Gypsy Overlanding Family® - Adventure Anyware

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.

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.

travel from dubai to saudi arabia by road

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

travel from dubai to saudi arabia by road

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.

travel from dubai to saudi arabia by road

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.

' src=

About vijay

  • Hi, My Account Subscriptions --> My KT Trading Contact Us Privacy Notice Sign Out

Sun, Sep 15, 2024 | Rabi al-Awwal 13, 1446

Dubai 20°C

  • Expo City Dubai
  • Emergencies
  • Ras Al Khaimah
  • Umm Al Quwain

Life and Living

  • Visa & Immigration in UAE
  • Banking in UAE
  • Schooling in UAE
  • Housing in UAE
  • Ramadan 2024
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Philippines
  • Cryptocurrency
  • Infrastructure
  • Currency Exchange
  • Horse Racing
  • Local Sports

Entertainment

  • Local Events

Dubai World Cup

  • Track Notes
  • Big Numbers
  • Daily Updates
  • Arts & Culture
  • Mental Health
  • Relationships
  • Staycations
  • UAE Attractions
  • Tech Reviews
  • Motoring Reviews
  • Movie Reviews
  • Book reviews
  • Restaurant Reviews
  • Young Times

Supplements

  • Back To School
  • Eid-Al-Adha
  • It’s Summer Time
  • Leading Universities
  • Higher Education
  • India Real Estate Show
  • Future Of Insurance
  • KT Desert Drive
  • New Age Finance & Accounting Summit
  • Digital Health Forum
  • Subscriptions
  • UAE Holidays
  • Latest News
  • Prayer Timings
  • Cinema Listings
  • Inspired Living
  • Advertise With Us
  • Privacy Notice

KT APPDOWNLOAD

Read next article - Khaleej Times

Driving from UAE to Saudi Arabia? Residents don’t need to get out of car for border checks

Thousands of people travel to saudi via road every month for umrah or to meet their loved ones and friends.

travel from dubai to saudi arabia by road

Waheed Abbas

  • Follow us on

travel from dubai to saudi arabia by road

Top Stories

travel from dubai to saudi arabia by road

UAE announces 2-month grace period for residence visa violators

travel from dubai to saudi arabia by road

UAE announces fee refund for tax service charges from August 1

travel from dubai to saudi arabia by road

Paid parking in Dubai: Residents face up to Dh4,000 extra yearly costs when new rates kick in

travel from dubai to saudi arabia by road

Published: Wed 18 Oct 2023, 12:56 PM

Last updated: Wed 18 Oct 2023, 10:50 PM

A new system has been introduced in the UAE that enables citizens and residents to effortlessly cross the Al Ghuwaifat border without stepping out of their vehicles. The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Ports Security (ICP) showcased the Smart Land Borders Crossing system in the ongoing Gitex Global exhibition.

The Ghuwaifat border serves as a vital link between the UAE and Saudi Arabia via a key road crossing. Each month, thousands of UAE nationals and residents embark on journeys to Saudi Arabia, whether for Umrah, religious tourism, or simply to reunite with friends and loved ones. With this innovative system in place, travelling to the neighbouring country will not only be seamless but significantly faster.

In order to use the Smart Land Borders Crossing system, motorists must have their cars registered under their names. The system will scan the car number plate and open the first barrier for the driver. In the second step, people will scan their passports, Emirates ID and biometrics or facial recognition. Once the ICP system verifies the data, the second barrier will open and allow the motorists to exit the country.

Photo: Waheed Abbas

If the system fails to verify the individual, the person has to park the vehicle and take the traditional route of going to immigration for verification to exit the country.

The ICP representative at the Gitex pavilion told Khaleej Times that the current system accepts a maximum of two people in the car. “We are working on the programme to allow more people in a car to use this system,” said the representative.

The system is currently in operation exclusively at the Al Ghuwaifat border. However, as the next phase of this transformative initiative unfolds, it is set to extend its reach to other border crossings near Oman.

Gitex Global, the world’s largest technology exhibition, is taking place at the Dubai World Trade Centre where more than 6,000 companies and startups are showcasing their latest products.

  • Dubai: What an actual air taxi looks like up close
  • Soon on Dubai Police app: Report accident and AI will decide who was at fault
  • UAE: How radar-like devices prevent road accident deaths during foul weather
  • Dubai: Passport-free travel as 5 smart gates 'enhanced' at DXB Terminal 3
  • Newsletters
  • [email protected]

More news from UAE

Uae does not plan to re-open f-35 fighter jet talks with us, says official.

The official said on Saturday the same factors that caused it to suspend the talks in 2021 have not changed

uae 1 day ago -->

UAE residents choose 'cost-effective' cruises for National Day long weekend

With airfares soaring and long waits to secure visas, 'seacations' are now becoming all the rage among travel enthusiasts

UAE: Ministry announces end of midday break today; 99.9% compliance recorded from firms

The ministry said that approximately 134,000 inspection visits were conducted and only 51 violations were recorded

UAE announces new humanitarian projects, $10.25 million for Sudan

The UAE delegation met with Sudanese women refugees affected by the current conflict

Dubai's RTA announces closure of service centres on Prophet's birthday

Work will resume on Monday, September 16, 2024, with the regular operating hours

UAE: 4 hours of workouts in 20 minutes? New fitness trend 'better than lifting weights'

However, residents also raise concerns about the effectiveness and safety of the training method

'Can't give up': Dubai school bus conductor reveals 'secret' battle with cancer to inspire students

Rabina Neupane has been battling the disease for the past two years and has undergone several rounds of chemotherapy and radiation sessions

UAE: Why students must be encouraged to shower in school after PE classes

In certain countries, like Japan and South Korea, it’s still common for students in many schools to shower after physical education classes

Type your keywords

Solo female travel anywhere and everywhere.

travel from dubai to saudi arabia by road

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.

