of Liqui Moly injector cleaner as this helped clean the fuel system.
• Highways don’t have street lights at night so be prepared and aware.
• Cars will overtake on the hard shoulder to be careful.
• 10% of the speed limit is the buffer speed on the road with a speed limit of 120km/h or less
• 4km/h is the speed limit buffer on roads with a speed limit of 140km/h or higher.
• Mobile Data – Mobily coverage was not that great in the desert. Someone suggested to go with STC for better coverage. *SIM cards were purchased at a store in Al Hofuf.
• Dress code – You can wear shorts and tshirts in most of Saudi, but some malls may require pants and and long-sleeved shirts for ladies. Be prepared and pack convertible pants/shorts and ladies can bring an abaya to put over top.
• Language – It is highly advisable to have an Arabic speaker in your group if you are planning to go into smaller towns and villages as not a lot of people speak English . Hindi/Urdu can be helpful if you need services as there are a lot of Indian/Pakistani expats working in Saudi. 
• Lots of hypermarkets in the large cities, smaller towns will just have small grocery stores.
• Al Rimaya has a lot of camping gear and even carries ARB suspension
• Al Sanidi is the Ikea of camping gear in Saudi.

Return Back to the UAE

• If you get the PCR test at night, the results should be there by morning if you select the 12 hour option.
• If you have a Saudi SIM and mobile number then you can receive the SMS with download link.
• PRINT your test results as UAE immigration will want to see this.

About vijay

Solo female travel anywhere and everywhere.

A driver’s manual to road trippin’ Saudi

Want to go on an epic Saudi Arabia road trip? Here’s a guide to traveling Saudi Arabia by car, including information on how to rent a car in Saudi Arabia, tips for road tripping, driving advice, costs, road trip itineraries, and more.

Saudi Arabia is made for cars.

Immaculate roads stretch for hundreds of kilometers between cities, sometimes without even petrol stations in sight. Capital Riyadh sprawls like a small country; it always takes at least half an hour to get from A to B. Saudi’s best sights lie deep within its borders, far from any manicured city.

Trust me: if you want to travel Saudi Arabia you need a car.

Don’t be intimidated. Road tripping in Saudi Arabia is totally manageable! Here’s what you need to know to travel Saudi Arabia by car.

• Cost of renting a car
• What you need
• Renting without an International Driver’s Permit (IDP)
• Mileage limits and solutions
• Is it safe to drive?
• Dangers of driving
• Things to know
• Can women drive?
• Wild camping

Camping on beaches

• Road trip itineraries

The car we rented. Teeny, but it got the job done.

Renting a car in Saudi Arabia

I rented a tiny Chevrolet Spark with another backpacker for the majority of my three weeks of travel in Saudi Arabia, and it was sufficient. We could access most of the sights we were interested in, could camp anywhere and everywhere, and it had juuuust enough space for our bodies and backpacks (… but not much else) .

Best car for driving in Saudi Arabia

If money isn’t an issue 4x4s are best for Saudi Arabia . Four-wheel drive = off-roading on sand and rock—one of Saudi’s favorite pastimes—and access to virtually any location in the country. The downside: 4x4s are costly, as is their petrol.

If on a budget, any sedan will do . The Chevrolet Spark I had was weak, low to the ground, and had a dangerously teeny tank… but it was the cheapest option, and it survived!

Have a bit of wiggle room with your budget? Find a sedan with 4WD that’s a bit higher off the ground to avoid damage from rocks and bumps.

Browse Saudi Arabia car rentals on Rentalcars.com

Cost of renting a car in Saudi Arabia

Split between two people, car rental in Saudi Arabia was reasonable.

The little Spark costs about US$30 per day to rent. When driving all day, we spent US$15-20 on petrol. In total: $25 per person per day for a teeny car.

SUVs are more costly. The cheapest are around US$80 per day, but you’re likely to spend upwards of $100 for a decent vehicle. Filling the tank costs upwards of $30-40. Expect to pay $150+ per day for an SUV .

Luckily, petrol in Saudi Arabia is cheap compared to the rest of the world. Gasoline is about $0.40 per liter for 91, and $0.50 per liter for 95.

Some rental companies charge a fee for returning the car to a different drop off point. Ask the sales clerk if you’re planning to drop the car at a different location from where you picked it up.

For other information about prices in Saudi, check out my guide on how much it costs to travel in Saudi Arabia.

Renting a car is more manageable if you pair up with other backpackers… even if they’re a little bit batty.

What do you need to rent a car in Saudi Arabia?

A driver’s license is the most obvious requirement, but there’s another important item you need: an international driving permit (IDP) .

Many car rental companies in Saudi Arabia will not rent cars to foreign drivers without IDPs. You need to have an IDP before entering Saudi Arabia—you usually get them in your home country. Look up requirements for your country’s IDP .

Tip: Once you’re on the road, you don’t officially need an IDP unless your license uses non-Roman script. I don’t have an IDP, and when I was stopped at checkpoints I only showed my US license and passport without issue.

You also need a credit card to rent a car. Car rental companies in Saudi Arabia require a hold—a kind of deposit—to be taken from your card. Our hold was 500 SAR (US$135). It was returned to us on the last day of our car rental.

Note: Though many pickup locations are listed, many local agencies only allow foreigners to pick up cars at airports or major branches. Call ahead to make sure.

How to rent a car in Saudi Arabia without an International Driving Permit (IDP)

Don’t have an IDP? Don’t despair just yet!

Major international car rental companies such as Enterprise and Avis might be more willing to rent you a car without an IDP. It’s best to go to their airport franchises in person to discuss (… argue) with them to convince them to do so. A friend of mine succeeded in renting cars in multiple locations without an IDP in December 2019.

Watching sunset in Abha, Saudi style: in the car!

Mileage limits on car rentals in Saudi Arabia

Mileage limits are the biggest issue when renting cars in Saudi Arabia. Most major rental companies have a 200-250 kilometers per day limit.

Sounds like a lot? Wrong.

You can easily drive 200 kilometers and not get anywhere in Saudi Arabia. Just driving from Riyadh to the “nearby” Edge of the World and back is more than 200 kilometers.

If you anticipate driving at least 400 kilometers per day (a modest estimate), you’ll pay at least another $25 per day in mileage. Extra kilometer charges start at 0.35 SAR/km, and increase with the quality of the car.

What to do?

Solution 1: Don’t drive every day.

Cars from some reputable companies on Rentalcars.com offer total mileage limits. So long as your total mileage is less than 250km/day on average , you’re fine. If you drive long stretches then spend a few days in each destination you’ll be under the limit.

Solution 2: Pay for unlimited mileage.

If planning on driving long distances often—like I did—it’s best to shell out extra cash for unlimited mileage… but not every company offers unlimited mileage.

Yelo is a reputable car rental company in Saudi Arabia offering an unlimited mileage add-on for purchase. Cost depends on the length of rental, but it’s still cheaper than paying for extra kilometers. Their website makes for easy bookings, and their customer service is very responsive and helpful.

Solution 3: Rent cars selectively

The most time-consuming option is to take buses over long distances, and rent a different car in each city/area. For example, you rent a car to go around Riyadh, take a bus to Jeddah, then rent another car for Jeddah, the coast, etc.

You’ll lose some time going to and from airports and from dealing with paperwork, but at least you’ll stay under the mileage limit!

Typical Saudi Arabia: wide open spaces, dry landscape, and a damned good road with no one on it

Driving in Saudi Arabia

Is it safe to drive in saudi arabia.

Multiple people warned me that Saudi drivers are balls to the walls INSANE and utterly terrifying.

Honestly? I didn’t think they were that bad.

If you’ve been to countries where roads are wild and drivers drive fast with no care for rules *cough Iran cough* , Saudi Arabia won’t be too overwhelming. To be fair, before traveling to Saudi I was motorbiking in Pakistan , which is far more chaotic, but I still didn’t find driving in Saudi particularly stressful.

Though Saudi drivers aren’t the safest, I think anyone who can drive, keep calm, and carry on will be fine road tripping in Saudi Arabia.

An unexpected danger from our road trip: aggressive donkeys

Dangers of driving in Saudi Arabia

Of course, there are some notable dangers of driving in Saudi. Some things you need to watch out for when traveling by car in Saudi Arabia include…

Sand: Probably the riskiest part of driving in Saudi Arabia. It’s easy to get stuck in loose sand, very difficult to get out without a shovel or rope, and you might be waiting for a while before someone passes by. Luckily, Saudi’s main roads are well-paved. You won’t hit sand unless you purposefully drive off-road.

