Road trip: Qatar to UAE and Oman (Nov 2011)

Over Eid al Adhar we did a little drive...from Qatar to Dubai in the UAE then from Dubai to Oman and back to Qatar; 2,500kms. The first day had a 4:30am start as we had a 9 hour drive from Doha to Dubai transiting through Saudi. After a few days in Dubai we drove down to Muscat in Oman. A couple of days in Oman then back to Dubai (5 hours each way including time at the border). A few more days in Dubai then a 3 hour trip to Jebel Dhana in Abu Dhabi. The final day involved a 1 hour drive to the Saudi border from Jebel Dhana, the transit through Saudi which takes about 1.5 hours then over the Qatar border and back to Doha.

[@TheQatarKiwi]

The time to cross the border can vary every time. Allow about 30 minutes to exit UAE then anything from 1-2 hours enter Saudi. You'll have your photo and fingerprints taken and possibly a customs inspection. Its then about 1.5 hours to drive from the Saudi border to the Qatar border at Abu Samra, maybe 20-30 minutes to exit Saudi then about 45 minutes to enter Qatar. Remember to get your transit visa for Saudi beforehand as you can't get it at the border.

[@TheQatarKiwi]

The transit road through Saudi is not in good condition, but the trip lasts only 1.5 hours so it is manageable. The road surface is poorly maintained in places, be aware that there are many large trucks being driven at speed and often with little thought for other road users. Stick to the speed limit and you'll be fine.

[@TheQatarKiwi]

There's 1001 rumours about that. It goes for miles and you'll see the same type of fence along the border with Oman.

[@TheQatarKiwi]

No need for niqab (face veil) only abaya and sheyla (overdress and headscarf) are required in Saudi. The transit time through Saudi is only 1.5 hours max. Sure, its a pain as a female not being able for drive for such a short period of time but the actual border crossing and transit are no big deal and I don't understand why people get so wound up about it (not saying that you are, but some people sure do!)

[@TheQatarKiwi]

The road in Saudi is not in good condition as it is used constantly by the never ending line of heavy goods vehicles. You can probably stick to 100kph for most of way. I would recommend travelling during the day.

[@NAG3]

how long did it take you to cross the uae saudi border and the saudi qatari border

[@TheQatarKiwi]

This is a reply to an email I received whose sender does not wish to be named: As long as you have your transit visa in place prior to entering Saudi there should be no problems. You have up to 60 days from the date of issue of the visa to complete your entry and exit. You don't say where you're currently located and if you're here in the region you probably already know that you must own the vehicle outright. The UAE is hot on vehicle with outstanding loans and you'll need a specific letter of approval from the lender and even then it may be rejected. Also no hire cars are permitted to transit through Saudi. There are always exceptions to every rule so this is a general reality. Best wishes and safe travels.

[@AskKalbiMehtap]

Ya amar's remember niqub up when entering Saudi of face deportation :|