Want to travel Saudi Arabia? You're gonna need a car. Renting a car is the best way to travel around Saudi Arabia, and road tripping Saudi Arabia is the best way to get off the beaten track and explore Saudi Arabia properly. This travel guide includes all the information you need to rent a car in Saudi Arabia, road trip itineraries, information on women driving, travel advice, and more. Click through for the ultimate guide on road tripping in Saudi Arabia. #SaudiArabia #roadtrip #travelguide

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

Chevorlet Spark rented in Saudi Arabia for a road trip

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.

Friend outside of rental car in Jazan, 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.

Want to travel Saudi Arabia by car? You'll need to rent one! This guide to renting a car in Saudi Arabia has everything you need to know, including what kind of car you need, what documents you need to rent a car, how and where to rent a car, how much it costs to rent, sample road trip itineraries, and more. #roadtrip #SaudiArabia #middleeast

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.

View of Abha from car in Saudi Arabia

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!

View of driving in Saudi Arabia

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.

Donkey by rental car in Wadi Disah, 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.

Chevorlet Spark car stuck in the sand in a desert in Saudi Arabia

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.

Roadside sign in Saudi Arabia

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.

Female traveler driving in Saudi Arabia

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 .

Camping in Wadi Disah, 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 in Saudi Arabia near a prayer room

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.

Car parked offroad in Saudi Arabia

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

Sunset in old Jeddah

Saudi Arabia Essentials | 10 days, Riyadh to Jeddah

Saudi road trip itinerary from Google Maps

  • 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, Saudi Arabia

Mosque in Ushaiger village

Riyadh and the East | 7 days, Riyadh to Riyadh

Saudi Arabia road trip map

  • 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, Saudi Arabia

Sunrise over Fayfa

Southwest Saudi | 11 days, Jeddah to Jeddah

Southwest Saudi Arabia road trip map

  • 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!

Want to travel Saudi Arabia? You're gonna need a car. Renting a car is the best way to travel around Saudi Arabia, and road tripping Saudi Arabia is the best way to get off the beaten track and explore Saudi Arabia properly. This travel guide includes all the information you need to rent a car in Saudi Arabia, road trip itineraries, information on women driving, travel advice, and more. Click through for the ultimate guide on road tripping in Saudi Arabia. #SaudiArabia #roadtrip #travelguide

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 profile picture

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.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Lost With Purpose wordmark for GDPR cookie compliance

  • Privacy Overview
  • Strictly Necessary Cookies

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.

  • Latest News
  • Jawazat and MOI
  • Driving in KSA

Life in Saudi Arabia

  • Travelling from KSA
  • Travelling to UAE

How to travel UAE from Saudi Arabia by road?

Navigate here 👇

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 UAE from Saudi Arabia by road

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.

Travel UAE from Saudi Arabia by road

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.

dubai to 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.

dubai to saudi arabia by road

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

For the latest updates, you can join our ✅ WhatsApp group or ☑️ Telegram Channel .

Never pay the full price🏷️; join  the 📢 Saudi Coupon Codes group and get sales updates and discount codes in one place.

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

The future of car rental in dubai, things to know before renting a car in dubai, uae golden visa: opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors, riyadh vs dubai: who offers better business travel services, from start to finish: a step-by-step guide to your desert safari, apply for dubai/uae visa as saudi iqama holder.

  • Plan a Road Trip
  • Plan a Flight
  • Find an Airport
  • Where to Stay
  • All Questions

Trippy

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

  • Latest News
  • Emergencies
  • Environment
  • Ask the Law
  • Visa+Immigration
  • Phone+Internet
  • Reader Queries
  • Safety+Security
  • Banking & Insurance
  • Corporate Tax
  • Travel & Tourism
  • Corporate News
  • Electronics
  • Home and Kitchen
  • Consumables
  • Saving and Investment
  • Budget Living
  • Expert Columns
  • Community Tips
  • Cryptocurrency
  • Cooking and Cuisines
  • Guide to Cooking
  • Art & People
  • Friday Partner
  • Daily Crossword
  • Word Search
  • Philippines
  • Australia-New Zealand
  • Corrections
  • Special Reports
  • Pregnancy & Baby
  • Learning & Play
  • Child Health
  • For Mums & Dads
  • UAE Success Stories
  • Premiere League
  • Photos & Videos
  • Course Reviews
  • Learn to Play
  • Schedule | Medal Tally
  • South Indian
  • Health+Fitness
  • Best Of Bollywood
  • Entertainment
  • Special Features
  • Gratuity Calculator
  • Notifications
  • Prayer Times

5 driving rules to follow when visiting Saudi Arabia

Living in uae.

Understand what the road sign colours and shapes mean

Stock Saudi Jeddah Corniche palms and traffic in the back at sunset

Dubai: If you are a UAE resident planning to visit Saudi Arabia, the good news is that you can use your UAE driving licence to drive in the country during your trip. You can also rent a car easily, to help you move around.

However, when in a new country, it is extremely important to be able to navigate the roads and understand road signs to ensure you stay safe and do not violate any rules.

Look for kilometre limit when renting car

According to Visit Saudi, the official tourism website of Saudi Arabia, it is important to note that many rental cars have a daily kilometre driving limit. “Before renting your car, determine how much and how far you will be driving, then look to see which rental car agreement best fits your needs,” stated, the website.