Speed bumps: Seems benign, but they are EVERYWHERE in Saudi Arabia… and aren’t always marked. Checkpoints with five speed bumps in a row are common. Especially in the south, many speed bumps were too high for the Spark to make it over without scrapes. Drive carefully to protect your car and avoid crashes when people slam on breaks to slow for unexpected speed bumps.

Other drivers: Saudi drivers aren’t the worst… but they certainly aren’t winning safety prizes any time soon. You’ll see people driving in the opposite direction of traffic on highways, taking illegal U-turns, driving too fast, ignoring lane boundaries, and crashing into other cars every once in a while. Texting while driving is also common. Roundabouts are particularly perilous places. Drive cautiously; right of way isn’t a concept in Saudi roundabouts.

Running out of fuel: Petrol stations can be few and far between, even on major highways. We almost ran out of petrol on a road leading into Riyadh, the capital, because there was no station in sight. If traveling long distances make sure to fill whenever possible. I don’t advise letting your tank dip far below ¼ full, especially if driving a small car.

Stuck in the sand after venturing off-road

Things to know about driving in Saudi Arabia  

• Speed limit signs are often only in Arabic. I recommend learning Arabic numerals before hitting the road.
• Do NOT play music during the call to prayer. It’s forbidden. Obviously you can get away with it in remote areas or if your music is quiet; keep windows closed if so.
• STC has the best mobile coverage in Saudi Arabia. Expect working mobile signals with data along the vast majority of Saudi’s highways. STC SIM cards are available from kiosks in major airports, or in franchise stores in cities.
• There are speed cameras. Look for unassuming gray boxes on roadsides. If flashed your ticket will be sent to your car rental company and they’ll notify you.
• You can go 10% faster than the speed limit without getting a ticket. I may or may not have tested this regularly.
• Emergency flashers on moving cars usually mean speed cameras or speed bumps coming. Slow down if you see cars ahead with flashers on.
• Police and army checkpoints are frequent. Usually they’re empty, but sometimes officers stand roadside. If no one is there or no one stops you, keep driving. Otherwise, give the officer your passport and car registration.
• Google Maps isn’t always reliable. Maps isn’t always aware of existing U-turns, and makes you drive too far to change direction on highways. Minor roads are often not listed on Google Maps.
• If you have to pee, look for a mosque. Petrol stations have mosques with toilets and places to wash. Female travelers should ask for the women’s area, often hidden around the back of the mosque.

One of my favorite parts of traveling Saudi Arabia by car: all the bizarre statues and signs next to the roads

Getting gas/petrol in Saudi Arabia

Fueling up is pretty straightforward in Saudi—you don’t even have to get out of your car!

Thanks to the state-run oil company Aramco, petrol stations offer very similar prices: around 1.5 riyal/L for Gasoline 91 and 2 riyal/L for Gasoline 95 as of December 2019. Diesel is available at stations frequented by trucks.

When refueling, all you have to do is drive next to a pump with an attendant, open the tank access if necessary, and tell them how much fuel you want. Regardless of language, most understand “full”. You pay after they fill by giving the attendant cash or a credit card. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted.

Note that attendants disappear and stations essentially shut down during prayer times five times a day.

Woman at the wheel, look out!

Can women drive in Saudi Arabia?

Yes. As of 2018, both foreign and Saudi women can drive cars in Saudi Arabia . No male guardian necessary. Solo or otherwise, women can rent cars in Saudi Arabia in their name.

It’s not so common to see women driving, especially outside of cities, but don’t let that stop you. I did have an overly thorough inspection at a police checkpoint near Riyadh, which I suspect happened because I’m a woman, but aside from that I didn’t have any issues except people staring.

For more info for women traveling to Saudi, check out my guide to female travel in Saudi Arabia .

Car camping in Wadi Disah

Finding accommodation while road tripping Saudi Arabia

Hotels and guesthouses.

A decent amount of accommodation in Saudi Arabia is online on websites like Booking.com and Airbnb. In my experience, accommodation is often cheaper on Booking.com than if booked directly at the hotel. Hotel owners told me to book online if the rate was lower. Mystery, but so be it.

Browse Saudi Arabia hotels on Booking.com

However, in small towns not much is listed online. Finding cheap accommodation was also difficult as many hotels online are mid-range or luxury. Sometimes it’s best to just walk into several hotels and see what your options are.

Furnished rental apartments turned out to be the best value for money in Saudi Arabia, and often the cheapest option. Starting at around 100-120 riyal per night, the spaces usually include one or two bedrooms, a common room, and a kitchen. They’re not always listed on booking websites, but if you search “apartment” on Google Maps in the town you want to stay in there’s usually at least one or two rental apartments listed in each place.

Camping while road tripping

Love camping? You’ll love Saudi Arabia.

Camping is part of Saudi culture—though perhaps not as you know it—and on weekends tents and camps blossom all over Saudi’s otherwise empty expanses.

You can essentially camp anywhere you want in Saudi, and it’s generally safe to do so. However, it can be surprisingly difficult to avoid people unless you have a 4×4. No need to be concerned about danger—the issue is more that police and/or local people will appear out of nowhere to come and make sure you’re okay if they see a car parked near the road.

To avoid this, consider camping in or near the small prayer rooms along empty roads. You can also sleep inside prayer halls in mosques and airports if you’re feeling bold. Otherwise, make sure to get as far from the main roads as you can to get some alone time.

Tip: Many petrol stations have attached shops. Especially in remote areas, these shops are a treasure trove of camping supplies. They have everything from cooking gas to wood to pots to blankets and pillows… in addition to basic groceries. Score!

Camping out near a tiny prayer hall outside Najran

Camping on Saudi’s shores is trickier: they’re patrolled by the Coast Guard 24/7. Though you’re allowed to camp in certain areas—anywhere with picnic shelters and lights is a good bet—the Coast Guard will ask you to leave others if they see you camping.

If you’re determined to stay put, local blogger Nada al Nahdi told me bringing passport copies for officers helps with getting permission.

With so many routes and tempting side tracks, deciding where to go in Saudi can be tricky!

Saudi Arabia road trip itineraries

Vivid desert sunrises, perfectly silent. Crumbling abandoned villages made from mud. White sandy beaches all to yourself. These are but a few of the things that await you when road tripping in Saudi Arabia.

Read: Essential Saudi Arabia – A detailed one-month itinerary

These itineraries are some examples of possible road trips. Infinitely more combinations and options exist; use these as a base to craft an itinerary that works for you . Peruse sites and spots on Google Maps. And, of course, never hesitate to drive off down a good lookin’ side road. That’s what road tripping is all about, right?

Note: All of these places are accessible by sedan. No 4×4 necessary unless noted.

Sunset in old Jeddah

Saudi Arabia Essentials | 10 days, Riyadh to Jeddah

• Day 1: Riyadh
• Day 2: Day trip to Edge of the World (4×4 necessary)
• Day 3: Pick up car, day trip to Ushaiger Heritage Village
• Day 4: Drive to Al Waba Crater and camp (6.5 hours, 710 km/440 mi)
• Day 5: Hike Al Waba Crater, drive to Jeddah (4h, 350 km/215 mi)
• Day 6: Jeddah
• Day 7: Jeddah
• Day 8: Drive to Al Ula via Yanbu coastal road (7h, 675 km/420 mi)
• Day 9: Al Ula
• Day 10: Drive to Jeddah [via Medina if Muslim] (7.5h, 700 km/435 mi)
• Return car in Jeddah

Mosque in Ushaiger village

Riyadh and the East | 7 days, Riyadh to Riyadh

• Day 2: Pick up car, drive to Shaqra via Ushaiqer Heritage Village (2.5h, 220 km/135 mi)
• Day 3: Drive to Hail (4.5h, 460 km/285 mi)
• Day 4: Day trip to Jubbah (3h return, 260 km/160 mi)
• Day 5: Drive to Riyadh via Buraydah (6.5h, 720 km/450 mi)
• Day 6: Drive to Hofuf (3.5h, 330 km/205 mi)
• Day 7: Drive to Riyadh, return car if sedan (3.5h, 330 km/205 mi)
• Day 8: Day trip to Edge of the World (4×4 necessary)

Sunrise over Fayfa

Southwest Saudi | 11 days, Jeddah to Jeddah

• Day 1: Jeddah
• Day 2: Pick up car in Jeddah [visit Mecca if Muslim]
• Day 3: Drive to Al Bahah via Dhee Ayn Village (5h, 425 km/265 mi)
• Day 4: Drive to Abha via Rijal Alma Village (6h, 360 km/225 mi)
• Day 5: Abha and Khamis Mushaiyt
• Day 6: Drive to Fayfa via Wadi Lajab (5h, 300 km/185 mi)
• Day 7: Drive to Jizan (1.5h, 100 km/65 mi)
• Day 8: Ferry to Farasan Island with car
• Day 9: Return to Jazan
• Day 10: Drive to Al Qunfudhah (4h, 350 km/220 mi)
• Day 11: Drive to Jeddah (4h, 360 km/220 mi)

Have more questions about traveling Saudi Arabia by car? Ask them in the comments!

