visit qatar by road

Travel from Saudi Arabia to Qatar by Road: A Complete Guide for Tourists during FIFA World Cup 2022

Are you planning to visit Qatar from Saudi Arabia and witness the live matches of the FIFA World Cup? Voila! The Saudi Arabia borders run 87 KM long from the Gulf of Bahrain coast in the west to the Persian Gulf which is located in the east. The good news is that visitors coming from Saudi Arabia can enter the Qatar boundaries and reach the stadiums to be a part of the live matches. Guests can travel from Saudi Arabia to Qatar by road during FIFA world cup 2022 with a few documents and at an affordable cost while exploring the beauty of Qatar. Want to know more about the documents, distance, and route? Keep reading!

Travel from Saudi to Doha via Road: Documents Required, Route, Cost and More

One can enter the majestic country of Qatar via good road connectivity. Guests can enter Qatar by Salwa Port and Abu Samra with a set of documents. Here is a detailed step-by-step guide for those traveling from Saudi to Qatar by road for a hassle-free experience.

Documents Required to Travel from Saudi to Qatar by Road During FIFA 2022

If you are a Football fan staying in Qatar and want to travel to the neighboring country Saudi Arabia to explore the majestic charm and try amazing activities, you are not far from indulging all of these. All you need to have is a Hayya Card as Qatar and Saudi Arabia are having a shuttle service every day for tourists . You may also drive past the borders if you enjoy driving and wish to go while enjoying every minute and vista. The following documents are a few that must be presented while crossing borders:

• A passport with a minimum validity of 6 months
• On Arrival Visa of Qatar- On Arrival Visa for Saudi Expats and Visitors- Valid up to 60 days (30 + 30 Days)
• Saudi Expats need to carry a copy of their exit, re- entry visa
• Original Iqamah of the Sponsor if you’re a Saudi Visitor
• Vehicle Istimara (A renewal fee and procedure in Saudi Arabia). Obtain a letter of authorization from Muroor, KSA in case of using a rental vehicle

Distance and Time from Saudi Cities to Doha, Qatar

Here is the distance of various places and timings in which the guests can drive and reach Qatar by road from Saudi Arabia during FIFA 2022:

• Khobar to Doha, Qatar –388 KM in 5 HRS
• Riyadh to Doha, Qatar - 580 KM in 7 HRS
• Madinah to Doha, Qatar- 1407 KM in 15 HRS
• Makkah to Doha, Qatar- 1446 KM in 16 HRS
• Jeddah to Doha, Qatar- 1529 KM in 17 HRS
• Yanbu to Doha, Qatar- 1615 KM in 17 HRS
• Jizan to Doha, Qatar- 1718 KM in 19 HRS
• Tabuk to Doha, Qatar- 1859 KM in 20 HRS

Note: Depending upon where you are located in Saudi, it takes anywhere about 5 to 22 Hours to travel from Saudi to Doha .

Cost of Travel from Saudi to Doha, Qatar by Road

Football fans can travel from Saudi Arabia to Doha and witness the live matches during FIFA 2022 . Although, there is no official or public bus services but one can drive via their own vehicle or rent a car to reach the borders and enter the country. Here is a list of the approximate cost of traveling from Saudi to Qatar :

• Exit Re-entry visa cost/Person (For Saudi Resident Only), SAR/QAR 200
• Qatar on Arrival Visa, SAR/QAR 0
• Fuel from Khobar to Doha (One Way), SAR/QAR 130
• Compulsory Third-Party Car Insurance, SAR/QAR 170
• The total cost of travel from Saudi to Doha, Qatar by road, SAR 500

Note: For Indian, and Pakistani Nationals, Arrival Visa is Free of Cost.

Formalities Required at Checkpoints of both Countries

If you are a commuting from Saudi Arabia to Qatar to watch the FIFA matches, you will be required to complete exit and entry formalities along with the verification of your vehicle and all the travelers in that vehicle. Here are the formalities that are mandatory for each person coming from Saudi Arabia to Qatar by road.