There may also be an option for ‘open kilometres service’, which you can add on to your contract, if you plan to drive long distances.

5 top tips for driving in Saudi Arabia

1. Out of respect, avoid playing music in your rental car during call to prayer times. 2. Saudi Arabia is a large country, so make sure you frequently refuel to avoid running out of petrol. 3. When the cars in front of you turn on their emergency/hazard lights, this generally indicates speed bumps or cameras are ahead. If you see these, slow down. 4. Speed limit signs are often in Arabic, so it is a good idea to memorise or learn 1 to 10 (or print out a chart to keep in your car for reference). 5. In addition to familiarising yourself with the Arabic numerals, look at some of the common road signs before you go.

Saudi road signs

Road signage in Saudi Arabia – colours and shapes

● Red signs are generally meant to be prohibitors, indicating that you should stop, not enter, or that you’re going the wrong way. ● Green signs are used to note specific street information. ● Brown signs often point to religious, entertainment or cultural attractions. ● White boards are often used to note places of importance, like downtown or hospitals. ● Octagon-shaped signs mean “stop”. ● Diamond-shaped signs are generally used to indicate hazards or danger ahead.

More From Living-Transport

STOCK RIYADH SAUDI SKYLINE

Driving to Saudi Arabia? Here’s how to insure your car

STOCK Saudi Arabia skyline

Saudi Arabia: What to do after a traffic accident

SALIK AL KHAIL

Installing a Salik tag? Avoid these three mistakes

1.2290363-1046356494

Speed limits on main roads, highways in Dubai

  • Visa + Immigration
  • Telephone + Internet
  • Safety + Security
  • Taqdeer Award

All the voice, video calling apps you can use in UAE

All the voice, video calling apps you can use in UAE

Don't respond, just block - How to spot a scam

Don't respond, just block - How to spot a scam

Dubai outdoor season: Top 5 attractions to reopen soon

Dubai outdoor season: Top 5 attractions to reopen soon

Switching jobs in UAE? Here's what you should know

Switching jobs in UAE? Here's what you should know

When is the next long weekend?

When is the next long weekend?

New name for this Metro station in Dubai

New name for this Metro station in Dubai

Gulf News

Get Breaking News Alerts From Gulf News

We’ll send you latest news updates through the day. You can manage them any time by clicking on the notification icon.

UAE Logo

  • Other languages
  • Accessibility

UAE PASS

  • Information and services
  • About the UAE
  • Passports and travelling

Modes of travel

One can travel out of the UAE by road, sea or air. Find out more.

Travelling by road

Travelling by air, travelling by sea.

The UAE's roads connect to the neighbouring countries of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and Sultanate of Oman. There are several crossing points along the borders; some are exclusive to GCC citizens. You can travel to KSA and Oman by private car or by public transportation buses operated by government bodies/companies.

The UAE's national airline is  Etihad Airways . It flies from and to Abu Dhabi. Other airlines in the UAE are:

  • Emirates and its low-cost carrier partner  FlyDubai  -  Emirates flies from and to Dubai International Airport. FlyDubai departs from and arrive at both: Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport.
  • Air Arabia  - It flies from and to Sharjah International Airport. It is the first and the largest Low Cost Carrier (LCC) in the Middle East and North Africa.
  • Rotana Jet - Established in late 2010 by H. H. Dr. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saif Al Nahyan, Rotana Jet operates both executive charter and scheduled airline services. The airline offers operates domestic and international services from and to Abu Dhabi.
  • Royal Jet  - Headquartered in Abu Dhabi, Royal Jet operates chartered flights and flies from and to Zayed International Airport.
  • Air Arabia Abu Dhabi  was established in 2019 as a joint-venture between Abu Dhabi's Etihad Airways and Sharjah's Air Arabia . In April 2020, Air Arabia Abu Dhabi received its ‘Air Operating Certificate’ (AOC), which allows it to start operating from Abu Dhabi as the UAE’s fifth airline . Air Arabia Abu Dhabi will operate from Zayed International Airport as a low-cost passenger airline, following the business model of Air Arabia.
  • Wizz Air Abu Dhab i - Based at Zayed International Airport,  Wizz Air Abu Dhabi  is the 6th national airline of the UAE. It offers  low-cost economic travel from Abu Dhabi  and Dubai to a number of countries in the Middle East, Europe and Asia.

Read about  booking air tickets, hotels and itineraries.

Several international cruise liners have added the UAE as a stop on their itineraries. You can cruise out of the UAE through one of the following seaports:

  • Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal , Zayed Port
  • Port Rashid , Dubai
  • Port Khalid , Sharjah.

Was this information helpful?

Give us your feedback so we can improve your experience.

Thank you for submitting your feedback.

Popular searches

  • Government services around the clock
  • Visa and Emirates ID
  • Moving to the UAE
  • العربية Other languages

LuxuryTravelDiva

How Many Hours Travel From Dubai to Saudi Arabia?

By Robert Palmer

Are you planning a trip from Dubai to Saudi Arabia? One of the first questions that may come to mind is how many hours it takes to travel between these two countries. Let’s explore the different modes of transportation and their estimated travel times.

If you prefer the fastest way to reach Saudi Arabia from Dubai, then air travel is your best option. The flight duration can vary depending on factors such as the airline, the airport, and any layovers. On average, a direct flight from Dubai to major cities in Saudi Arabia takes approximately 2 hours.