Helpful? Pin it!

Yay transparency! This post contains affiliate links. If you buy or book something using my links I make a bit of cash at no extra cost to you . Think of it as a way of saying thanks for the information!

Alex Reynolds

19 thoughts on “ a driver’s manual to road trippin’ saudi ”.

Hey Excellent blog full of Information. M glad u enjoy exploring KSA.I believe I m fortunate enough to be here as getting opportunity to explore ! Just wondering do you have any itinerary for umluj /yanbu? Would appreciate if you share … Regards

Hi, Excellent blog 👍 I’m planing to do Riyadh -> Djeddah soon, the goal is to spend 3 days in each of these cities : Riyadh/Djeddah/Medina) We have 3 kids, and I think driving from Riyadh to Djeddah will be too long for the kids. where do you think we can spend the night in between (a city with a confortable hotel for the night & a good meal 👌)

Thanks, very helpful article 👍

thanks for all the info. about to head out for 21 day road trip in Saudi. thinking I will bring my tent and do some good camping. how far did you hike into Wadi Disah for camping.

plan to read your post on riding through Pakistan as I want to do the same.

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• Plan a Road Trip
• Plan a Flight
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• All Questions

Distance between Dubai and Saudi Arabia

Driving non-stop from dubai to saudi arabia.

How far is Saudi Arabia from Dubai? Here's the quick answer if you have friends taking shifts as driver so that you can make the entire trip by car without stopping.

Nonstop drive: 766 miles or 1233 km

Driving time: 13 hours, 40 minutes

This is a really long drive, so it's not very realistic to drive nonstop. To get a better idea of how long this road trip would actually take, scroll down to calculate how many hours it would be if you drive with stops .

Flying non-stop from Dubai to Saudi Arabia

Now let's assume you have a private jet and you can fly in the fastest possible straight line between Dubai, United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. Because of the curvature of the Earth, the shortest distance is actually the "great circle" distance, or "as the crow flies" which is calculated using an iterative Vincenty formula. For a long distance, this appears as a curve on the map, and this is often the route that commercial airlines will take so it's a good estimate of the frequent flyer miles you'll accumulate as well.

Flight distance: 644 miles or 1036 km

Flight time: 1 hour, 47 minutes

The straight line flight distance is 122 miles less than driving on roads, which means the driving distance is roughly 1.2x of the flight distance.

Your plane flies much faster than a car, so the flight time is about 1/8th of the time it would take to drive.

This is a medium length flight, so unless you have a nice private jet, you might be booking a commercial flight. In that case, your travel time would really need to include how many minutes to get to your local airport, wait for security, board and taxi on the runway, land at the other airport, and get to your destination. Scroll down to see a more realistic calculation that takes into account all these factors to get a more accurate estimate of your actual flight time .

Dubai to Saudi Arabia road trip

Let's say you're actually planning a road trip to Saudi Arabia, and you want to stop on the way to explore. If it's a real road trip, you might want to check out interesting places along the way, or maybe eat at a great restaurant. That's what Trippy is perfect for, helping you figure out travel plans in detail.

Road trip: 1 day of driving

With the full itinerary planned out, we can estimate your total travel time for this trip.

Travel time: 13.5 hours on the road

Start in Dubai .

Drive for about 1.5 hours , then stop in Abu Dhabi and stay for about 1 hour. Next, drive for another 8 hours then stop in Riyadh . Stay overnight. Finally, drive for about 4 hours and arrive at Saudi Arabia .

Dubai to Saudi Arabia airports and flights

In the quick calculation above, we assumed you had a private plane and just wanted to know the time in the air from city to city. But for most of us, we're going to be flying on a commercial airline (whether it's first class or coach). So that means we really need to account for all the extra travel time getting to the airport, waiting for our flight, and making it to the destination.

To give you a better estimate of real-life travel, we've put together a flight itinerary with actual airports. Eventually you'll be able to customize this plan, choosing your own airports and flights. But for now, here's an example we've selected to give you an idea of how traveling might work between airports.

Departure airport: Dubai International Airport (DXB)

Arrival airport: Dawadmi Domestic Airport (DWD)

With the airports selected, we can estimate the travel time to and from the airport, based on how far the airport is from downtown.

Getting to the airport: 20 minutes

Getting to your destination: 201 minutes

Now finally, let's look at an actual flight from DXB to DWD and figure out how long it would take to fly including take-off and landing, and time to taxi on the runway.

Commercial flight time: 1 hour, 47 minutes

So now we can finally get an idea of the total travel time from Dubai to Saudi Arabia including time spent getting to/from the airports, an estimated wait time of 2 hours at the airport for TSA security lines and waiting at the gate, and the actual flight itself.

Total travel time: 7 hours

Plan a trip to Saudi Arabia

Trippy has a ton of information that can help you plan your trip to Saudi Arabia. Start by reading the Trippy page on where to stay in Saudi Arabia . Check out some of the questions people have asked about Saudi Arabia like Best free things to do in Saudi Arabia? . Click the button below to explore Saudi Arabia in detail.

How far is it the other way?

The distance is the same either way if you're flying a straight line (or driving the same roads back and forth). But for a real trip, there can be plenty of differences so go ahead and check the reverse directions to get the distance from Saudi Arabia to Dubai , or go to the main page to calculate the distance between cities .

If you happen to know Dubai, don't forget to help other travelers and answer some questions about Dubai!

More info on this route: drive from Dubai to Saudi Arabia road conditions alternate routes Google driving directions

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A road trip from Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, to Dubai, arguably the most popular tourist destination in the United Arab Emirates, is a journey that offers a unique blend of culture, history, and natural beauty.

Recommended: Riyadh to Makkah – A Traveler’s Guide

Table of contents

Experience and sights, 1- plan your route:, 2- check your vehicle:, 3- pack snacks and drinks:, 4- bring entertainment:, 5- take breaks:, 6- get your car insurance and documents ready:, 7- use the rest stops:, 8- follow traffic laws:, 9- check weather conditions:, 10- have a backup plan:.

The distance between Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, and Dubai, one of the largest cities in the United Arab Emirates, is approximately 990 kilometers (615 miles).

The most direct route between the two famous cities would likely involve taking Highway 40 and E11, a major highway that runs through the desert.

Along the way, you would pass through several small towns and cities, including Al Ain, known for its beautiful gardens and parks.

Driving in the desert is a unique experience, as the vast expanses of sand and rock can differ from a usual affair. The road is generally in good condition.

However, it’s essential to be aware of the weather and road conditions, as sandstorms and high winds can make visibility poor, and sudden rain can cause flash flooding.

Recommended: Top 10 Fun Things To Do In Dubai

It would certainly pay to be aware of the local driving laws and customs, as they can vary from what you’re used to. The trip takes around 7-8 hrs., including the immigration process, if the traffic is regular and there are no stoppages.

Bus and train options are available between the two cities if you prefer to avoid driving. However, they are less convenient than taking a car, and they also take longer time.

It’s worth mentioning that UAE and Saudi have different visa and entry requirements rules , so checking the visa requirements before planning the trip is advisable.

Overall, a road trip from Riyadh to Dubai can be a great way to see the Arabian Peninsula’s beautiful desert landscape and experience the region’s culture and history.

It’s an opportunity to see the contrast between the two major cities and how they offer different experiences and entertainment.

Road trip hacks

Following these road trip hacks can make your journey from Riyadh to Dubai more comfortable and enjoyable. Remember to stay safe , stay alert, and have fun!

Use online maps or navigation apps to find the best route and estimate the travel time. This planning will help you avoid traffic and reach your destination on time.

Before going on a road trip, ensuring it is in good condition is crucial. Check your car’s tire pressure, oil levels, brakes, and other essential parts to ensure everything functions correctly.

Recommended: How to travel from Riyadh to Jeddah?

Bring plenty of snacks and drinks for the journey. This will save you money and time, as you will only have to stop as often for food and beverages.

