Our 48 Hours Of Van Life In Saudi Arabia

In today's episode, we show you our three days in Al Ula, Saudi Arabia. This is being promoted as the main hotspot in Saudi as the country opens up to the outside world. Will it hold up to the pressure of tourism? Our thoughts may surprise you...
Thank you for watching!❤️
----------------------------------
- Instagram: oskaranddan
- Music: share.epidemicsound.com/nqD7H
----------------------------------
We are Oskar & Dan, two boys from Sweden who decided to change the course of our lives, drop out of university and live life full-time. We're planning to visit every country in the world before we're 30 with an initial goal of 100 before the end of 2022. By the time of posting this video, we're both 24 :)
Saudi Arabia was country #83/197🌍
Thank you for watching!🙏😍
0:00-0:10 Intro
0:11-1:30 Van arrival
1:31-1:57 How much did we pay?
1:58-4:00 Van tour
4:01-4:36 Breakfast
4:37-8:34 Desert X
8:35-9:04 The Maraya at night
9:05-10:59 Morning in the van
11:00-11:34 Thoughts on our fifth day in Saudi
11:35-14:44 Ancient city of Hegra
14:45-15:30 The Maraya in daylight
15:31-16:25 Elephant rock
16:26-16:44 Next time

[@rakantarabzouni3650]

Just a little explanation about why they don't allow you to stray from the tour. It's because unfortunately lots of people vandalized the historic sites and etched their names into ancient writing and buildings. THe government has gone to great length to restore and preserve the sites for future visitors. So they keep a close watch on the sites, it's not because you're a foreign tourist.

[@idk2116]

It's not that we have anything to hide when we are whispering it's just that we are so used to whispering cuz we try not to be disrespectful if u have anything to say trust me we don't care

[@theunknownguy265]

11:30 no, dont worry, usually people whisper because they are talking about something personal

[@kathleenbell48]

I lived in Saudi Arabia 24 years ago and it's interesting how much change has happened. Thanks for this

[@OskarandDan]

Must've changed a whole lot since then!

[@desertsmurf]

Most of the changes were in the last 5 years with the present King.

[@blueflame3531]

@@desertsmurf Isnt it the crown prince ?

[@desertsmurf]

@@blueflame3531 Yes, but under the present King. The changes are dramatic such as the female drivers and workplace interaction, F1, Formula E, Extreme E, Dakar Rally, Boxing, Rock and Techno concerts, Riyadh Season, National Day, Founding Day, Absher, Electronic contracts and payments for nearly all workers, Natasha anti-corruption etc etc. And these are what we can see, there are more changes planned. @kathleen Bell, come back and visit :)

[@Userjajaja]

@@desertsmurf وش دخل ابشر بالتغييرات ؟ خلك ساكت

[@OskarandDan]

Thank you so much for watching!❤️ Our trip was completely self-funded and had no involvement with any company or tourism agency😊

[@dimah1660]

In any tourist’s attractions that are archaeological in Europe, you are not allowed to walk and wander around out of track/path. Been there and we know it. So I don’t see why you are bothered about it in KSA!

[@dreamknightss]

Just relax and enjoy your stay and don’t stress yourself over nothing people there are friendly

[@desertsmurf]

AL’ULA was always open to visitors, you just need permission prior to getting there. We used to be able to drive around the site and stop wherever you wanted. But as the number of visitors is increasing this is no longer possible.

[@symph2000]

I'm an expat in Saudi Arabia for the last 20 years. I was able to visit Hegra (Madain Saleh) a few years back when it was still a desolate place and not much people visiting. No need for permits/letters, no tourist/entrance fees. You just needed to present your iqama (work permit ID) at the entrance and voila! You could go wherever you want and stay as long as you want, no time limit whatsoever! You could really see its amazing natural beauty - raw and unassuming!

[@6ouioui]

I've been living in this city since january for work purposes and I love seeing you guys discover the city and the region. As a foreigner you get the looks and whispers but this is apparently changing since a lot of French people are now working in Alula to develop tourism.