Land Travel

If you enjoy road trips and have more time on your hands, you may consider traveling by land. There are two main routes that connect Dubai and Saudi Arabia:

  • Route 1: Dubai – Abu Dhabi – Al Ghuwaifat Border – Riyadh

This route takes you through Abu Dhabi and then across the UAE border into Saudi Arabia at Al Ghuwaifat. From there, continue your journey towards Riyadh.

The total travel time for this route is approximately 12-14 hours.

  • Route 2: Dubai – Al Ain – Hafar Al Batin Border – Dammam

This alternative route takes you through Al Ain and then across the UAE border into Saudi Arabia at Hafar Al Batin. From there, continue your journey towards Dammam. The total travel time for this route is approximately 8-10 hours.

If you are looking for a unique travel experience, consider traveling by sea from Dubai to Saudi Arabia. The most common sea route connects Dubai’s Port Rashid with Jeddah Islamic Port. The travel time for this route can vary depending on the type of vessel and sea conditions, but it generally takes around 24-48 hours.

It’s important to note that travel times mentioned above are approximate and can be affected by various factors such as traffic, border procedures, and weather conditions. It’s always a good idea to check with relevant authorities or travel agencies for the most up-to-date information before planning your trip.

In conclusion, whether you choose air, land, or sea travel, there are several options available for traveling from Dubai to Saudi Arabia. Consider your preferences, time constraints, and budget when deciding which mode of transportation suits you best. Safe travels!

9 Related Question Answers Found

How many hours travel to dubai, how many hours fly from uk to dubai, how many hours does it take from uk to dubai, how many hours is it from usa to dubai, how many hours is flight from uk to dubai, how long is from dubai to abu dhabi, how many hours does it take to get to dubai, how long is the flight from jordan to dubai, how many hours is jordan to dubai, backpacking - budget travel - business travel - cruise ship - vacation - tourism - resort - cruise - road trip - destination wedding - tourist destination - best places, london - madrid - paris - prague - dubai - barcelona - rome.

© 2024 LuxuryTraveldiva

Travelmath

The driving time from Dubai, United Arab Emirates to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia is:

17 hours, 50 minutes.

Average driving speed: 67.3 mph Kilometers per hour: 108.4 km/h This is based on typical traffic conditions for this route.

  • Dubai to Jeddah drive
  • trips from Dubai to Jeddah

Change your driving speed:

mph     km/h    

Map of driving directions from Dubai, United Arab Emirates to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

View a map with driving directions using your preferred map provider: Google Maps , Bing Maps , or MapQuest . You can use DriveDistance.com to find out how far is it to drive from Dubai to Jeddah with full directions.

More trip calculations

  • Driving Distance
  • Cost To Drive
  • Reverse Driving Time
  • Places To Stop
  • Hotels near Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
  • Flight Duration
  • Distance To Fly
  • airports near Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
  • airlines flying to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
  • Direct Flight
  • Time Zone Change

Driving time from Dubai, United Arab Emirates to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

How long is the drive from Dubai, United Arab Emirates to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia? The total driving time is 17 hours, 50 minutes .

Your trip begins in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It ends in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

If you're planning a road trip, you might be interested in seeing the total driving distance from Dubai, United Arab Emirates to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia .

You can also calculate the cost to drive from Dubai, United Arab Emirates to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia based on current local gas prices and an estimate of your car's best gas mileage.

Since this is a long drive, you might want to stop halfway and stay overnight in a hotel. You can find the city that is halfway between Dubai, United Arab Emirates and Jeddah, Saudi Arabia .

Planning to fly a plane instead? You might be more interested in calculating the flight time from Dubai, United Arab Emirates to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Related links.

  • airlines serving Dubai, United Arab Emirates
  • hotels near Dubai, United Arab Emirates
  • airports near Dubai, United Arab Emirates
  • cities near Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

  • airlines serving Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
  • hotels near Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
  • cities near Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Driving time calculator

Travelmath helps you find the driving time based on actual directions for your road trip. You can find out how long it will take to drive between any two cities, airports, states, countries, or zip codes. This can also help you plan the best route to travel to your destination. Compare the results with the flight time calculator to see how much longer it might take to drive the distance instead of flying. You can also print out pages with a travel map.