Pack non-perishable items such as nuts, granola bars, and dried fruits. Make sure to bring enough water and other drinks to stay hydrated.

A long road trip can get boring, so make sure to bring some entertainment for the journey. Bring books, music, or a portable DVD player. You can also bring portable chargers or a car charger to keep your devices charged.

Long road trips can be tiring, so taking breaks every few hours is essential. Get out of the car, stretch your legs, and take the opportunity to use the restroom and grab a snack.

Before hitting the road, ensure your car insurance is up to date and you have all the necessary documents like car registration, driver’s license, etc.

Rest stops along the route can be a great place to get some fresh air, stretch your legs, and grab a snack or a drink. Many rest stops also have restrooms, picnic tables, and other amenities.

Make sure to follow all traffic laws and regulations while on the road, including speed limits, traffic signals, and any other road signs.

Recommended: Six Passport Requirements That Saudi Travelers Must Check Before Traveling

Before leaving Riyadh, check weather conditions in Dubai and along the way. Pack accordingly, and bring warm clothes if the forecasted temperature is low. Keep an eye on the forecasts for the duration of the trip.

Make sure you have a backup plan for any emergency or unexpected delays. Keep emergency contact numbers like rental car service, road assistance, police, etc., handy.

A road trip from Riyadh to Dubai offers a unique blend of culture, history, and natural beauty.

The journey takes you through the modern metropolis of Riyadh. The historical town of Hofuf, the beautiful oasis of Al Ain, and the modern and luxurious cities of Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

With many stops along the way, you will take in the rich history and culture of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, beautiful natural landscapes, and the marvels of modern architecture.

Road trips may only be possible for some as the border between Saudi Arabia and UAE is closed to the general public. And it would require a special permit and clearance to cross the border.

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A step-by-step guide to travel from Saudi to Dubai by Road

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The Saudi Arabia-United Arab Emirates border is 457 km in length and runs from the Persian Gulf coast in the west to the tripoint with Oman in the east.[1. Saudi Arabia – The World Factbook (cia.gov) ] Citizens, residents and Visitors in Saudi Arabia can enter UAE from Saudi Arabia via this land border which is at a place called Al Batha . In this guide, we have detailed the step by step procedure to travel from Saudi to Dubai by road.

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? Pre-requisites: Documents Checklist

• Passport with Minimum six months validity
• UAE Visa (You can request us for a callback for assistance)
• Copy of Exit re entry visa
• Original Iqamah of the Sponsor
• Vehicle Isthimarah . If you’re using a rent vehicle, obtain Letter of authorization from Muroor, KSA.
• Hotel Booking is Not Mandatory as it won’t be asked at the border.

? Info : UAE sim is not available at the border. Drive into UAE to buy one.

? Info : If you’re applying for UAE visa online, Select Dammam as Arrival Port . Al Batha Border is not listed as a port of Arrival.

? Cost of Travel from Saudi to Dubai by road

The cost of travel varies from person to person depending upon the city which you’re travelling from and the number of people travelling along with you. There’s Official Saptco Bus from Riyadh, Dammam, Makkah and Madinah that will take you to Dubai. [2. Saptco Bus from Saudi to Dubai ]. This is a good option if you’re travelling alone. However, if you’re travelling in a group, the best is to travel in a personal car. Below is a tentative cost of travel

? Saudi to Dubai Route Details, Distance and Duration

• Depending upon where you are located in Saudi, it takes anywhere about 8 – 22 Hours to travel from Saudi to Dubai.
• There are very few petrol stations on the route to the Saudi-UAE border. Therefore make sure to fill your fuel tank and go-to washrooms wherever you find to avoid any in-convenience.
• There are almost no street lights on the route till the border. Best is to drive in the morning.

Saudi driving license is valid in the UAE. You can even rent a car with a Saudi license while in Dubai

Recommended Read: A Brief Guide to New Saudi Visa Stamping VFS Tasheel

1️⃣ At the Saudi Side of the Border – Al Batha

A – checkpoint location.

Reach the following location

Al Batha Passport Control, Saudi Arabia

B – Checkpoint 1 – Saudi Customs

Hand over Passports and Vehicle Istimara to the officer and obtain a car slip in return with your vehicle details and number of passengers mentioned in it. Carefully preserve this Slip until you enter UAE .

C – Checkpoint 2 – Saudi Jawazaat (Passports)

Handover the slip you obtained at the first checkpoint with all the passports for verification. The officer will stamp the passports and return them.

D- Checkpoint 3 – Saudi Security Inspection

At this checkpoint, there’s just a Quick Inspection of the Car Slip and all the passports. Drive towards UAE border once you have cleared this checkpoint.

2️⃣ At the UAE Side of the border – Al Ghuwaifat

Al Ghuweifat – Al Ghuwaifat – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates

B- CHeckpoint 1 – UAE Passports Control

At the first checkpoint, Inform that you’re on a new UAE Visit visa and the officer will ask you to go to the following location.

• Carry all your documents and enter the building as shown above
• All Adults above 6 years old are subjected to Eye Scan .
• Obtain Stamp on the E-Visa paper for both Adults (After Eye Scanning) and Kids
• Handover the passports, Stamped E-Visa Paper and Car Slip to obtain UAE Visa Entry Stamp .

C – Checkpoint 2 – UAE Customs

Passports will be checked and a verification paper will be returned to you. Move ahead for manual vehicle inspection. Obtain a Stamp on the Car Slip after inspection.

D – Checkpoint 3 – Insurance

Obtain compulsory Third-Party Car Insurance for a minimum of 15 days for SAR/AED 210 for an SUV. For smaller cars, the price may be less. You can pay via Cash or Credit card.

E- Checkpoint 4 – Security Check

Handover Car slip provided by UAE Customs and enter UAE.

Congratulations on your successful entry from Saudi to Dubai by road!

From the UAE side of the border, it takes about 2.5 hours to reach Abudhabi , 3.5 Hours to reach Dubai City, 4 Hours to reach Sharjah and 4.5 Hours to reach Ajman . Congratulations on your successful drive!

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What it’s like to take a road trip in Saudi Arabia

E ditor’s Note: This CNN Travel series is, or was, sponsored by the country it highlights. CNN retains full editorial control over subject matter, reporting and frequency of the articles and videos within the sponsorship, in compliance with our policy .

Think of road trips and you might automatically imagine motoring along US highways, or roaming country to country through the mountains and vales of Europe.

But it’s also possible in Saudi Arabia and – although some people might believe this would be a dusty, boring experience – it offers a surprisingly varied driving experience, along blacktop and gravel, through stunning deserts, bustling towns and lush oases.

While the kingdom has spent many decades largely off-limits to tourism, recent changes made to make it more accessible mean that the bureaucracy around visitors driving in Saudi Arabia has simplified and the roads are wide open. Both men and women can drive solo or accompanied, whether they are locals or visitors.

One popular road trip for expats and locals alike is the highway through the country’s Eastern Province, which stretches along the Gulf coast and borders Kuwait in the north and Qatar, Bahrain (via an oversea causeway), Oman and the United Arab Emirates in the south.

It’s not prime tourism territory – the Red Sea coast is where major resort developments are underway and is better known as a leisure destination – but that can make the Eastern Province seem even more exciting. And there’s no shortage of sights and experiences to explore.

Here’s what you need to know about taking a road trip in this part of Saudi Arabia:

Renting a car

Getting to the Eastern Province coastline is relatively easy with direct flights from other Mideast destinations to international airports near the coastal city of Dammam and Al Ahsa, about 30 miles (50 kilometers) inland. There are also connections from Riyadh.

Cars can be hired at both airports, with most of the international rental companies represented.

Typically, you will be permitted to drive the rental car abroad if desired, allowing some Gulf-coast country-hopping. But you will need to advise your hire company beforehand, and obtain a permission letter from them to show at the border, together with a valid visa.

Driving in Saudi can be a mixed bag, from super-modern highways to gravel tracks, and you’ll often find your path obscured by sand dunes encroaching on the roads, plus there are long distances between cities.

That means it’s advisable to hire a larger 4WD vehicle that will get you out of potential off-road trouble as well as offering comfort and better views from a slightly higher perch.

Hitting the road

The country’s road network is relatively modern, and connects all the major dots on the map. A main road runs all along the eastern coastline, with a new stretch that opened just this year between Salwa, by the Qatar border, and the Saudi seaport of Al Uqair, joining up previous and somewhat patchy road segments.

Now it’s possible to stay on one road, Highway 5, all the way from the UAE to Kuwait, with plenty of worthwhile stops along the way.