[@1oiu972]

Al-Ula is very beautiful, and the old town in Al-Ula is something fantastic

[@user-hn6rv4kl9j]

اقسم بالله فخر مو طبيعي وانا اشوف كيف بناتنا وعيالنا يشرفونا كذا اي هذا السعودي والله❤️❤️

[@vlog18rodas]

As always, another excellent travel video. Enjoying this tour of Saudi Arabia. Planning to travel to 🇸🇦 in September with my wife. Keep the fun and 🧳. Take care from your Brazilian friend, Marcos

[@nasserh2461]

De nada in Saudi Arabia. Make sure you book everything in advance (hotels, cars, tours...etc). We're happy to have a Brazilian friend

[@vlog18rodas]

@@nasserh2461 thank you for the advice

[@HSOON38]

Hope you will be sharing your trip to saudi with us on KZbin

[@TA-pb1su]

be careful as September usually is Hot weather

[@OskarandDan]

Obrigado Marcos!

[@n2165]

If I stay with you enough time Saudi Arabia Go to the south of Saudi Arabia because there is a beautiful climate in the summer time there are very high mountains I am sure you will enjoy going to the south🇸🇦

[@-7r-]

Yes please take him we dont want him in north

[@n2165]

@@-7r- We are here representing the homeland, I will not reply to you

[@saif2585]

@@-7r- وش تقصد انت

[@sultanovic7123]

@@-7r- نرحب بالكل مهما كان لا تحاول تشوه صورة بلدك 😒

[@-7r-]

@@sultanovic7123اول شي هذولا شواذ حبيبي ، خله يستقبلهم والشي الثاني بس اتحداه واتحدا اهله اذا يستقبل ناس غيرهم من جنسيات ثانيه.يحبون الحمران

[@theunknownguy265]

Welcome to Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦

[@FFTMAA]

Saudi Arabia is charming 🇸🇦❤️

[@MariaOliviaTravel]

Another awesome video 😁👌 we’ve been wanting to go to the Middle East for a while and now watching your Saudi Arabia series has inspired us even more! What a beautiful part of the world 😁

[@OskarandDan]

Thanks girls🙏

[@yosha_477]

Nice tour Thx guys. You show us interesting places in our country. Looking forward to seeing the next video.

[@certinho76]

Amazing. Thank you for documenting and showing everyone the beauty of Arabia...Saudi Arabia! It's so amazing. I hope to visit one day soon.

[@al8lb]

If you want to come to Saudi Arabia, contact me, I will become your tour guide😂👍🏼

[@ajbernardino7462]

Been watching your content and i find it quite interesting so i subscribed right away i am living in Saudi Arabia for almost 6 years and i am still amazed by how the country ruling its people such a wonderful place and by the way your vids so entertaining keep it up 👍🏻

[@lujain6442]

You should visit Jeddah! It’s a beautiful main city on the Red Sea side

[@natalieohlsson7777]

Never would’ve imagined Saudi Arabia the way you have shown it. Thank you!!

[@delightfulmuffin9765]

Welcome to Saudi! I hope you guys enjoyed your stay! The stars at night there is something ELSE 😍

[@fahad2984]

I advise you to go to the south of the kingdom, the cities of Abha and Jazan, and see the towering mountains You will fall in love with her ❤️

[@faresali4567]

@بروووء 😂

[@josepinard30]

thank you for sharing these moments with us.

[@Salem-F]

We are very pleased with your visit and I wish you a happy vacation.

[@kabamaro0081]

Hey guys, Take it easy on your selvse, we're not that restricted🤣 have fun and be comfertable. Even the traditional old schoolers not that restricted !

[@blackieblong8334]

Your country’s human rights record would beg to differ.

[@blackieblong8334]

Especially when it comes to 🏳️‍🌈 🏳️‍⚧️ people.

[@TheBelmont1985]

@@blackieblong8334 this is our country and this our way of life , if u want people to respect your way of life , respect theirs first. Don’t be such a karen and live like a victimized loser.