1. Salwa Port – Formalities at Saudi Arabia

Check point 1. You have to stop at the Salwa passport control, Saudi Arabia, before crossing the border and get yourself checked by the authorities. Handover the vehicle istimara or your vehicle’s registration license to the concerned officer. You will receive a car slip along with your car details and number of passengers travelling. Keep the slip with you.

Check point 2. Handover the car slip along with passports of all the travelers at this checkpoint for verification. All your passports will get the Saudi visa exit stamp and you will get your passport back with the verification papers. You may also get asked to produce your iqama or resident permit and fingerprints.

Check point 3. Your car slip and all the passports will get through a quick inspection at this check point. You may drive towards Qatar border after getting clearance from the authorities.

Suggested Read: Saudi Arabia Guide for FIFA World Cup: All You Need to Know Saudi Fans

2. Abu Samra – Formalities at Qatar

Check point 1 – Reach Abu Samra Border Crossing Station and inform the authorities that you are on new Qatar visit visa. You will be asked to visit a separate building to get the Qatar visa stamp. You will have to park your vehicle and carry all the documents for verification. Keep in mind that all travelers above 6 years of age may be asked for eye scanning or finger print checks. Get the stamp on your e-visa paper. Hand over the stamped e-visa paper, passports of all travelers, and the car slip to get the Qatar visa entry stamp.

Check point 2 – The verification paper will be returned to you after passports of all passengers are checked at this checkpoint. You will the move forward to get you vehicle inspected manually. Get the necessary stamp on the car slip after the inspection.

Check point 3 – You will have to get the mandatory third-party insurance for your vehicle at this check point. Carry cash or credit card with you.

Check point 4 – This is the last checkpoint where you will have to handover the car slip to the concerned officer. After getting the clearance you are at the liberty to enter Qatar and reach your destination.

Keep in mind the fact the whole process takes a lot of time, so reach the checkpoints well in advance to avoid any last-minute hassles.

Suggested Read: Visa for FIFA Ticket Holders: Saudi Arabia to Grant Visas to FIFA World Cup Ticket Holders

So, all the football enthusiasts out there! Pack your bags, fuel up your cars and get ready to travel to Doha via road for a thrilling experience. The mesmerizing journey will let you explore the majestic grandeur of the country, get close to the rich Qatari Culture and witness the live FIFA world cup matches for a fun-filled holiday experience like never before.

It can take about 5 to 22 hours to travel from Saudi to Qatar by road depending on where you are located in Saudi. It is the best way to travel apart from flying with the excellent airlines of Saudi and Qatar.

The total driving distance between Riyadh and Doha, Qatar is 577.67 km. The 87 km-long border between Saudi Arabia and Qatar stretches from the Persian Gulf coast in the east to the Gulf of Bahrain coast in the west.

The Salwa Port is located at Salwa road, Salwa 36621, Saudi Arabia. It is at the border between Qatar and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with a daily capacity of over 24,800 vehicles, 12,096 vehicles on arrival and 12,726 on departure.

Abu Samra in Saudi was previously the only land border crossing Saudi Arabia. The area has one of the few Samr trees in the entire region, that’s why it was named Abu Samra which means “father of the Samr tree”.

The one-way fuel cost from Khobar to Doha is SAR/QAR 130. The driving distance between Al Khobar to Doha plays an important role in your trip due to the amount of fuel that is being consumed during travel.

The driving distance between Jeddah to Qatar is 1529 kilometers. However, the straight-line distance between both places is 1300 kilometers. So, most of the time the actual travel distance between Jeddah and Qatar may vary due to curvature of the road.

The compulsory Third-Party Car Insurance cost for traveling from Saudi to Doha, Qatar is about t SAR/QAR 170. The cost of travel varies from person to person depending upon the city which you are traveling from.

Qatar is one of the most beautiful nations all over the Arabian Gulf and is famous for both luxury and adventure. This nation is a blend of modern amenities and experiences and millennia of Middle Eastern Culture.

Ayushi Kaushik

I don't want to be a dime a dozen, so I write. An Electrical Engineer who finds her tranquility in writing places to an ardent travel blogger, who loves traversing places and flavorsome cuisines.