The road is a dual carriageway, crossing a sandy and flat desert, with the sea on the right, if you are driving north. The maximum speed on this road is 120 kmh (75 mph), with radar controls along the way.

While the road – and all the main roads in Saudi – are reasonably well maintained, there is a constant threat of stretches being submerged under sand as desert dunes edge onto the Tarmac. Some stretches lack camel fences, so drivers must always be aware of “ships of the desert” strolling into the road.

There are regular service stations but drivers should always keep an eye on the tank, as they can sometimes be quite far apart.

Unless you have sufficient experience or are accompanied by someone who knows the ins and outs of off-roading, it’s best to stay on the main road. Driving in sand takes a lot of know-how – deflating the tires to the right pressure, steering and handling manual gears.

Getting stuck in the sand, miles from anywhere, is a real and dangerous possibility.

But if you do have the opportunity to try it with an experienced driver, go for it. It’s an exhilarating experience, and in the Eastern Province there are plenty of fine sand dunes around due to its proximity to Rub al-Khali, or the Empty Quarter, the world’s largest sand desert.

Along the coast

Saudi Arabia’s rich history dates all the way back to pre-historic times. Long a waypoint on important trade routes and for centuries crisscrossed by Bedouin tribes, the entire country is dotted with ancient historic sites that have only in recent years become accessible to international visitors. And the Eastern Province is no exception.

A drive along the coastal road will encounter several fortresses.

Uquair Castle , which sits roughly halfway between Salwa and Al Khobar, near Bahrain, is backdropped by the beautiful turquoise waters of the Gulf. The history of the castle, which is currently closed due to renovation, is a little vague. There are no records as to who built it, but it’s thought to be some 300 years old.

Along the same road, just north of Dammam, the imposing Tarout Castle sits on Tarout Island, accessed via causeway. With inscriptions found dating to the Mesopotamian era, the base of the castle is thought to be roughly 7,000 years old. The castle itself has been rebuilt numerous times over the centuries resulting in a mélange of historical influences.

On the edge of the island, there are mangrove swamps which in winter play host to countless flamingos that add a splash of pink to the turquoise waters.

Dammam itself is a bustling city, an industrial center, and a mix of old and new. There is the popular Love Market, a large night market selling food, souvenirs, clothes, kitchenware and more.

For fans of modern architecture, the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture in the suburb of Dhahran, designed by Norwegian architectural firm Snøhetta, is a worthwhile stop, while beach and water sport enthusiasts will find plenty of resorts along the stretch of coast south of Al Khobar.

Into the desert

Roughly an hour inland, toward Al Ahsa, lies Al Hofuf, a city that sits within what is described by UNESCO as the world’s largest oasis.

Roughly 3 million palm trees cover the city and smaller surrounding villages. Al Hofuf’s old city center is a great base for exploring the oasis and nearby historic sights.

Must-sees include the Ibrahim Palace, dating back to Ottoman times, and now a museum, and the Qaisariah Souq, which is particularly atmospheric on a Friday night when food stands and numerous musical performances draw the crowds.

Walking around the alleyways of old Hofuf is like a step back in time, discovering old buildings adorned with modern street art, from King Khaleed Street to Ibrahim Palace.

One of the most astounding sights is the Al Qarah Caves . Not caves in the traditional sense, these are actually an entrance into Al Qarah Mountain, a lone lump of rock rising above the oasis that over time has been eroded by rain and wind to form passages, caves, columns, and secluded canyons, with many places open to the sky.

Made safe and beautifully lit, these caves offer a fascinating way to spend an hour or so.

Visitors can climb to the top of the mountain from the other side of the rocks to appreciate the true expanse of the oasis and the numerous farms that make the region one of the world’s largest date producers.

Eastern Province may not be number one on the list of things to see and do in Saudi Arabia, but it would be a shame to overlook it, as it offers great sights between several countries, and a fine and relatively easy introduction into road-tripping in Saudi Arabia.

Just mind those camels.

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• Mar 28, 2022

How To Do A Saudi Arabia To UAE Road Trip

Updated: Sep 5, 2022

(*Please note that this blog post has not been updated from the time it was first published (March 28th 2022) so please check the most up-to-date travel requirements if you plan to visit the UAE from Saudi.)

We recently took a more spontaneous than usual road trip from our home in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, all the way across the UAE and back again. It was our first cross-border road trip and was made possible due to most of the travel requirements and restrictions being lifted quite recently. The UAE borders Saudi Arabia and from the east coast where I live, it is just a five-hour drive to the border. This makes it a great destination to explore for those living in Saudi Arabia.

This is a question we get often when we tell people that we are going on a road trip. There are a number of reasons why driving to the UAE is a great idea. First of all, for a family of five like my own, flying would cost us around $1500, whereas driving costs us around $200 dollars. That is a huge saving and allows us to splurge on a nice hotel or extra special meal out. The second main reason is that we like to sightsee and explore. While sitting around the pool is nice we do like to see a little of the area we are traveling to so having our own car enables our itinerary to be more time-efficient, gives us more freedom, and again, saves us money on taxis. We also love to drive with the kids because it means we always have all our things with us and a safe and familiar place to go to at all times should we need to leave quickly or any of the kids need a break from exploring.

How long does it take?

Our whole road trip was approximately 2100 km across seven days. From Dhahran to Abu Dhabi it took us 10 hours with a decent lunch stop and getting out at the border to get our visa on arrival. Within the UAE we traveled in a circular route which meant that each destination only took us around two hours or less. On the final day, we stayed closer to the border in a hotel called Dhafra beach resort. There is also another lovely resort next to that too ( https://www.danathotels.com/ruwais/danatjebeldhannaresort ). Staying here meant that the drive back to Dhahran was only 5 hours. If I went again with the kids I would stay at one of these hotels going there and back to make it more relaxing. A note about petrol; keep topped up as the gas stations are mostly closed after you pass Alhasa on the Saudi side. The gas stations on the UAE side are wonderful and you will find one not long after crossing the border

What documents are required to cross the borders?

Please be aware that this is based on personal experience on the day we traveled and not official guidance. Requirements are constantly being updated so always check the official websites for the most up-to-date information.

When we traveled on the 13th of March 2022 in addition to several check points we were required to exit the car and to have:

-Passport and Iqama

- Saudi Exit/re-entry visa

- UAE visa (arrange online or on arrival depending on passport)

- ICA Registration form (Port of entry from Saudi Arabia Al Batha is Al Ghuwaifat Port)

- Proof of vaccinations (official certificates with QR code)

- Health insurance

- Car Istimara

- Car insurance (to be purchased at the border)

- An eye scan (we had to have this before obtaining our visa on arrival)

you can register arrivals and arrange visas on the ICA website here:

https://bit.ly/ICAvisaandregistration

What else needs to be considered when crossing the border?

We no longer needed a PCR to cross the border, however, if sightseeing in Abu Dhabi then please note that a green Al Hosn App is required for entry to many places for those aged 12 and over and this can be obtained with a PCR on arrival. Alternatively, some places state that they will accept a green Tawakalna with a valid PCR. Up to date covid travel info can be found on the Abu Dhabi website:

https://visitabudhabi.ae/en/plan-your-trip/covid-safe-travel/permitted-countries

There are several stops and at each stop point, you may be given slips of paper: Do not mislay them as they will be needed again during the border crossing. You may need to leave the car for an eye scan, visa on arrival, and to check your luggage so be prepared. The border crossing took us one hour in total going there but coming back into Saudi we just drove straight through without having to leave the car.

If you travel to Dubai by car please check if you need a Salik tag in order to pay tolls. You can get a Salik card at any service station more details are on the website below.

https://www.salik.rta.ae/en

Coming back across to Saudi we needed our visa, passport, iqama, green Tawakalna and we paid a departure tax of 35 AED per person and had to register Muqueem the day before traveling here:

https://bit.ly/Muqueem

Where did we go?