[@somekind3020]

@@blackieblong8334 We mean the people not the intelligence!

[@Abu_Nasser_Al-Ghamdi]

وش سالفه مقيدون وما مقيدون وش قال هو ؟

[@masoodhussain2005]

Lots of love for brother. Oskar and Dan.

[@baptc2251]

Omg so many references to Kara and Nate! And we love it ! 👌

[@petermcclung9730]

Great Kara impression! I started watching them back when they just had a few thousand subscribers. Fun to watch their and your adventures

[@OskarandDan]

So did we!😄

[@irmakalember9403]

Hello guyz. Wow yeah more Saudi Arabia content. Great. I always wait patiently. for ur new videos. 😂🤣😂👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@nuhaalmadi551]

your welcome💚 cant wait for your next video!

[@amannubat9181]

Such a great video, thanks I hope you guys visit Jeddah will be a good experience 💗

[@iandingle3640]

A very interesting video, cool to see some of the Saudi Araubi sites! AirStream trailers were big in the camping scene in North America, to see them in the Mid-East was different!

[@OskarandDan]

We bet!😂 We unfortunately know close to nothing about these things...🤫

[@shashiprabath7824]

I love this episode ❤️

[@AbdulazizAsiry]

I am from saudi arabia , I lived and studied my medical school there and for the last 10 years i have been studying plastic surgery in france , interesting to see the changes of saudi arabai , definitely we have long way to go , happy to see the good changes and hopefully I wish for a better future

[@hamadico]

Talking about the Nabateans, they are the ones that gave us the Arabic Alphabet, the language was existing before and written in many different alphabets around the region. but then the Nabatean alphabet became the standard.

[@Ifnona]

Beautiful landscapes

[@user-lk2uz3yz6b]

An interesting and beautiful video. I wish you a happy stay in Saudi Arabia

[@Abu_Nasser_Al-Ghamdi]

ايوه ياشيخه كذا الوحده ترد بكل ادب واحترام ماهب بعض البنات للاسف تعليقاتهن كلها بوسات وقلوب وغزل كنهن اول مره يشوفن رجال

[@faresali4567]

@@Abu_Nasser_Al-Ghamdi 😂😂ليه زعلان

[@NewJerseyScratchKing]

Awesome recap of the next chapter ! Those van hotels interesting but such an amazing landscape along with those trippy mirrors! 👌

[@OskarandDan]

The landscape is amazing🙌

[@Dodilafir]

Lovely video first time saw these sort of adventures

[@blossomct]

That's a RV it's a Airstream the best of the best!! They are big in America and started up in the 20's !! How lucky are ya'll and awesome trip!! Yeah I saw Kara&Nate stayed in one

[@OskarandDan]

It was pricy but pretty awesome!

[@peacemessage3074]

Welcome to Saudi Arabia brothers

[@jameelparveen4886]

Watching this tempts me to visit saudi arabia....it looks so beautiful than i expected.... 😊✨

[@user-zs6to3tt9o]

Welcom to Saudi Arabia

[@kyliejo]

Awesome video! Looking forward to the next one 😉

[@OskarandDan]

We BET😉👋

[@jenmar9428]

Wow.. You spoke about not being yourself. In your first Saudia video, I commented about that. Look. I was on edge for you guys. Please stay safe. I do have to say that Saudia is gorgeous. I do see my husband and I going there.

[@OskarandDan]

Been doing some balancing work in these videos for sure😅 Thank you for caring🙏❤️

[@gladgame6966]

You are so welcome 🙏🇸🇦

[@ninettemurk7492]

Wow, that art exhibit is major, perfect interplay with nature. Question for Oskar: wouldn't a mouth mask help against the sand (at least a bit)?

[@user-mi7vo6mz1n]

I hope they'll build more hotels there because the accommodation is really the issue even for local tourists. I myself want to visit the city but I am putting off so far because of the accommodation reason. History always fascinates me and I am sure most of the tourists. I think they are restrictive because it is a fairly new site and it is untouched and they don't want tourists to spoil it.