Home  ·  About  ·  Terms  ·  Privacy

Travelmath

Welcome Saudi

  • 5 star hotels in Riyadh
  • 5 star hotels in Jeddah
  • 5 star hotels in Makkah
  • 5 Star hotels in Madinah
  • 5 star hotels in Abha
  • Hotels in Dammam
  • Hotels in Al Khobar
  • Hotels in Taif
  • Hotels in Jubail
  • Hotels in Yanbu
  • Hotels in Al Ula
  • Hotels in Tabuk
  • Hotels in King Abdullah Economic City
  • Hotels in Hail
  • Hotels in Jazan
  • All Restaurants
  • Indian Restaurants in Riyadh
  • Italian Restaurants in Riyadh
  • French Restaurants in Riyadh
  • Chinese Restaurants in Riyadh
  • Japanese Restaurants in Riyadh
  • Cafes in Riyadh
  • Korean Restaurants in Riyadh
  • Turkish Restaurants in Riyadh
  • Pakistani Restaurants in Riyadh
  • Lebanese Restaurants in Riyadh
  • Seafood Restaurants in Riyadh
  • Steakhouses in Riyadh
  • Thai Restaurants in Riyadh
  • Mexican Restaurants in Riyadh
  • Breakfast Restaurants in Riyadh
  • Restaurants in Bujairi Terrace
  • Restaurants in VIA Riyadh
  • Restaurants in KAFD
  • Restaurants in DQ
  • Restaurants in Lumiere Mall
  • Cafes in Jeddah
  • Korean Restaurants in Jeddah
  • Indian Restaurants in Jeddah
  • Italian Restaurants in Jeddah
  • Chinese Restaurants in Jeddah
  • Japanese Restaurants in Jeddah
  • Turkish Restaurants in Jeddah
  • Seafood Restaurants in Jeddah
  • Lebanese Restaurants in Jeddah
  • Asian Restaurants in Jeddah
  • Thai Restaurants in Jeddah
  • Restaurants in Jeddah Yacht Club
  • Indian Restaurants in Khobar
  • Italian Restaurants in Khobar
  • Japanese Restaurants in Khobar
  • Seafood Restaurants in Khobar
  • Cafes in Khobar
  • Chinese Restaurants in Khobar
  • Turkish Restaurants in Khobar
  • Restaurants in Dammam
  • Restaurants in Makkah
  • Restaurants in Madinah
  • Restaurants in Taif
  • Restaurants in AlUla
  • All Destinations
  • Places to visit in Riyadh
  • Places to Visit in Diriyah
  • Places to visit in Jeddah
  • Places to visit in Makkah
  • Places to visit in Madinah
  • Places to Visit in NEOM
  • Places To Visit in The RED SEA
  • Places to visit in Abha
  • Places to Visit in AlUla
  • Places to visit in Dammam
  • Places to visit in Khobar
  • Places to visit in Taif
  • Places to visit in Jubail
  • Places to visit in Tabuk
  • Places to visit in Al Baha
  • Places to visit in Hail
  • Places to visit in Yanbu
  • All Flights
  • Riyadh to Abha flight
  • Riyadh to Dammam flight
  • Riyadh to Jeddah flight
  • Riyadh to Madinah flight
  • Riyadh to Tabuk flight
  • Jeddah to Abha flight
  • Jeddah to Dammam flight
  • Jeddah to Riyadh flight
  • Jeddah to Tabuk flight
  • Madinah to Dammam flight
  • Madinah to Riyadh flight
  • Abha to Dammam flight
  • Abha to Jeddah flight
  • Abha to Riyadh flight
  • Dammam to Abha flight
  • Dammam to Jeddah flight
  • Dammam to Madinah flight
  • Dammam to Riyadh flight
  • Delhi to Dammam flight
  • Delhi to Jeddah flight
  • Dubai to Dammam flight
  • Hyderabad to Dammam flight
  • Manila to Riyadh flight
  • Mumbai to Dammam flight
  • Add Your Restaurant Page
  • Claim Your Restaurant Page for FREE
  • Pricing Plans

Latest News

  • Login Sign Up

Saudia Transports 3 Retired Boeing 777s For BLVD Runway Zone

Saudia has remarkably moved three large, retired Boeing 777 planes from Jeddah to Riyadh by road to feature in the upcoming Riyadh Season 2024 Boulevard Runway zone. 

The 25-year-old aircrafts made the 850 km trip on massive trucks after having their wings, fuselages, and other valuable parts removed. 

The BLVD Runway zone will offer visitors distinctive aircraft-themed entertainment experiences, including five top-tier restaurants.

Moving Saudia’s Boeing 777s

travel from dubai to saudi arabia by road

The three Boeing 777-200ER aircraft, once the workhorses of Saudia's long-haul fleet, have been earmarked for a unique transformation. 

travel from dubai to saudi arabia by road

Instead of being consigned to the scrapyard or indefinite storage, these iconic aircraft will find a new lease on life as part of the highly anticipated BLVD Runway project, an innovative collaboration between Saudia and Riyadh Season.

Envisioned as a one-of-a-kind tourist destination, Boulevard  Runway will repurpose the retired aircraft into interactive spaces for entertainment, dining, and retail experiences. 

travel from dubai to saudi arabia by road

This ambitious undertaking not only celebrates Saudi Arabia's aviation heritage but also showcases the Kingdom's commitment to sustainable practices and creative thinking.

Transporting Booeing 777s by Road

travel from dubai to saudi arabia by road

The decision to transport the aircraft by road rather than air was a strategic one, driven by the unique requirements of the BLVD Runway project. 

This intricate operation involved extensive planning and coordination to ensure the structural integrity of the aircraft during transit, given their immense size and weight.

Preparation for Transporting 

travel from dubai to saudi arabia by road

Transporting three Boeing 777 aircraft over a distance of 850 kilometers by road was no small feat. Saudia's team of engineers and logistics experts meticulously planned every aspect of the operation.

travel from dubai to saudi arabia by road

These preparations and planning include from the careful removal of wings, tails, and other non-essential components to the selection of specialized transport vehicles capable of carrying the immense weight and dimensions of the aircraft fuselages.

Route Planning and Coordination

travel from dubai to saudi arabia by road

Navigating the transportation of such massive structures through urban areas and highways required extensive coordination with local authorities and traffic management agencies. 

travel from dubai to saudi arabia by road

Detailed route planning ensured that the convoy could navigate obstacles, such as overpasses, intersections, and narrow streets, without disrupting regular traffic flow or causing damage to infrastructure.

The 3 Boeing 777s

travel from dubai to saudi arabia by road

The first aircraft, identified as HZ-AKG, started its service in March 1998 and was taken out of operation in September 2016. This marked the first B777-200ER to be retired by Saudi Airlines.

travel from dubai to saudi arabia by road

The second aircraft, HZ-AKK, began service in September 1998 and was also retired in September 2016, making it the second one to be phased out. 

travel from dubai to saudi arabia by road

The third aircraft, HZ-AKP, entered service in March 1999 and was retired in June 2017. This model is still used by various airlines globally, including United Airlines, which continues to operate a 30-year-old Boeing B777-200.