We stayed at the Sheraton beach resort and hotel Abu Dhabi. Things to do in Abu Dhabi include Shaykh Zayed Grand Mosque, Louvre Abu Dhabi, Qasr al Watan, afternoon tea at the emirates palace, dining at Nusr-Et restaurant (sit outside at sunset for a wonderful view), Theme parks on Yas island such as warner bros or Ferrari world. There are also salt flats and mangroves to be found here if you are more of a nature lover.

https://visitabudhabi.ae/ar

On this occasion, we went to the Expo since we have visited many places in Dubai on a previous visit. We stayed at the Rove Expo Hotel and would recommend their hotels in Dubai since we have found them to be excellent value for money. There is so much to do in Dubai, depending on your length of stay you can go to many private beaches, waterparks, old town Dubai, Theme parks, Global Village, and if you are brave enough then try skywalk Dubai. The new museum of the future has also recently opened and looks amazing.

https://www.visitdubai.com/

Hatta was on our itinerary but we had to skip it since we overstayed at the Expo. Still, it is worth a mention as I hope to make it here next time and I think some of you would love to visit too. Hatta is about an hour from Dubai and has stunning mountain scenery towering over a lake where you can rent kayaks and pedal boats. If you are an outdoorsy type or have older children or teens then there are places to stay in Hatta where you can camp and do many outdoor activities.

https://www.visithatta.com/en

We stayed at the Miramar al Aqah Resort, Fujairah and it was, without doubt, one of the best hotels I have ever stayed at and offered amazing value for money. It was beautiful, the breakfast was amazing and the staff were wonderful. You have a pool and a beach and several restaurants to choose from. The area itself is stunning and surrounded by mountains overlooking the sea. There is a lovely little heritage village waiting to be explored just around the corner in a town called Khor Fakkan.

https://www.miramaralaqah.com/

Jebel jais, Ras Al Khaimah

The drive up and down Jebel Jais is fun in itself. The views are amazing and spotting random goats keep the kids entertained (and myself!). We went to 1484 by puro for lunch (so-called after the height of the restaurant) It's a fresh and new type of restaurant with a wide menu of mostly fast food and drinks and coffee and cakes. It was a nice place to eat but mostly because of the stunning view. The air is fresh but it gets really cold. There are other coffee places to stop on the climb up and other activities include hiking, zip lines, and a mountain sledder.

https://visitjebeljais.com/

After a day of fun, food, and fresh air at Jebel Jais we drove for two hours and stayed in Sharjah at the Act Hotel which has an awesome view of the corniche. The next day we went to The Rain Room, a permanent art installation that allows you to walk through pouring rain without getting wet. It was pretty awesome but move slowly, my kids decided to find out what happened if they ran through it and they were soaked. After leaving the rain room (and changing the kid's clothes in the car!) we went to the Museum of Islamic civilization. It was a beautiful museum and very interesting. The children loved learning about Islamic civilization.

https://www.visitsharjah.com/

I hope this inspires you to plan and helps you prepare for your UAE road trip. If you have any questions about my experience, the quickest way to get them answered is by asking in the comments of my TikTok videos. Otherwise, get in touch on Instagram. I'm always happy to share what I know to help you have some great adventures.

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How to travel UAE from Saudi Arabia by road?

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There are many people who want to travel to the UAE or Dubai from Saudi Arabia by road. Here is a complete guide on it.

Requirements

You need the following requirements to travel to Dubai from Saudi Arabia by road;

• A valid UAE Visa .
• Original passport.
• Original iqama with 3 months validity.
• Exit re-entry visa printout.
• Original Istimara (vehicle ownership).
• Letter of authorization if the car is on rent.

Travel to UAE from Saudi Arabia by road

You can drive your car to the Saudi-UAE Border if you have all the above documents.

Saudi side of the Border

• The officer will issue a customs slip mentioning your car details.
• The next counter will stamp your passports.
• The entire set of documents will be returned to you.

Once you reach the UAE side of the border traveling from Saudi Arabia by road, the officer would;

• Take you to a room for eye scanning.
• Check all your documents.
• Stamp your passport with the entry.

In the next step, go to the customs counter, where the officer will;

• Take the customs slip issued by the Saudi officer.
• Give you a paper with your name written on it.
• Inspect your car (if needed).
• He might check your luggage to counter smuggling.

On the last step, you will go to the Insurance Counter .

• Pay AED 210 for the insurance.
• The insurance is valid for 2 weeks.

That’s it; you have successfully entered Dubai from Saudi Arabia by road.

Travel to Saudi Arabia from Dubai by road

On the way back when you are returning from the UAE to Saudi Arabia by road, you need the following documents;

• Original iqama.
• Insurance document issued by the UAE authorities.

UAE side of the Border

On the UAE side of the border, they will check;

• The entire set of documents.
• Accident History in the UAE.
• Any unpaid traffic violations in the UAE.
• Stamp your passport with the exit stamp.

When you are traveling from the UAE to Saudi Arabia by road, the officer will check;

• The luggage rule-out smuggling.
• Make an entry stamp to Saudi Arabia on your passport.

That’s it; you have successfully entered Saudi Arabia from the UAE by road.

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Mandatory Documents

1) Muqeem Registration (Arrival)

• 2) Negative PCR not more than 48 hours
• 3) 2 Doses of Vaccination Certificate
• 4) Tawakkalna (Covid-19 KSA) Mobile App Installed
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For Fresh Visa Cases only above points 1, 2 & 3 are applied.

Please note above documents are Mandatory to travel UAE to Saudi by Bus (Road Route). If passengers don't have the above documents and if immigration returns passengers from the border we will not be responsible for the same.

Passenger has to reach at pick up point between 12 to 12.30 pm - Bus leaves at 1 pm

Dubai to Dammam: INR 6700/-*

Dubai to Riyadh: INR 7000/-*

• *35 AED Saudi Border Tax
• Your request will be confirmed as per the availability.
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Refund Policy:

• No refund on No Show.
• 100% cancellation penalty.
• If a seat is not available on the requested date & the passenger doesn't want to travel on the next date then approx. 3% amount will be charged on the paid amount.
• 1)  Muqeem  Registration (Arrival)

Please note above documents are Mandatory to travel UAE to Saudi by Bus (Road Route). If passengers don’t have the above documents and if immigration returns passengers from the border we will not be responsible for the same.

Passenger has to reach at pick up point between 12 to 12.30 pm – Bus leaves at 1 pm

Refund Policy

• Cancellation of seats not allowed: 100% cancellation penalty.
• If a seat is not available on the requested date & the passenger doesn’t want to travel on the next date then approx. 3% amount will be charged on the paid amount.
• 35 AED Saudi Border Tax

Subject To Availability

• Form requests are accepted at least 48 hours or 2 days before departure. (Seat request within 48 hours check availability on WhatsApp)

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11 Of The Most Scenic Road Trips From Dubai

Who doesn’t love a road trip? If you’re planning a trip to the UAE and want to know what the most scenic road trips from Dubai are, then keep reading.

Sure, Dubai is all about the glitzy hotels, pristine beaches, and world-class shopping. But sometimes you just need to get out of the city and explore a little bit of what the UAE has to offer.

There are so many amazing scenic road trips from Dubai – you could spend months exploring them all! But if you’re looking for a taste of the best that the UAE has to offer, these routes will take you through some of the most beautiful and varied scenery in the country.  

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• 16 Things to do in Dubai Alone: Solo Travel in Dubai
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How to choose the perfect road trip destination

Before you set off on your road trip, it’s important to do a little bit of planning so that you can make the most of your time.

Think about what kind of scenery you want to see. If you’re looking for some desert landscapes and rolling sand dunes, then a trip to Liwa Oasis is perfect. Or if you’re after some stunning mountain scenery, head to the Hajar Mountains.

You’ll also need to consider how much time you have and how far you want to travel. If you only have a few days, it’s best to stick to shorter trips within easy reach of Dubai. But if you’ve got a week or two to spare, there’s plenty of scope for longer road trips.

Finally, make sure you have a good map and plan your route carefully, so you don’t miss any of the best sights along the way!

What to expect on a road trip in Dubai

Before you set off on your road trip, it’s important to know what to expect. Here are a few things you need to know:

The UAE is a very safe country and violent crime is rare. However, as with any destination, it’s always important to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings.

Driving in the UAE can be quite challenging, especially in the cities. Be prepared for busy roads, impatient drivers, and lots of beeping.

The weather in the UAE can be extreme, so make sure you pack sunscreen and plenty of water. You won’t likely have to drive in bad weather, however, as it only rains a few days out of the year (and they do cloud seeding to make this happen!).

11 Road trips from Dubai

For a road trip with a bit of everything, Hatta is a great choice. It takes you through dusty desert landscapes and soaring mountain peaks, all in a few short hours. Hatta is located 135km from Dubai and is an hour and a half drive from the city.

If you’re looking for some outdoor adventures, make sure to check out mountain biking, hiking, and kayaking in Hatta Dam. There’s also Hatta Heritage Village, which is a great place to soak in some culture.

Where to stay in Hatta

The is a great base for families, offering panoramic views of the Hajar Mountains. Within the hotel, you can take part in archery, mini golf, yoga and trail hiking.