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How to Travel from Saudi to Qatar by Road

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The Saudi Arabia-Qatar border is 87 km long and runs from the Gulf of Bahrain coast in the west to the Persian Gulf coast in the east.[1. Wikpedia ] Citizens, residents, and visitors in Saudi Arabia can enter Qatar from Saudi Arabia via this land border, which is at a place called  Salwa Port . In this article, we have detailed the complete step-by-step guide to traveling from Saudi to Qatar by road.

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? Documents Requirement

• Passport with Minimum six months validity
• Qatar On Arrival Visa – Saudi Expats & Visitors Can get an On Arrival Visa valid for up to 30 + 30 days.
• Copy of Exit re-entry visa for Saudi Expats
• Original Iqamah of the Sponsor if you’re a Saudi Visitor
• Vehicle Isthimarah . If you’re using a rental vehicle, obtain a Letter of authorization from Muroor, KSA.
• Hotel Booking is Not Mandatory as it won’t be asked at the border.

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

? Cost of Travel from Saudi to Doha, Qatar 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 no Official Saptco Bus from Saudi to Qatar and you have to drive by your own vehicle or a rented vehicle.

For Indian, and Pakistani Nationals On Arrival Visa is Free of Cost .

? Saudi to Doha, Qatar Route Details, Distance and Duration

• Depending upon where you are located in Saudi, it takes anywhere about 5 – 22 Hours to travel from Saudi to Doha.
• There are very few petrol stations on the route to the Saudi-Qatar border. Therefore make sure to fill your fuel tank and go-to washrooms wherever you find to avoid any inconvenience.
• There are almost no street lights on the route till the border. The best is to drive in the morning.

Saudi driving license is valid in Qatar. You can even rent a car with a Saudi license while in Qatar

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

1️⃣ At the Saudi Side of the Border – Salwa Port

A – checkpoint location.

Reach the following location

Salwa Passport Control, Saudi Arabia

B – Checkpoint 1 – Saudi Customs

Hand over the 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 Qatar.

C – Checkpoint 2 – Saudi Jawazaat (Passports)

Hand over the slip you obtained at the first checkpoint with all the passports for verification. The officer will put Saudi visa exit stamp on the passports and return them to you with the verification paper. They may ask for your Iqamah and fingerprints as well.

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 Qatar border once you have cleared this checkpoint.

? Note: Border clearance at Salwa may even take up to two hours. So be prepared.

2️⃣ At the Qatar Side of the border – Abu Samra

Abu Samra Border Crossing Station – Qatar

B- Checkpoint 1 – Qatar Passports Control

At the first checkpoint, Inform that you’re on a new Qatar Visit visa and the officer will ask you to visit a separate building for stamping Qatar Visa

• Park your Vehicle and carry all your documents and proceed to document verification
• All Adults above 6 years old may be subjected to  Eye Scanning/FingerPrint Checks .
• Obtain  Stamp on the E-Visa paper  
• Hand over the passports, Stamped E-Visa Paper and Car Slip  to obtain Qatar Visa Entry Stamp .

Read the Article : How to drive Saudi to Dubai by Road?

C – Checkpoint 2 – Qatar Customs

Passports will be checked and 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/QAR 170  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   Paper  provided by Qatar Customs and enter Qatar.

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

From the Qatar side of the border, it takes about 1.5 Hours (95km) to reach Doha. Congratulations on your successful drive!

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Qatar Visit From Saudi Arabia by Road: Step By Step Guide

Qatar is among the favorite destinations from the gulf region for the people living in Saudi Arabia. If you are a resident in Saudi Arabia with a valid iqama, you can very conveniently visit Qatar by road. In this article, we will explain Step by Step Guide about Qatar Visit From Saudi Arabia by Road for Saudi Iqama holders and visit visa holders.

Step By Step Guide About Qatar Visit From Saudi Arabia by Road

Qatar is a Gulf country with diverse culture with a unique blend of modernization and traditions. This Muslim country is much developed with an excellent intra-structure as well as plenty of job opportunities for people across the globe.

Qatar is also known for different types of sports events like recent FIFA world cup, spectacular modern architectural beauties, some of the best beaches of middle east and because of a great work place.