BLVD Runway Zone

travel from dubai to saudi arabia by road

At the heart of the Boulevard  Runway experience lies the opportunity for visitors to step inside the repurposed Boeing 777 aircraft and immerse themselves in a world of entertainment and gastronomy. 

Innovative design concepts will transform the aircraft interiors into vibrant spaces, housing interactive exhibits, themed restaurants, and unique retail offerings.

travel from dubai to saudi arabia by road

  • Interactive Exhibits: Visitors can explore the intricacies of aviation through hands-on exhibits, virtual reality experiences, and educational displays, fostering a deeper appreciation for the marvels of flight.

travel from dubai to saudi arabia by road

  • Themed Restaurants: Culinary enthusiasts will delight in the opportunity to dine within the confines of these iconic aircraft, where themed restaurants will offer a fusion of international cuisines and aviation-inspired ambiance.

travel from dubai to saudi arabia by road

  • Unique Retail Offerings: Aviation enthusiasts and collectors alike can indulge in a curated selection of merchandise, ranging from aviation-themed apparel and accessories to exclusive memorabilia and collectibles

Preserving Aviation Heritage

travel from dubai to saudi arabia by road

Beyond serving as a unique entertainment destination, BLVD Runway also plays a crucial role in preserving Saudi Arabia's aviation heritage. 

travel from dubai to saudi arabia by road

The retired Boeing 777 aircraft, once workhorses of Saudia's fleet, now stand as living museums, allowing visitors to explore and appreciate the engineering marvels that have shaped the aviation industry.

Saudi Arabia’s Journey to Sustainability

travel from dubai to saudi arabia by road

As the world watches these Boeing 777s make their last trip on the ground, Saudia's bold decision highlights the airline's dedication to innovation, sustainability, and economic growth.

By transforming these retired planes into the stunning Boulevard Runway attraction, Saudia has not only saved a part of aviation history but also set a new standard for combining sustainability with creativity.

Other Saudia Airlines Ventures

50% international flights discount.

travel from dubai to saudi arabia by road

Saudia Airlines is providing an impressive 50% discount on international flights departing from King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh . 

This offer is valid for bookings made between August 18th and 31st, 2024, and applies to flights scheduled from September 1st to November 30th, 2024. 

The promotion covers both Guest and Business Class tickets. 

This special deal is part of the 'Your Ticket Your Visa' program, which permits travelers to stay in the Kingdom for 96 hours to perform Umrah and visit different regions.

eVTOL Air Taxis’ Purchase

travel from dubai to saudi arabia by road

Saudia Airlines has made its biggest order to date, agreeing to buy up to 100 electric vertical takeoff and landing jets from German company Lilium, valued at $700 million. 

These air taxis are anticipated to be delivered by 2029, with plans to transport pilgrims between Makkah and Jeddah and to carry visitors to major sporting and tourist sites throughout Saudi Arabia.

Saudia and Flyadeal New Flights to Abha

travel from dubai to saudi arabia by road

Saudia and Flyadeal have revealed their plans to introduce 8 more daily flights to Abha from Jeddah , Riyadh , and Dammam . 

Saudia aims to raise its daily flights to Abha from 14 to 19, while Flyadeal will boost its number from 14 to 17. 

This move aligns with the Saudi Tourism Authority's initiative to highlight Abha as a prime destination during the " Aseer Season " and the " Saudi Summer "  periods.

Saudia Airlines Largest Ever Aircraft Deal

travel from dubai to saudi arabia by road

Saudia, the national airline of Saudi Arabia, has achieved a historic feat in Saudi Arabian aviation by signing the largest ever 105 Airbus aircraft deal. 

This significant acquisition included announced at the Future Aviation Forum held in Riyadh and included a mix of Airbus A320 Neo and A321 Neo planes. Saudia and its budget airline, Flyadeal, will share the allocation of these planes. 

This strategic decision aligns with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to increase annual passenger traffic to 330 million and enhance connectivity to 250 destinations globally.

Saudia Airlines 96-Hour Visa

travel from dubai to saudi arabia by road

Saudia Airlines has introduced a new 96-hour stopover sightseeing visa for passengers traveling from Malaga to Riyad h. 

This visa enables travelers to discover the renowned attractions of Saudi Arabia while on their layover, with personalized itineraries that include visits to popular destinations such as Al-Balad , Jeddah , and the Al-Turaif district in Diriyah , a UNESCO World Heritage site. 

Furthermore, Saudia Airlines has announced its plans to introduce three direct flights per week to Malaga in the upcoming summer, in line with the country's initiative to boost its tourism industry.

Saudia Group’s Hajj Services License

travel from dubai to saudi arabia by road

Saudia Hajj and Umrah is a newly established subsidiary of the Saudia Group, which has been granted a license by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to cater to a maximum of 10,000 pilgrims. 

This will allow Saudia to offer comprehensive Hajj packages, which include flights, accommodations, and transportation to the Holy Sites in Saudi Arabia. This showcases the country's commitment to providing top-notch services to pilgrims from all around the world.

Saudia Airlines Flying Taxis

travel from dubai to saudi arabia by road

Saudi Airlines has plans to revolutionize Hajj travel by introducing Flying Taxis that will transport pilgrims between Jeddah 's King Abdulaziz International Airport and Makkah hotels during the Hajj and Umrah seasons. 

Saudia has pledged to acquire 100 Lilium aircraft, which are electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft made in Germany. 

These jets provide an eco-friendly solution with minimal carbon emissions and can cover a distance of up to 250 km while accommodating four to six passengers. This new service caters to affluent guests seeking the most luxurious travel experiences.