If you’re looking to stay within nature, the offers a luxury ‘glamping’ experience set within the beautiful surroundings of the Hatta mountains.

#2 Fujairah

Nestled on the east coast of the UAE, Fujairah is a beautiful, unspoiled region that’s well worth a visit. The drive from Dubai to Fujairah takes around one and a half hours, making it the perfect day trip destination.

Fujairah is known for its dramatic mountain landscape, waters that are perfect for snorkeling, and some of the best beach sunsets you’ll find!

Where to stay in Fujairah

The beachside is a little piece of heaven, located right on the sand with spectacular views of the Gulf of Oman. Not only do you have the use of a private beach but you can enjoy water sports such as jet skiing, fishing, snorkeling and scuba diving.

If you prefer to stay a little further from the beach and closer to the city, can still offer you water and mountain views within their rooms and from their rooftop pool.

#3 Liwa Oasis

On the border of Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arabia , Liwa Oasis is a must-visit for any road trip in the UAE. With its endless desert landscape and Bedouin villages, it’s like stepping into another world.

Some of the must see things in Liwa are the Liwa forts, oasis villages and the Sheikh Hamad Auto Museum, which houses some of the oldest vehicles in the world.

Where to stay in Liwa

The luxurious is situated right bang in the middle of the desert about 40 minutes from Liwa Oasis, and it’s pure heaven! With desert views for miles, a spa and outdoor pool, and some of the best dining in the region, it’s the perfect place to relax after a day of exploring.

For a more authentic experience, Liwa Nights Bedouin Glamping Retreat is a great option. It offers traditional Bedouin tents with all the modern amenities, as well as camel rides, sandboarding and stargazing.

Less than 2 hours from Dubai is one of the UAE’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Al Ain. This green oasis is the ideal spot for a road trip if you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

Al Ain is known for its palm trees, stunning oasis landscapes, and traditional villages. Some of the must-see attractions include Jebel Hafeet (the second highest peak in the UAE), Al Jahili Fort, and Al Ain Palace Museum.

Where to stay in Al Ain

The is a great option for those who want to be close to all the action. It’s located just a few minutes from the city and is surrounded by lush gardens.

Alternatively, you can have an authentic Arabian experience if you stay at the Telal Resort Al Ain . Set within the tranquil surroundings of the Al Ain desert, it offers an outdoor swimming pool, wellness centre and a variety of outdoor activities.

#5 Ras Al Khaimah

Ras Al Khaimah, or RAK as the locals call it, is located just an hour north of Dubai and is a great destination for a day trip or weekend away.

RAK is known for its dramatic mountain landscapes, crystal clear waters, and luxurious resorts. Some of the must-see attractions include the RAK National Museum, Wadi Shawka, and Dhayah Fort.

Where to stay in Ras Al Khaimah

The beachside Waldorf Astoria is one of the best places to stay in Ras Al Khaimah if you’re looking for a luxurious beach stay. With its own private beach, lush golf course, award winning restaurants and outdoor pools, you’ll be spoilt for choice!

For a more unique experience, the award winning is a peaceful resort set in the sanctuary of a protected nature reserve. Each villa comes with its own private pool and sun loungers to relax in the desert sun.

#6 Jebel Jais

While Jebel Jais is located in the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, it warrants its own road trip from Dubai. Jebal Jais is the UAE’s highest peak and offers some of the best views in the country.

In addition to its natural beauty, Jebel Jais is also home to a number of man-made attractions. These include the world’s longest zipline and the new Jais Sledder! If you’re interested in hiking, Jebel Jais is also one of the best spots in the UAE.

Where to stay in Jebel Jais

If you want to stay near Jebel Jais for the night, head back to Ras Al Khaimah and stay in either the Waldorf Astoria or the Ritz Carlton Al Wadi Desert , as recommended above.

Sharjah is probably one of the most underrated emirates in the UAE, but it’s definitely worth a visit! Just an hour from Dubai, Sharjah offers a more traditional Arabian experience.

Some of the must-see attractions in Sharjah include the Rain Room, the Arabian Wildlife Centre, Al Hisn Fort, and the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization.

Where to stay in Sharjah

The is a stunning 5-star hotel overlooking the Arabian Gulf. With its own private beach, outdoor pool and spa, it’s the perfect place to relax after a day of exploring this emirate.

Alternatively, the The Chedi Al Bait, Sharjah is a luxurious escape right in the heart of Sharjah’s historic centre. The hotel is made up of historic manor houses set across two and a half acres, and offers a range of traditional Arabic experiences.

Ajman is the smallest of the seven emirates, but still has plenty to offer visitors. Just a short drive from Dubai, Ajman has a tranquil and slower pace than some of the other emirates and is the perfect place to soak in some culture.

Some of the must-see attractions in Ajman include the Ajman Museum, Sheikh Zayed Mosque, and the Ajman Fort. A must do when in Ajman is watch the sunset from one of its famously pristine beaches.

Where to stay in Ajman

The Ajman Saray is a luxurious hotel located on a private beach in the heart of Ajman. With its own spa, 5 star restaurants, and direct access to the beach, it’s the perfect place to enjoy the stunning views of the Persian Gulf.

For those looking for a more traditional experience, the is a 5-star heritage retreat in the heart of the old city. With its beautiful architecture and traditional Arabian interiors, it’s the perfect place to immerse yourself in Arabic culture.

Dibba is a small town located on the east coast of the UAE, in the emirate of Fujairah. Dibba is famed for its stunning coastline and crystal clear waters, making it a popular spot for scuba diving and snorkeling.

Some of the must-see attractions in Dibba include water sports, whale watching and hiking.

Where to stay in Dibba

The Dibba Beach Resort , Fujairah is a luxurious hotel located right on the beachfront in Dibba. With its own private beach, outdoor pool, and fitness centre, it’s the perfect place to stay in Dibba after a day of watersports and exploring.

#10 Khasab, Oman

The road to Khasab offers the most spectacular scenery in the UAE (and Oman), making it one of the best road trips from Dubai. The route takes you through the Hajar mountains and across the border into Oman.

Khasab is a small town located on the shores of the Persian Gulf in Oman. It’s a popular spot for scuba diving and snorkeling, as well as dolphin watching.

Where to stay in Khasab

The best place to stay in Khasab is on the water! And the Khasab Musandam Overnight Stay on a Dhow Cruise lets you do just this, using a traditional Omani dhow for an overnight stay surrounded by mountains and white sandy beaches. With all your meals included, as well as snorkeling and fishing gear, it really is the perfect way to experience Khasab.

#11 Abu Dhabi

Last up on our list of the most scenic road trips from Dubai is the capital of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi. Just a 2-hour drive from Dubai, Abu Dhabi is home to some of the most iconic attractions in the region

Some of the must-see attractions in Abu Dhabi include the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the Corniche, Ferrari World, and kayaking around the Louvre.

Where to stay in Abu Dhabi

The is a luxurious beachfront resort located on Saadiyat Island. With its own private beach, six restaurants and bars, and an award-winning spa, it’s the perfect place to relax and rejuvenate after a long day of exploring Abu Dhabi.

If you’re looking for spectacular gulf views, the Conrad Etihad Towers is exactly what you need. While it offers the same private beach and outdoor pool as many hotels in the UAE, the Conrad Etihad Towers features an observation deck on the 74th floor and 12 restaurants and bars, one of which offers panoramic views on the 63rd floor.

So there you have it, my list of some of the most scenic road trips from Dubai.

If you’re looking for an escape from city life, or simply want to explore more of the United Arab Emirates, then hop in the car and take a road trip.

These 11 scenic road trips from Dubai will take you through some of the most beautiful areas in the UAE. From rugged mountain ranges and lush oases, to pristine beaches and rolling sand dunes, there’s something for everyone on these trips.

Heading to Dubai? Here are some posts you might be interested in reading before your trip:

• One Week In Dubai: Your Ultimate 7-Day Dubai Itinerary
• Ultimate 2-Day Dubai Itinerary: What To Do In Dubai For 2 Days
• Packing List For Dubai: Your Essential Holiday Packing List
• Can You Visit Dubai On A Budget?
• A Weekend of Adventure in Hatta Dubai

Vourneen is an award winning travel blogger and a chronic illness warrior. Although she was late to game in terms of travelling, she has picked up numerous tips and tricks from the almost 30 countries she has visited in the past 5 years. She shares epic destination guides and itineraries, as well as tips on how to travel with a chronic illness.