[@nourhshalawi4113]

12:30, well they change the name arabic coffee to saudi coffee about one month ago so its ok to call it arabic coffee but they were telling you it has changed… its not right or wrong we are not restricted people but we are chatty and we like to share

[@cigfucu5844]

12:27 yup it’s SAUDI coffee ☕️🇸🇦❤️😊

[@justtesting727]

Thank you for your honest opinion

[@newyorkeranew]

Another eye on the world video. I hope to get there but, in case we don’t, it’s great to get your views and insights. Too bad about the van oder. Must be a plumbing problem! Hegera was incredible!

[@dissatravelvlogs3885]

Wow beautiful video and best travel destination .

[@return8873]

visit the south of saudi its one of the most beautiful places in saudi arabia, beach wise would recommend umluj. hope you enjoy your stay

[@singaporenoodles7189]

Awesome I wanna go camping there 🤠😉

[@_pyg]

I'm from Saudi Arabia and I love you ❤🇸🇦

[@halahalahala2015]

Saudi women are strong women, that's why they are articulate

[@somekind3020]

True!

[@johnmones1450]

This was a very interesting vlog. You showed us some truly unique ancient sites and the art instillation in the middle of nowhere was really stimulating. I’m especially glad you shared some of the practical aspects of your visit like the smell of sewage from ill-plumbed toilets in the trailers. I guess the idea of having trailers in the desert was a novel idea but It appears they didn’t think of how to mange the waste. In the US they would have been hooked up to septic tanks like they have at RV / trailer parks in the US. Also I can understand your frustration with being guarded as to what you say. Sort of like being in Mainland China or Russia. An all around great vlog. Stay well. 👍🙏😎

[@alialghamdi3049]

Movement restrictions on site could be due to reserving this archaeological place. It's like being in a jewellery museum.

[@billhanson7944]

Those are not vans. They are Airstream trailers which use aviation style aluminum. They have been popular here in US for many years. They are lighter than conventional trailers and are towed by car or a pic up. Now old ones are much sought after. Yours must have recently shipped there from US.Their interiors are similar and they come in many sizes. In Europe they are called caravans, here trailers.

[@iLavender1990]

I understand that you are telling your experience, but you always need to proply plan your visits. For example, Maraya has a series of scheduled events throught the year, but you apparently came in a time of a break.

[@hrc1402]

welcome to Saudi Arabia

[@savagemario5905]

Awesome.

[@remas4798]

Welcome 🇸🇦

[@ebtihajsaad4897]

I don’t get why u feel restricted. Saudi are the chilliest most funniest people u could ever meet. So just loosen up and enjoy ur stay to the fullest 🤩

[@mr_farfoah93]

As saudi I am first of all we happy to have you and you are always welcome 🙏 The issue I always see when western people traveling try to find negative things skip small thing to make your trip better don’t get me wrong I really like your videos and all the positive you have said about Saudi and I am glad you come 🙏🇸🇦

[@ladyfitness67]

Hello 👋🏽 My cousin has lived in Saudi Arabia for 30 years and she loves it. I am planning my 1st trip in October 22 and I can not wait.

[@SSfavs]

As a Saudi as well, they weren’t being rude, just pointing out what they saw and experienced. I think their criticism is actually very helpful as it’ll help us improve and get better, till we’re at the top inshallah.

[@Sky-najd]

@@ladyfitness67 اهلا و سهلا

[@y019_9]

So the animal in 13:30 this is what poor Arab used to eat in the past, because they can't afford to eat sheeps or camels, i advise anyone who visit Saudi Arabia to look for ( fagga'a or desert truffles ) it's a vegetable that can't be grown, but it comes with rain, you can find it in a cold desert, it taste like a mixture between potatoes and mushrooms, it's very expensive.