Continue Reading: Saudia Announces 50% Discount on Jeddah and Riyadh International Flights

  • Riyadh Season

Red Sea Global Reveals Significant Progress on AMAALA Project in Saudi Arabia

Riyadh air begins first non commercial flights, wizz air to launch new london to jeddah flights from march 2025, liv golf 2025 season opener to held in riyadh for 1st time, the venue: your guide to the newest zone at riyadh season 2024.

Red Sea Global has announced remarkable advancements in the luxurious AMAALA project along Saudi Arabia’s breathtaking Red Sea coast.  The AMAALA project includes the picturesque Triple Bay Marina Village, The Marina,...

Riyadh Air has begun noncommercial flights ahead of its official launch in 2025.  The first Riyadh Air flight, RX5001, flew from Riyadh to Jeddah as part of its Air Operator Certificate process.  Riyadh Air plans to fly to...

Wizz Air will begin offering a new route from London Gatwick to Jeddah on March 31, 2025, with one-way tickets starting at just £135. The seven-hour flight will have 239 seats in a single-class layout, aimed at serving both...

LIV Golf is coming to Riyadh for the first time at the prestigious Riyadh Golf Club from February 6th to 8th, 2025.  The Riyadh event will showcase leading golfers from Asia, Australia, and the Middle East, including Phil...

The Venue is the newest zone to the highly anticipated Riyadh Season 2024 and is due to open on October 28. It is situated in Al Hefnah, a little more than an hour's drive from central Riyadh. The Venue will feature global exclusive events...

You May Also Like

Riyadh zoo to offer free entry during riyadh season 2024.

Riyadh's iconic animal kingdom, Riyadh Zoo, is set to be up for an electrifying return for the 3rd time, promising an immersive wildlife experience like never before.  The Riyadh Zoo is all set to make yet another grand comeback...

Your Guide To Riyadh Season Tickets

The eagerly awaited Riyadh Season 2024 is due to return for the 5th time from October 12th, 2024, promising big attractions, fresh areas, and thrilling entertainment. Tickets for Riyadh Season 2024 will be on sale soon. Don't miss out on...

Your Ultimate Guide to Riyadh Season 2024 - 2025

Riyadh Season 2024 is making a highly anticipated comeback for its 5th edition on October 12th, 2024, bringing with it major events, fresh zones, and exciting entertainment.   This year's Riyadh Season will showcase 14 zones,...

Stay in touch

Stay up to date with our latest news and products.

  • Privacy Policy

© Copyright 2024 Welcome Saudi. All rights reserved. Various trademarks held by their respective owners.

All fields are required unless specified optional

Restore password

Congratulations.

Welcome Saudi website requires cookies to provide all of its features. By using our website, you agree to our terms of use and cookie policy. More info

IMAGES

  1. How to travel UAE from Saudi Arabia by road?

    travel from dubai to saudi arabia by road

  2. Saudi To Dubai By Road

    travel from dubai to saudi arabia by road

  3. Where to visit in the UAE by road from Saudi Arabia

    travel from dubai to saudi arabia by road

  4. Saudi To Dubai By Road

    travel from dubai to saudi arabia by road

  5. Frequent Question: How To Go Saudi Arabia From Dubai By Road? [The

    travel from dubai to saudi arabia by road

  6. How to travel UAE from Saudi Arabia by road?

    travel from dubai to saudi arabia by road

VIDEO

  1. Saudi Arabia road #riyadh #sauditamilan

  2. Exploring Saudi Arabia

  3. Dubai to Saudi Arabia road 160 speed in hindi #nepalchautari #viral #shorts #travel

  4. Dubai to Saudi Arabia by road at your own car for Umrah. Dubai to Saudi Arabia by road

  5. First Time Going To Saudi Arabia By Bus

  6. सऊदी अरब से दुबई / saudi to Dubai / Dubai Tour / Visit Tour Dubai/vlog Ask

COMMENTS

  1. Dubai to Saudi Arabia drive

    9:00 am start in Dubai. drive for about 1.5 hours. 10:26 am Abu Dhabi. stay for about 1 hour. and leave at 11:26 am. drive for about 8 hours. 7:34 pm Riyadh. stay overnight and leave the next day around 11:00 am. day 1 driving ≈ 9.5 hours.

  2. How to get from Dubai to Saudi Arabia by plane, bus or car

    8.7 Fabulous. $90. 8.4 Very Good. $62. 8.0 Good. Rome2Rio makes travelling from Dubai to Saudi Arabia easy. Rome2Rio. The cheapest way to get from Dubai to Saudi Arabia costs only $42, and the quickest way takes just 2¾ hours. Find the travel option that best suits you.

  3. Plan a road trip from Dubai to Saudi Arabia

    Cars will overtake on the hard shoulder to be careful. Speed limit buffers: 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.

  4. Driving From the UAE to Saudi Arabia: What Residents Can Expect

    If you're coming from Dubai, it can take around 4 hours non-stop to drive from the UAE to Al Ghuwaifat at Saudi Arabia's border. If you count in rest stops, food breaks, traffic, and gas refills, you can expect around a 5-hour drive.

  5. Driving from UAE to Saudi Arabia? Residents don't need to get out of

    Paid parking in Dubai: Residents face up to Dh4,000 extra yearly costs when new rates kick in Published: Wed 18 Oct 2023, 12:56 PM Last updated: Wed 18 Oct 2023, 10:50 PM

  6. 31 Best Stops Between Dubai and Riyadh

    How long is the drive from Dubai to Riyadh? The direct drive from Dubai to Riyadh is 699 mi (1,124 km), and should have a drive time of 10 hrs 52 mins in normal traffic.. If you're going on a road trip from Dubai to Riyadh, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way — with Abu Dhabi, as well as top places to visit like Al Qudra Lake and Mall of the Emirates, or ...