For people living in Saudi Arabia, a visit to Qatar by road is a viable option. Qatar and Saudi Arabia are having direct road link which makes it quite convenient for people from these two countries to visit each other. You will be entitled for a visa on arrival being a Saudi Iqama holder.

Below are the steps to consider if you are having Saudi Iqama and you want to visit Qatar by Road.

Step 1: Get Exit Re Entry Visa, Ensure Validity of Your Passport and Car Authorization

In order to exit Saudi Arabia to visit Qatar or any other country, Exit Re Entry Visa is required. Without Exit Re Entry visa you can’t leave the kingdom and can’t re-enter.

Additionally, your passport should also be valid. You can’t travel to Qatar from Saudi Arabia if your passport is expired or its expiry is just approaching. It is always a good practice to get your passport renewed well before its expiry to avoid any hassles.

Since you will be travelling by road, you also need to ensure your car authorization. The entry of GCC citizens and expats with their private vehicles to Qatar requires prior permission. Additionally, your car Fahas should also be valid to avoid any issues. Refer to How to Check Fahas (MVPI) Status Online in Saudi Arabia to know the current status of your car Fahas (MVPI).

Step 2: Book a Hotel in Qatar for Your Stay during the Visit

Booking your hotel using Discover Qatar is the next recommended step. Discover Qatar is the Destination Management Company of Qatar Airways. This is better if you book here and your profession is good, you need not pay On Arrival Fees of 100 QR. The Hotels here are cheaper as well, than actual rates , few hotels consider Above 5 yrs age as adult so the prices will be high. If you have younger children, ensure that you put their age as 5 or below 4. So the prices will be cheaper. Age doesn’t matter while booking for children. Names are important.

Some people opt to book using booking.com or other similar OTAs (Online Travel Agencies). However, it is better to avoid any eleventh hour hassles and opt for booking through the Discover Qatar platform.

Step 3: Get Mandatory Medical Insurance

Medical insurance is mandatory for you prior to visiting Qatar. You can apply for medical insurance online using MOPH Registered Insurance Companies

Typically, Medical Insurance for Qatar Visit on Saudi Iqama will cost you around 50 QAR.

Step 4: Proceed with Your Travel to Qatar By Road from Saudi Arabia

When travelling to Qatar from Saudi Arabia by road; do expect some longer wait times with big queues at immigration specially during weekend. Plan by keeping such expected delays in mind. Generally, you will find Saudi Immigration much faster and smoother compared to Qatar Immigration.

Also keep in mind, following additional points:

• Both Residents (iqama holders) and Saudi Visit Visa holders can enter Qatar on On Arrival from Saudi Arabia.
• Visit Visa Holders will be asked for finger print while exiting, at Saudi side Immigration and Entering Qatar. While returning , No finger print at both sides.
• Iqama holders holders will be asked for Finger print , while exiting Saudi Arabia and also while entering back.

That’s it from this guide. If you want to visit Bahrain from Saudi Arabia, we explained all the steps in Bahrain On Arrival Visa : Bahrain Visit Visa On Saudi Iqama article. For Saudi Iqama holders who wish to visit UAE may seek guidance from the article How to Apply for UAE Visit Visa With Saudi Iqama .

Feel free to comment below if you have any further questions.

Related posts:

• Bahrain On Arrival Visa : Bahrain Visit Visa On Saudi Iqama
• How to Get Iqama of a New Born Baby Born Outside Saudi Arabia Step By Step Process
• Saudi Arabia Work Visa Stamping in Pakistan: Complete Step By Step Guide
• Step By Step How to Extend Visit Visa Online in Saudi Arabia

[…] Recommended: Qatar Visit From Saudi Arabia by Road: Step By Step Guide […]

[…] For Saudi Iqama holders, also read Bahrain On Arrival Visa process if you wish to visit Bahrain. Additionally for Qatar refer to Qatar Visit From Saudi Arabia by Road: Step By Step Guide […]

Top 8 places to add to your Qatar itinerary

Aug 15, 2022 • 6 min read

Exploring Doha is a must, but the modern capital isn’t the only part of Qatar worth a visit © Maja Topcagic / Stocksy United

The pint-sized nation of Qatar isn’t technically a one-city state, but there’s no denying that Doha , home to more than 90% of Qatar’s population, is the main attraction. 