[@ayeshagull4966]

Absolutely beautiful

[@saidkaleem5940]

Hi Guys, you’re luckier than me. I have been here in Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 for almost 7 years but didn’t get chance to see that beautiful area 😀.. enjoy your life

[@niferpitou7714]

As a native I haven't even travelled outside the city I'm living in 😹😹

[@saidkaleem5940]

@@niferpitou7714 I am same as you 😃😃.. I don't go outside of city that much.. but love nature

[@-dr.felemban]

Hi. Where you went in Al Ula was open before for Saudis , it was fenced to be protected from treasure hunters and vandalism , but I heard it was relatively easy to speak to the guards and they will allow you to go in once they are convinced that your intention is to visit only, it was not open for tourism before. It changes every time to a better thing, let’s wait and see what they will do next in Al Ula

[@knightara]

Yeah it was always easy to go there. I’ve been there many times before in my own car or with my family in their cars. I remember seeing many skulls there and we used to go there watch and go back before sunset. I believe it was closed completely in 2017 or 18 for two years to allow for archeologists to do research and excavation there.

[@jacobharrison2945]

Oskar trying that breakfast should be it’s own video in and of itself

[@OskarandDan]

😂

[@michaelbondi9869]

I have watched this twice. You guys are the best! One thing, Dan, you are half American. We call these trailers, not vans. Airstream is an iconic manufacturer, since the 1950s. Great job, as usual.

[@davidgross9321]

Great video -- what a bizarre place. Great find. First time I've seen it on You Tube. You beat Kara and Nate-- CONGRATS!

[@OskarandDan]

We are nowhere near Kara and Nate, but thank you so much David😉🙏❤️

[@desertsmurf]

If you found AL’ULA interesting, have a look for YANNI at TANTORA. He has done a number of concerts from there.

[@towninn]

Check out The English Patient it takes place in this area. The movie was made in 1996 before you were born? It won many awards.

[@Abeer-hc8nz]

حبيت ان اغلبهم بهويتنا الحقيقية بالعبايات! ما جابوا اجانب او من الحضر اللي ماشين هالثقافة الغربية..

[@user-ok4ri8sq4h]

Welcome to Saudi Arabia🤍🤍.

[@SlabCityNews]

I'm so jealous 🥺

[@MjA_]

I highly recommand u guys to try the Zaatar pies or Manaeesh its vegan and its really delicious

[@saraahmed-tu2rf]

you neeeeeeeeed to come to jeddah if you are in saudi arabia its the las vegas of saudi arabia lol you must visit oia and indigo they are amazing beach places for relaxing also oia has fancy restaurants

[@rawaaan2275]

Wow 😍😍😍😍😍 i love SA

[@SariAlShammari]

For those who are not familiar with this camper, it's called a an Airstream, and it is +100k$ a pop.

[@Anass.z]

Welcome to our honorable guests. I wish I could communicate with you in order to honor you in the manner of the people of the south in the Saudi region always and forever. You are welcome anytime and anywhere. I wished you had visited the southern region in Saudi Arabia and met me to try southern foods and the generosity of the people of the south, but God willing, you will come back to us again to meet We show you the southern Saudi generosity, and thank you in advance for this content that attracts tourists in your second country, Saudi Arabia. Welcome ❤️❤️ I am a new subscriber

[@khalilk6538]

Amazing

[@carolehirsch7315]

10:47 “the Kara of this duo” 🤣🤣🤣💀 Her food reactions are famously emotive and overwhelmingly positive. Love your input on middle eastern vegan food! It is disappointing that you’re not able to be yourselves in the country you’re visiting. Love is love and should never be exploited for hatred.

[@amyisaacs9862]

I lived in Saudi Arabia for 6 months and Qatar for 3 years. You should see Atif mountains the monkeys are so cute and you get to eat cactus fruit and get authentic rose water

[@howardshepherdson2925]

Envy ! Careful, considerate travelogue and totally fascinating. So much potential in Saudi Arabia if only other things could fall into place. Loved the art exhibition in the desert. For a real glimpse of trailer life catch up with early epjsodes in the Tyler and Todd blog on KZbin. Can't wait for your next episode.