  7. Dubai to Riyadh

    8.4 Very Good. $62. 8.0 Good. Rome2Rio makes travelling from Dubai to Riyadh easy. Rome2Rio. The cheapest way to get from Dubai to Riyadh costs only $34, and the quickest way takes just 2¾ hours. Find the travel option that best suits you.

  8. Saudi Arabia Road Trip: Guide To Traveling Saudi By Car

    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. Index. Renting a car in Saudi Arabia. Best car; Cost of renting a car; What you need; Renting without an International Driver's Permit (IDP)

  9. Dubai to Jeddah

    Flynas, Flydubai, and three other airlines fly from Dubai (DXB) to Jeddah (JED) hourly. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Global Village 1 to Saptco Jeddah Stn via Rashidiya Bus Station Gate 11, Centerpoint Metro Station, Al Rigga Metro Station 2, Dubai, Muscat, Riyadh, and Aziziyah Bus Stn in around 39h 13m. Rome2Rio's Travel Guide series ...

  10. Driving Time from Dubai, United Arab Emirates to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

    The total driving time is 8 hours, 55 minutes. Your trip begins in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It ends in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. If you're planning a road trip, you might be interested in seeing the total driving distance from Dubai, United Arab Emirates to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

  11. How to travel UAE from Saudi Arabia by road?

    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.

  12. Road trip to Saudi Arabia

    for Dubai, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia. 5,742 posts. 15 helpful votes. 3. Re: Road trip to Saudi Arabia. 16 years ago. Since you have two very young children, you might consider making an overnight stop in Riyadh or Hofuf - I think it would take you around 8-10 hours driving to reach Hofuf and you would be ready for a rest.

  13. Driving Distance from Dubai, United Arab Emirates to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

    The total driving distance from Dubai, United Arab Emirates to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia is 609 miles or 980 kilometers. Your trip begins in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It ends in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. If you are planning a road trip, you might also want to calculate the total driving time from Dubai, United Arab Emirates to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia so ...

  14. How far is Saudi Arabia from Dubai

    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

  15. 5 driving rules to follow when visiting Saudi Arabia

    1. Out of respect, avoid playing music in your rental car during call to prayer times. 2. Saudi Arabia is a large country, so make sure you frequently refuel to avoid running out of petrol. 3 ...

  16. Dubai to Makkah

    The distance between Dubai and Makkah is 1714 km. The road distance is 1855.5 km. Get driving directions. How long does it take to get from Dubai to Makkah? ... Want to know more about travelling around Saudi Arabia. Rome2Rio's Travel Guide series provide vital information for the global traveller. Filled with useful and timely travel ...

  17. Modes of travel

    Travelling by road. The UAE's roads connect to the neighbouring countries of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and Sultanate of Oman. There are several crossing points along the borders; some are exclusive to GCC citizens. You can travel to KSA and Oman by private car or by public transportation buses operated by government bodies/companies.

  18. How Many Hours Travel From Dubai to Saudi Arabia?

    Route 1: Dubai - Abu Dhabi - Al Ghuwaifat Border - Riyadh. This route takes you through Abu Dhabi and then across the UAE border into Saudi Arabia at Al Ghuwaifat. From there, continue your journey towards Riyadh. The total travel time for this route is approximately 12-14 hours. Route 2: Dubai - Al Ain - Hafar Al Batin Border - Dammam.

  19. Road travel from Dubai to Makkah as a UAE resident

    Answer 1 of 12: Aslamu Alaykum, I am planning a road trip with family from Dubai, UAE to Saudi Arabia - Mecca & Medina., i am a UAE Resident with Pakistan passport and have own Car., I need guidance on: 1- i am allowed to travel by my personal car From Uae...

  20. Driving Time from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia to Dubai, United ...

    How long is the drive from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia to Dubai, United Arab Emirates? The total driving time is 8 hours, 55 minutes. Your trip begins in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It ends in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. If you're planning a road trip, you might be interested in seeing the total driving distance from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia to Dubai, United ...

  21. Saudi Arabia to Dubai by Road

    SaudiArabia to Dubai by RoadA complete travel guide step by step to crossing the border KSA to UAE and Documents requirements..

  22. Driving Time from Dubai, United Arab Emirates to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

    The total driving time is 17 hours, 50 minutes. Your trip begins in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It ends in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. If you're planning a road trip, you might be interested in seeing the total driving distance from Dubai, United Arab Emirates to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. You can also calculate the cost to drive from Dubai, United Arab ...

  23. Saudia Transports 3 Retired Boeing 777s For BLVD Runway Zone

    Saudia has remarkably moved three large, retired Boeing 777 planes from Jeddah to Riyadh by road to feature in the upcoming Riyadh Season 2024 Boulevard Runway zone.. The 25-year-old aircrafts made the 850 km trip on massive trucks after having their wings, fuselages, and other valuable parts removed.

  24. Saudi Arabia to Dubai

    The cheapest way to get from Saudi Arabia to Dubai costs only $42, and the quickest way takes just 2 hours. ... The distance between Saudi Arabia and Dubai is 640 km. The road distance is 983.6 km. ... Dubai is a one-stop travel shop for the entire family. Visit Dubai Mall for the latest in designer fashion, head to the top of Burj Khalifa for ...