Yet the country’s modern capital isn’t the only corner of this Gulf nation that’s worth a visit. Venture beyond Doha to discover the shiny new sister city Lusail and a pseudo-tropical island escape or strike out into the desert to uncover glimpses of Qatar’s pearling past and unexpected natural wonders. 

Here’s a quick guide to the best places for couples, families, or solo travelers to visit around Qatar.

See the sights and dine out in Doha

Doha’s rapid transformation from sleepy seaside settlement to glitzy Gulf capital is legendary. As the city’s futuristic skyline continues to expand, so too do reasons to visit, with recent years welcoming the striking National Museum of Qatar , the 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum , and a gamut of international hotels, with a new metro system making it easier to get around.

Get a taste of Doha’s early days – along with regional culinary specialties – at the fabulously atmospheric Souq Waqif and then stroll along the waterfront Corniche to admire city and Doha Bay views. Marvel at the Museum of Islamic Art (inside and out) and seek out public art, mosques, and more in the Katara cultural village.

Hop on the metro to visit Lusail

Just 20km (12.4 miles) north of downtown Doha and connected by metro, Lusail feels like an extension of the capital. But this coastal metropolis-in-the-making is actually a city in its own right. While still largely a construction zone, Lusail is already home to some of Qatar’s most striking architecture, notably the nation’s showpiece arena, Lusail Stadium, shaped like a traditional woven bowl; and Katara Towers, which integrates the traditional scimitar swords from the national seal into a pair of 36-story towers housing two luxury hotels. You’ll also find a marina with a pleasant promenade, the high-end Parisian-inspired Place Vendome mall, and more attractions in the making.

With the first line on the Lusail Tram (connected to the Doha Metro) opened in 2022, Lusail is easier than ever to visit via public transport.

Families should save time for Banana Island

Qatar’s only offshore island of note, Banana Island is just a 30-minute catamaran ride from Doha. This small, crescent-shaped isle is occupied entirely by the family-friendly Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara. Stay in an underwater bungalow and you can (almost) imagine you’re in the Maldives or visit for the day and enjoy the island’s peaceful palm-studded strip of sand. Day passes include boat transfers and credit to spend at the resort’s restaurants and on watersports.

Uncover history at Al Zubarah and Al Jumail

Most people know Al Zubarah for its Unesco-listed fort, but Al Zubarah Fort was named for the thriving pearling port that now lies in ruins between the fort and the sea after being abandoned in the early 20th century. While the ruins are currently closed to the public, you can glimpse the town’s crumbling foundations from the entrance to the handsomely restored fort.

About 20km (12 miles) farther north, turn off the main road to explore the deserted village of Jumail. Founded in the 19th century, the coastal village was also abandoned following the economic boom ignited by Qatar’s oil and gas industries. Al Zubarah is a 90-minute drive northwest of Doha. It can be visited on an organized tour with the likes of 356 Adventures , but you’ll need a car to get to Jumail.

History and nature meet in Al Khor

An hour’s drive north of Doha and accessible by public bus, the small coastal city of Al Khor isn’t much to look at, but it’s home to several attractions that make it worth a brief visit. Chief among them are the three stone watchtowers that stand along the coast. Built around 1900, the towers were used to monitor ships and guard access to the area’s main well, Ain Hleetan, which has also been preserved. 

Just beyond Al Khor, a boardwalk takes you through a lush mangrove nature reserve to Bin Ghannam Island (also known as Purple Island), where shell middens have revealed traces of human activity dating back to the 2nd millennium BC. Farther north, the village of Al Thakira is a launchpad for mangrove kayaking tours.

Hit the beach in northeastern Qatar

The largely undeveloped and sparsely populated northeastern corner of Qatar offers a handful of attractions worth checking out if you’re planning to rent a car, beginning with the mysterious Al Jassasiya Rock Carvings near Al Maroona Beach (also known as French Beach), one of Qatar’s most pleasant public beaches. Farther north, Fuwairit Beach is being developed as a kitesurfing destination.

