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Cross-border route

United Arab Emirates Saudi Arabia

Driving across the border

Yes — you can drive from United Arab Emirates into Saudi Arabia: carry a certified IDP translation of your licence alongside the original so border officials and rental desks can read your credentials. Saudi Arabia expects foreign drivers to hold an IDP, prepared in the 1949 Geneva Convention format. Both countries drive on the right, so there is no change of driving side at the border. The Al Ghuwaifat–Sila crossing links Abu Dhabi with the Saudi border.

Get my permit for Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia requirements

Last reviewed July 2026

Route at a glance

FromUnited Arab Emirates

ToSaudi Arabia

IDP in Saudi ArabiaStrongly recommended

Accepted format1949 Geneva

Driving sideright (no change)

Currency in Saudi ArabiaSAR

Emergency number911

Top speed limit140 km/h on signed highways

United Arab Emirates → Saudi Arabia

Crossing the border

The Al Ghuwaifat–Sila crossing links Abu Dhabi with the Saudi border.

Driving rules in Saudi Arabia

Drive on the right.
Zero alcohol — it is prohibited nationwide.
Saher speed cameras are extensive.
Seatbelts mandatory.

What to see when you arrive in Saudi Arabia

the rock tombs of Hegra (Mada'in Salih)
the old town of Diriyah
the Edge of the World cliffs near Riyadh
the Red Sea coast of Jeddah
the Asir mountains of Abha

Once you're driving in Saudi Arabia

Destination-specific detail sourced from national road authorities, motoring clubs and rental policies — the things that catch cross-border drivers out.

Driving on a foreign licence

Tourists may drive on a valid home licence for up to 90 days, but if it is not in Latin script an IDP or notarised Arabic translation is required; carry the licence, IDP, passport and rental agreement at all times.

Tolls & road charges

Saudi Arabia is rolling out electronic RFID toll tags on some expressways, but most intercity roads remain free; a tourist generally pays no tolls, and any charge is handled through the rental's tag.

Parking in the cities

Park only in designated and marked bays; major cities use paid parking apps and meters, and illegal parking brings fines and towing, with rental firms adding an admin fee.

Fines & camera enforcement

Saher cameras automatically fine speeding, phone use and no seatbelt, with penalties commonly running into hundreds to thousands of riyals; rental firms forward camera fines plus a handling fee, and you must clear them via Absher before leaving.

If you have an accident

Call traffic police on 993 (or 911 in major cities) and the Najm insurance service; do not move the vehicles until documented, as a Najm/police report is mandatory and rental firms levy a ~SAR 150 admin fee plus fines if not reported within 24 hours via Absher.

Driving in the capital

Riyadh's wide, fast ring roads and frequent speed cameras (Saher system) catch tourists off guard, and lane discipline at major interchanges is loose; watch following distance.

Sources: finalrentals.com · houseofsaud.com · giraffy.com · houseofsaud.com

Common questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive from United Arab Emirates to Saudi Arabia?

Yes — Saudi Arabia commonly asks foreign drivers to carry an IDP with their national licence. Saudi Arabia recognises the 1949 Geneva Convention format, which is the format your certified IDP translation is prepared in.

Does the driving side change between United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia?

No. Both United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia drive on the right.

What is the emergency number and speed limit in Saudi Arabia?

In Saudi Arabia, dial 911 for emergencies; 112 also works from most GSM phones. The maximum for cars on the fastest road class is 140 km/h on signed highways, but posted limits in towns and on secondary roads are lower and always take precedence.

How do tolls and road charges work in Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Arabia is rolling out electronic RFID toll tags on some expressways, but most intercity roads remain free; a tourist generally pays no tolls, and any charge is handled through the rental's tag.

How quickly can I get an IDP for this trip?

International Driver Licence issues your digital IDP in as fast as 8 minutes, so you can have it ready before you set off.

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