The Dakar Rally came to Saudi Arabia in 2020 and transformed the global perception of what the kingdom offers. From the volcanic plains of Al Ula to the towering dune fields of the Rub’ Al Khali, Saudi Arabia presents a scale and diversity of off-road terrain that has no parallel in the region.
Entry and Logistics
Saudi Arabia now issues tourist e-visas for most nationalities in minutes. Vehicle entry requires a Carnet de Passage or temporary import permit — apply through your automobile club well in advance. Insurance must explicitly cover Saudi Arabia. Fuel is inexpensive and widely available on main routes, but remote interior sections have no services whatsoever.
The Route Character
Our Dakar-inspired overland caravan traces the terrain types of the rally stages — sand corridors, rocky plateaus, open desert flats, and dune fields. Expect 400-600km of off-road terrain over the expedition. The scale of Saudi driving makes the UAE feel contained by comparison.
Al Ula
The sandstone formations of Al Ula add a geological and historical dimension absent in the Gulf’s other desert destinations. The combination of dramatic landscape, archaeological sites, and vast open desert makes Saudi Arabia the natural next step for UAE drivers who have exhausted what Oman and the UAE offer.
Difficulty
Hard. Remote, unforgiving terrain. Satellite communication essential. Minimum convoy of four vehicles with experienced drivers. Places on the Saudi Overland are limited — this drive runs once per season and fills quickly.