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Saudi Arabia wants big spenders for the first part of its Neom megaproject

• Saudi Arabia plans to open the first part of its Neom megaproject this year.
• Sindalah, an island resort, is aimed at a luxury clientele and the global yachting community.
• Saudi Arabia is pushing to distinguish itself in the high-end luxury market to compete with Dubai.

Saudi Arabia plans to open the first region of its Neom megacity by the end of the year.

The island of Sindalah will provide the first physical glimpse into the ambitious desert project, which has reportedly been scaled back from its initial plans due to financial struggles .

Developers say they want the island to be an "exclusive gateway to the stunning Red Sea," adding that they planned to cater to luxury clientele and the global yachting community.

Neom recently ended investor roadshows in China by confirming the luxury island resort would open this year, Arab News reported . It's set to have three luxury hotels, a golf course and sports club, beach club, marina, and dozens of restaurants and shops.

In January Marriott International said it had signed an agreement to bring Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy to Sindalah. Chadi Hauch of the hotel operator said the concept was a "great fit" for the island and reflected a "growing desire for premium and luxury apartment-style accommodation" from travelers.

The following month Saudi music entertainment company, MDLBEAST, announced it would operate the Sindalah Beach Club on the island.

Vives, Neom's chief urban planning and islands officer, said in a press release that Sindalah will be a "new model for luxury travel and living."

Capturing the luxury tourism market

The Saudi government's focus on the luxury market is an attempt to distinguish itself from nearby Dubai, part of the United Arab Emirates.

Related stories

"Dubai goes for the mass market of people wanting to go and have fun in the winter," Kristian Coates Ulrichsen, a fellow for the Middle East at Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy, told Business Insider.

"The Saudis are increasingly pushing themselves toward a high-end luxury market, which is what Sindalah and, to some extent, some of the other Red Sea projects are going to cater for," he said.

Saudi Arabia hasn't been shy about its tourism aspirations, claiming it aims to attract between 100 million and 150 million visitors by 2030 .

However, Dubai is a formidable competitor. It already has a 20-year head start in the tourism race, both in terms of infrastructure and aspirational appeal. It also has Emirates, the popular long-haul airline that brings tens of millions of people through Dubai annually.

If Neom's ambitious plans become a reality, the Saudis are betting that their megaprojects can attract some high-end travelers from the glitz and glamor of its neighbor.

Managing ambition

Developing luxury resorts like Sindalah may also help Saudi Arabia encourage tourism sooner by starting smaller.

Sindalah is one of the more realistic elements of Neom's futuristic plans . It pales in comparison to structures like the mirrored "horizontal skyscraper" known as The Line.

"It's less ambitious in scope and scale," Ulrichsen said. "That might mean that it's more realistic to open first."

Recent reports have indicated the Saudis may be facing a harsh reality when it comes to f inancing some of the megaprojects included in Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's Vision 2030 project .

Previous deadlines have already been pushed back for some of Neom's more ambitious projects.

Earlier this month, Bloomberg reported that the Gulf Kingdom had reduced estimates for the number of people expected to live in The Line .

The report said the realities of some of the trillion-dollar investments included in the Vision 2030 project were starting to cause alarm at the highest level of the country's government.

Neom did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Business Insider.

Watch: Marriott International's Tina Edmundson tells Insider that the travel mindset has changed since the pandemic

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Dubai Airports, Emirates issue travel advisory for fliers on May 2

Dubai Airports, Emirates issued a travel advisory in anticipation of the expected inclement weather conditions

Dubai Airports authority has issued a travel advisory as the UAE braces for unstable weather conditions on May 2.

The alert notified travellers of the steps to take before heading to the airport.

Checking the flight status online, allowing for extra travel time and using the Metro will help streamline commute to the airport, said the aviation authority.

Dubai Airports

⚠️Heads up! We’re expecting rainy weather 🌧️ ✈️Be sure to check your flight status with your airline. ⌚️Allow for extra time to arrive at #DXB . 🚄Use the Dubai Metro where possible – now open till 5AM this Friday. 🚗Map your route using smart apps for real-time traffic updates. — DXB (@DXB) May 1, 2024

Additionally, it notified fliers of the availability of Dubai Metro trains running until 5am, to help ferry passengers incase of water logged roads.

Dubai RTA extends service hours

To facilitate your transportation to and from Dubai International Airport, #RTA informs you that #DubaiMetro operating hours will be extended on Wednesday and Thursday, May 1 and 2, 2024, from 12:00 AM midnight to 5:00 AM (next day). Trains will depart from centrepoint Metro… pic.twitter.com/l1jEimn9k6 — RTA (@rta_dubai) May 1, 2024

Emirates issues travel alert

Emirates issued a travel advisory on Wednesday in anticipation of the expected inclement weather conditions in the UAE on Thursday, May 2. The national flag carrier advised passengers scheduled to travel on Thursday to arrive at the airport early, anticipating potential road delays.

Heavy thunderstorms are forecast in Dubai on 2 May. If you’re travelling to @DXB , you may experience road delays. We recommend adding extra travel time to reach the airport, and using Dubai Metro where possible. For flight updates and notifications, add your latest contact… pic.twitter.com/N5fw0nTLbG — Emirates Support (@EmiratesSupport) May 1, 2024

According to an airline representative, “Heavy thunderstorms are predicted in Dubai on May 2. Passengers heading to Dubai International Airport should be prepared for possible road delays.”

The airline further recommended, “To mitigate potential travel disruptions, we suggest allocating extra travel time to reach the airport and utilising the Dubai Metro whenever feasible.”

The UAE’s National Center of Meteorology (NCM) has indicated that the current weather conditions are less severe than previously forecasted.

Read: UAE rain: NCM forecasts unstable weather to peak on May 2

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AROYA Cruises showcases Saudi Arabia's culture at ATM Dubai

On Monday, May 6th, AROYA Cruises (Cruise Saudi’s travel brand) will debut at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai UAE , a significant annual gathering of travel industry leaders, pioneers, and professionals from around the world.

This will mark AROYA's first appearance at ATM, where it will introduce its recently launched and distinctively crafted cruise line to a global audience. Embodying a vision to redefine holiday experiences in Arabia, AROYA stands out with offerings tailored to Arabian preferences, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s cultural heritage and renowned Hafawa (hospitality).

The exhibition booth of AROYA at ATM will immerse visitors in onboard experiences and designs, featuring interactive displays, ship models, and cabin showcases, providing an exclusive preview of this innovative cruise line.

Moreover, delegates from AROYA will leverage this premier industry platform to forge strategic partnerships through MoUs and engage in insightful discussions with industry leaders and trade media.

Turky Kari (AROYA's Executive Director of Marketing and Corporate Communications) will participate in a panel discussion on ‘The Potential of Cruise: Creating Swell in the Middle East’ on Wednesday, May 8, exploring opportunities and challenges in establishing the Gulf and wider Middle East as a thriving cruise destination.

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ATM 2024: Emirates expands interline partnership with Saudi Arabia's flynas

Emirates' current interline with flynas provides connectivity via its four gateways

Dubai: Emirates and Flynas have signed an expanded two-way interline partnership on the sidelines of the Arabian Travel Market (ATM), with plans to open up connections and more travel choices for flynas customers via Dubai.

Emirates' current interline with flynas provides its customers with connectivity via its four gateways—Riyadh, Jeddah, Medinah, and Dammam—to over 15 domestic points in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It also includes the convenience of single-ticket itineraries with onward booking and baggage transfers.

With the expansion of the interline to a bilateral arrangement, flynas customers can connect across any of Emirates' gateways in the Kingdom to a select roster of onward destinations on the airline's network in the Far East, West Asia, the Indian Ocean, and Europe via Dubai.

Bander Almohanna, CEO & Managing Director of flynas, said, "With the expansion of the interline to a bilateral arrangement, flynas travellers can connect to a select roster of Emirates' onward destinations on the airline's network in the Far East, West Asia & Indian Ocean and Europe, via Dubai. We are quite pleased to offer more choices to our customers through Emirates' wide network."

Adnan Kazim, Deputy President and CCO, Emirates Airline, said, "We are proud to expand our interline agreement with flynas. The existing flynas links provide our customers with an array of possibilities to travel smoothly across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in particular to business hubs and emerging leisure and cultural destinations. Connecting our networks solidifies our commitment to offering travellers in Saudi Arabia access to even more destinations and helping them benefit from unique travel options."

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Dana gas reports dh139 million net profit in q1-2024, dubai taxi co takes aim at faster growth after solid q1, nominations open for 2024 excellence awards for women, golf fans in the uae urged to tackle climate crisis, affected dubai metro stations to resume normal service.

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