Discovering a Road Trip in Saudi Arabia

When you think of road trips, you might picture cruising down American highways or navigating through Europe’s rolling hills and valleys.

But Saudi Arabia offers its own surprising adventure, debunking the myth of a monotonous desert drive with its diverse terrain, including smooth highways, rugged gravel paths, vast deserts, vibrant towns, and green oases.

After decades of being largely closed to tourists, Saudi Arabia’s recent reforms have simplified the process for visitors, with open roads and no restrictions on both men and women driving solo or with companions, whether they are locals or travelers.

A popular route for both locals and expats is the coastal highway that stretches through the Eastern Province, connecting the kingdom’s northern border with Kuwait to the southern edges where Oman, Bahrain, and the UAE meet via an offshore bridge.

While the Red Sea coast is better known for its major resort developments and leisurely retreats, the Eastern Province offers an entirely different adventure, far from the usual tourist paths, yet brimming with unique sights and experiences to discover.

Here’s what you need to keep in mind when planning a road trip in this fascinating corner of Saudi Arabia:

Renting a car

Reaching the Eastern Province coastline is quite simple, with direct flights from several Middle Eastern cities to the international airports near Dammam and Al Ahsa, both located close to the coast. You can also connect via Riyadh.

Car rentals are available at both airports, with most major international rental agencies offering services.

Typically, you can take your rental car across borders for some Gulf country exploration, though you’ll need to inform the rental company in advance and secure a permission letter, along with a valid visa, to present at the border.

Driving in Saudi Arabia offers a diverse experience, ranging from sleek highways to rugged gravel roads. You may also encounter sand dunes spilling over into the roads, and long distances between towns.

It’s recommended to rent a larger 4WD vehicle, not only for tackling off-road challenges but also for the comfort and elevated views it provides along the way.

Hitting the road

Saudi Arabia’s road network is quite modern, linking the key destinations across the country. The eastern coastline is now connected by a continuous main road, with a newly completed section this year stretching from Salwa near the Qatar border to Al Uqair, a key Saudi seaport. This addition fills in gaps in the previous road infrastructure.

Now, you can travel the entire length of Highway 5, from the UAE to Kuwait, with plenty of interesting stops to make along the way.

The road is a dual carriageway running through a flat desert landscape, with the sea on the right side if you're heading north. The speed limit is 120 km/h (75 mph), and there are speed radars scattered along the route.

Although the roads in Saudi, including this one, are generally well-maintained, sand from the surrounding desert dunes often creeps onto the Tarmac, sometimes covering parts of the road. Additionally, some areas lack camel-proof fences, so drivers must remain alert for camels crossing their path.

There are plenty of service stations along the route, but it's wise to keep an eye on your fuel gauge as some of them can be quite far apart.

Unless you're experienced with off-roading or have someone who knows the terrain well, it's safest to stick to the main roads. Navigating sand requires skill—properly deflating tires, handling manual gears, and mastering steering in soft terrain.

Getting stuck in the sand, far from help, is a genuine and potentially hazardous risk.

However, if you have the chance to try off-roading with an expert, don't miss it. It's a thrilling adventure, and the Eastern Province is full of impressive sand dunes, thanks to its proximity to the Rub al-Khali, or the Empty Quarter, the world's largest continuous desert.

Along the coast

Saudi Arabia’s history stretches back to pre-historic times. Once a vital stop on major trade routes and crossed by Bedouin tribes for centuries, the country is peppered with ancient sites that have only recently become open to international travelers. The Eastern Province is no exception.

A journey along the coastal road will reveal several historic fortresses.

Uquair Castle, located roughly midway between Salwa and Al Khobar near Bahrain, is set against the stunning turquoise waters of the Gulf. Though its history remains unclear, it is believed to be around 300 years old, with no definitive records on its original builder. The castle is currently closed for renovations.

Just north of Dammam, on Tarout Island, the striking Tarout Castle stands, accessible by causeway. Its foundation dates back about 7,000 years, marked by inscriptions from the Mesopotamian period. The castle, reconstructed many times, showcases a rich fusion of historical styles.

Bordering the island are lush mangrove swamps that become a sanctuary for hundreds of flamingos in winter, adding their vibrant pink feathers to the shimmering turquoise waters.

Dammam is a lively city, blending industrial strength with a mix of old-world charm and modern growth. One of its notable attractions is the Love Market, a bustling night market offering everything from food to clothes, souvenirs, and household items.

Architecture enthusiasts will appreciate the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture in Dhahran, a stunning design by Norwegian architects Snøhetta. Meanwhile, those seeking beach escapes or water sports will find numerous resorts lining the coast south of Al Khobar.

Into the desert

About an hour inland toward Al Ahsa, you’ll find Al Hofuf, a city nestled within what UNESCO recognizes as the world's largest oasis.

The city and its surrounding villages are blanketed by around 3 million palm trees. The historic center of Al Hofuf serves as an excellent starting point for exploring the oasis and nearby ancient landmarks.

Highlights include the Ibrahim Palace, which dates back to Ottoman times and now serves as a museum, and the Qaisariah Souq, an especially vibrant spot on Friday nights when food stalls and live music performances draw large crowds.

Exploring the narrow alleys of old Hofuf feels like stepping into history, with ancient buildings juxtaposed against vibrant street art, from King Khaleed Street to Ibrahim Palace.

One of the most remarkable attractions is the Al Qarah Caves. While not caves in the traditional sense, they are entrances into Al Qarah Mountain, a solitary rock formation above the oasis, shaped by wind and rain over time into a labyrinth of passages, columns, and secluded canyons, many open to the sky.

With safety measures in place and the caves beautifully illuminated, they offer a captivating experience for those looking to spend an hour or so exploring.

Visitors can ascend the mountain from the opposite side of the rocks to gain a panoramic view of the vast oasis and the many farms that contribute to the region’s status as one of the world’s largest producers of dates.

While the Eastern Province may not top Saudi Arabia’s list of must-see destinations, it’s certainly worth exploring, offering unique sights, connections between multiple countries, and a relatively easy introduction to road trips in the kingdom.

Keep an eye out for those camels on the road.