[@OskarandDan]

Thanks Howard🙏✨

[@jomontanee]

I want that van like RIGHT NOW! 😍🤣

[@CurvedGD]

I just read your channel description (big fan of Dan and his reviews btw) and I saw your visiting every country in the world. How are you going to visit North Korea?! That’s going to be a challenge, but I will be watching on :)

[@OskarandDan]

We'll do our best with every country😊

[@irafinn1213]

Fantastic! How do you even find these places…

[@kevinhsu8184]

Interesting. Was looking at Habitas AlUla tents... But maybe I'll wait for Aman to open their place next year or even Bayan Tree later this year. Looks like two or three days is more than enough at this place? Look forward to your next episode.

[@OskarandDan]

Three days is perfect!

[@BigWoodzCBCL]

That is a sweet van yo!!!

[@margaritasun7908]

Wow arts exhibition!

[@BigWoodzCBCL]

Oh Mann this is nice!!! I will be working in the area of NEOM where u went on your nabataean kingdom tour. They are building a nice City there. The Line.

[@ethanhendricks32]

I love you guys from South africa, I wish your videos would be an hour long you guys bring so much life to me❤️

[@OskarandDan]

Aaw that is SO sweet Ethan🥺💕

[@imaboud]

14:00 it was not closed for Saudis, but pretty much no services at all before 2020

[@farismufti]

Also you should’ve went to Shaden resort or Habitas resort in AlUla, they’re proper proper resorts

[@OskarandDan]

These Caravans are by Habitas :) The actual Habitas is double the price.

[@muda0051]

Yoo come to the west side of saudi! The timing may be a problem or blessing for u guys tho since it's ramadan and most things happen after sunset. Hope u guys enjoy ur time and keep up the criticism! We need to improve on what we can💪🏻

[@OskarandDan]

Thank you for being understanding🙏❤️

[@semk1292]

I wished you go to jeddah ,, its the second main city in saudi arabia after riyadh

[@ashwagjan4532]

You should come to jeddah city and take tour around jeddah water front and the yakht marina

[@Kantwait4it]

Great videography guys, this was amazing. You made us feel like we were there with you. Too bad the world is not open enough to accept everyone as they are. Hopefully this is changing. I guess you guys also could not tell any locals about your channel right? For additional fear that they may have a look and figure it out, or did you not have to hide that? Once again, great video!

[@OskarandDan]

Thanks Daniel🙏❤️ You're right, we didn't tell people about it. Most people would likely "ignore" it if they found out, but you never know who you're gonna run into, sadly!

[@desertsmurf]

These days in the big cities nobody will care, there is an active gay scene, it’s just discrete.

[@Apocalypse87]

@@OskarandDan I'm from Saudi Arabia & I would like to thank you for saying " Most" not " all". Your videos became a trend here in Saudi, someone put a link on Twitter to your Hasan's vid. someone commented there that " If you knew their sexual orientation you won't talk about their video" He got a lot of replies such as -" who cares what they believe in" -" No one cares about their lifestyle" -" they are Saudi Arabia's guests no matter what they are" -" their choice is theirs, they don't force it on us and we don't force them to change & practice our own values, respect is mutual and they are our guests" So people responses are not the same, not to mention laws here are strict & no one can do anything to you otherwise they would go to jail. I have 2 british gay friends & they tell me that they still got harrased sometime in their country, so I don't pretend like the situation in the middle east will be better, in fact in the middle east it's not good at all. Thanks again for sharing this experince, wish you luck in all your travels.

[@talalalt]

Saudis come from different walks of life. Myself and many other Saudis know and we love you guys and accept you. You are just awesome ❤️

[@FatimaHAnime1]

@@Apocalypse87 مالو داعي شاد حيلك تبرر المهم أجو وراحو وهم محترمين انفسهم هذا المهم ..