Perched on Qatar’s northeastern tip is Zulal Wellness Resort , a luxe modern retreat guided by traditional Arabic and Islamic medicine and one of the few places to stay in the region. The nearby port town of Al Ruwais lacks notable attractions, but its Shamal Corniche is a scenic spot for a sunset stroll.

Explore desert oddities in Zekreet

The small west coast village of Zekreet is the jumping-off point for visiting the Brouq Peninsula (also known as  Bir Zekreet ), home to attractions including US artist Richard Serra’s gigantic  East–West/West–East installation, which rises up between otherworldly rock formations. You can also check out the Film City ghost town, a recreation of a traditional village built for an Arabic TV series. 

But tiny Zekreet, 90km (56 miles) from Doha, has a couple of sights of its own, including a restored historic mosque and Zekreet Fort, thought to have been built in the late 18th or early 19th century. Dismantled for reuse of the stone by local inhabitants, the fort’s foundations are all that remain. Zekreet has a few simple places to eat but nowhere to stay.

Southern Qatar is ready for adventure

The southernmost stop on the Doha Metro, the small city of Al Wakrah has a pleasant seafront souq (market) selling everything from honey, spices, and dates to perfumes and souvenirs. You can also take a stroll around the perimeter of the historic Al Wakra Fort, but it’s not currently open to the public. 

From here, you can take a bus or an Uber 30 minutes south to Sealine Beach , one of Qatar’s most popular public beaches, with several dive sites close to the shore. The east coast road ends here, and the towering sand dunes of southern Qatar begin. Book an off-road tour to Khor Al Adaid , which takes you across mountains of sand to Qatar’s “inland sea”, a scenic tidal embayment that marks Qatar’s border with Saudi Arabia. 

Similarly to northern Qatar, southern Qatar is typically visited on a day trip from Doha. However, this region has several accommodation options, including Sealine Beach Resort , a lovely spot for couples, and several rustic desert camps if linger.

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Riyadh to Qatar drive

Riyadh to qatar road trip planner.

Here's a sample itinerary for a drive from Riyadh to Qatar. If you're planning a road trip to Qatar, you can research locations to stop along the way. Make sure you check road conditions to double check the weather. Find the best hotels, restaurants, and attractions based on the most talked about places recommended by Trippy members.

11:00 am  start in Riyadh drive for about 3.5 hours

day 1 driving ≈ 3.5 hours

11:00 am  leave from Al-Hofuf drive for about 2 hours

1:06 pm  arrive at Qatar

day 2 driving ≈ 2 hours

Where should I stop along the way?

What are some things to do in qatar.

This section could be endless, so rather than trying to suggest every local activity or attraction, we'll leave it open-ended.

Of course, Trippy is the perfect place to ask questions because there's an entire community of travelers talking to each other and sharing tips and advice. Trippy is where you can get answers personalized for your tastes, budgets, trip dates & more!

For example, here are some questions people have asked about Qatar. Click on any question to see answers from the community!

Click the button below to explore more questions and answers related to Qatar.

Do I really have to go back home?

Yes, even this step is optional, because if you're on vacation who wants the trip to end? It's okay, you can start planning your next trip!

Want to plan the trip back? Get the reverse directions for a Qatar to Riyadh drive , or go to the main page to plan a new road trip .

You can also compare the travel time if you're flying or driving by calculating the distance from Riyadh to Qatar . Or get a full Riyadh to Qatar flight plan .

Don't forget about exploring your own hometown with a staycation. You can also find some cool day trips or get away for a weekend.

And if you know Riyadh well, please help your fellow travelers and answer their questions about Riyadh!

More info on this route:

road conditions from Riyadh to Qatar

places to eat

alternate routes

Google driving directions

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Qatari Emir Al-Thani arriving on two-day Nepal visit

Post Report

Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani is arriving in Kathmandu on Tuesday on a two-day Nepal visit.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement on Sunday said the Qatari Emir is paying a visit to Nepal on an invitation by President Ramchandra Paudel.

