Driving in Saudi Arabia - The Navigating Navigator

First time driving in Saudi Arabia and the middle east, I was wary of the potential dangers arising from a lack of familiarity. Budget-wise, it cost just about USD150 more to return the car to another location. This is reasonable compared to say Norway, which cost some 5 or more times more expensive. Most people would probably pick the car up in Riyadh and return the car in Abha. This saves one day travel cost and the effort of doing the driving. However, as this is a budget itinerary, there is more savings driving the car back to Riyadh.

The Route for Driving in Saudi Arabia

With this, I had the option of doing either a counterclockwise or a clockwise itinerary. As the airport is located in the North of Riyadh, heading north reduces detours within the city. It would also be better to familiarize with the roads driving at a time where traffic volume is low. Driving out of the city would also be calmer than to negotiate the frenzy of city driving. Counterclockwise also means I get to reach and see Al Ula sooner. Doing the driving first and leaving Riyadh to the last also leaves more time buffer to complete the 4600km drive. After all, I will be also be returning to Riyadh for the 2030 World Expo. That said, the concise version leaves 5 days for Riyadh and its surroundings.

Driving clockwise though, would mean being able to rest the day after the flight. This will address the jetlag before I even start driving. There’s also much architecture to see in Riyadh, such as the metro stations, new shopping malls, and skyscrapers. Conquering the longest drive segment to Abha would also possibly be easier at the start. However, will I have enough time for the remaining 3600km should I spend too much time in Riyadh? For this reason, I am starting the drive counterclockwise.

Things to watch out for driving in Saudi Arabia

Black Road Humps
Road Conditions
Driving in the Dark
Drivers who drive against traffic
Driver who weave in and out
Google maps not showing actual road conditions
Road Stops
Impatient Drivers, Horns, Flashes, Shoulders
Right Turn on Red?
Speed Cameras and Speed Limits
Missing a turn and the long detour

Necessities for driving in Saudi Arabia

All considered, I still think it is absolutely necessary to drive for this trip to Saudi Arabia. Relying on intercity buses and trains, as well as ride hailing will cost too much more.. You will also be restricted by the schedule of the buses and trains. However, before the necessary driving, are certain necessities:

An International Driving Permit (IDP)
When to make the car rental?
What kind of car is adequate?
GPS or Google Maps?

Impatient Drivers

Horning and Honks

Flashing Lights

Following the speed limit on the road linking the north and south on route 375, a car appeared behind me. I was then flashed once, twice, until we had come to a stop at the traffic light. At the lights, a cop was stationed right by the road and the flashing stopped. After passing the cop, the car flashed its headlights repeatedly for the entire distance of about 2km. It only stopped after I turned into another road, clear of this road bully.

Using the Road Shoulders

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