Emir Al-Thani will meet President Paudel on Tuesday and attend a state banquet hosted in his honour.

He will hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal on Wednesday. Following the talks, both leaders will witness the signing ceremony of bilateral agreements and memorandums of understanding, the foreign ministry said.

His earlier Nepal visit schedule of November 6 and 7 last year was postponed due to emerging tensions in the Middle East, followed by the clash between Israel and Hamas militants.

Qatar is considered a prime labour destination for Nepalis. Two former presidents—Ram Baran Yadav and Bidya Devi Bhandari—paid state visits to Qatar, in response to a series of high-level visits from the emirate. This is the highest-level visit from Qatar after the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1977.

Officials told the Post that at least nine agreements will be signed during the visit focused on development cooperation between Nepal and Qatar.

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Nepal’s president asks visiting Qatari emir to help free student held hostage by Hamas

The Associated Press

April 24, 2024, 6:14 AM

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KATHMANDU, Nepal (AP) — Nepal’s president asked the emir of Qatar, who is on a two-day visit to the South Asian country, to help release a Nepali student held hostage by Palestinian militant group Hamas, officials said on Wednesday.

President Ram Chandra Poudel met with Sheik Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani at the president’s house in the capital, Kathmandu.

Al Thani said he would do everything possible to help release Bipin Joshi, the Nepali president’s press advisor, Kiran Pokharel, told The Associated Press.

Joshi was among 17 Nepali students studying agriculture in Alumim kibbutz, near the Gaza Strip, when Hamas attacked Southern Israel on Oct.7. Ten of the students were killed, six injured while Joshi was abducted and taken to Gaza.

Though there has been no information on his condition or whereabouts, Nepali officials said they believed he was still alive.

Hamas’ sudden attack on Israel in October killed 1,200 people and some 250 others hostage were taken hostage. This has sparked a war that has so far killed more than 34,000 Palestinians in Gaza, at least two-thirds of them women and children, according to the local health ministry.

Qatar has played a key intermediary role throughout the war in Gaza. Along with the U.S. and Egypt, the Gulf State was instrumental in helping negotiate a brief halt to the fighting in November that led to the release of dozens of hostages.

Pokharel also said the emir discussed the conditions of an estimated 400,000 Nepali migrant workers residing in Qatar, who mostly work in construction and manual labor. Concerns about working in extreme heat — that could reach over 40 C (104 F) — inadequate living facilities and abuse have risen in recent years.

Human Rights Watch released a statement on Sunday, asking that labor protection for migrant workers be prioritized during the emir’s visit.

The emir said there were programs planned to help Nepali workers find employment in other sectors, Pokharel said.

Al Thani also said his country planned to cooperate with Nepal on building hydropower plants, food production, and in the agriculture and tourism sectors.

The emir’s stop in Katamdnu is his last after visiting Bangladesh and the Philippines. He flies home later on Wednesday.

Copyright © 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, written or redistributed.

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Bangladesh names road and park after Amir

D HAKA: As an expression of warmth and appreciation for the visit of His Highness the Amir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to Bangladesh, the authorities of Bangladesh have named a road and a park in the capital, Dhaka, after His Highness the Amir.

The step reflects the welcome and deep appreciation for the visit of His Highness the Amir, which aims to strengthen bilateral relations in various fields.

The park is located in the Kalshi area of the Mirpur municipality in the capital, Dhaka.

The road connects Mirpur Square and the Kalshi Bridge in Dhaka.

The road and park are now known as 'Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani Road and Park'.

The park was built under the supervision of the Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC).

His Highness the Amir's visit to Bangladesh attracted the attention of local media, which described it as an important opportunity to strengthen and develop relations between the two countries in various fields, especially trade, energy security, diplomacy, and the military field.

The media also described the naming of the road and a park in the capital, Dhaka, after His Highness the Amir as a kind of welcome and warmth to the visit, which will undoubtedly open new horizons for bilateral cooperation.

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani arrived in the capital Dhaka on Monday on a state visit to the Republic of Bangladesh during an Asian tour.

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