Dakar-inspired Saudi Desert Expedition
Saudi Arabia
In short: Dakar-inspired Saudi Desert Expedition is a about 2,100 km desert road trip in Saudi Arabia, typically driven over 7 days, best in Oct–Mar. Highlights: Jeddah, Ha’il, Jubbah.
A Dakar-inspired public-road and licensed-guided expedition from Jeddah through Ha’il and Jubbah to AlUla, a guided Harrat lava-field sector, Buraydah and Riyadh. It captures Saudi rally landscapes without claiming to reproduce the race.
Make this route yours
Set your dates, pace, and taste, and RoadAtlas AI rebuilds this trip day by day with real, verified places.
Included with Traveler and Explorer plans.
Plan this trip
Third-party planning links may be affiliate links. RoadAtlas stays independent, and you should verify details with the provider.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1Jeddah
Al-Balad walk · Expedition briefing · Al Baik – Jeddah
Day 2Jeddah → Ha’il (about 700 km; 7–8 hr plus stops)
Northbound highway transfer · Ha’il old quarter · Brag Restaurant – Ha’il
Day 3Ha’il → Jubbah → Ha’il (about 210 km; half-day excursion)
Jubbah rock art · A’arif Fort viewpoint · Al Adham Cafe – Ha’il
Day 4Ha’il → AlUla (about 430 km; 5 hr plus stops)
Morning transfer to AlUla · Hegra timed tour · Suhail – AlUla
Day 5Licensed Harrat Khaybar sector and operator camp
Permitted lava-field expedition · Camp safety check · Operator-provided expedition meals
Day 6Operator camp → Buraydah (long transfer; exact distance depends on permitted exit)
Guided exit to pavement · Buraydah recovery evening · Twilight – Buraydah
Day 7Buraydah → Riyadh (about 330 km; 3.5–4 hr)
Qassim-to-Riyadh transfer · National Museum or Diriyah · Najd Village – Riyadh
Stops along the route
Things to Do
Show 1 more
Where to Eat
Nearby and similar drives
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Dakar-inspired Saudi Desert Expedition drive?
The Dakar-inspired Saudi Desert Expedition covers about 2,100 km from start to finish.
How long does the Dakar-inspired Saudi Desert Expedition take to drive?
Most travellers spend 7 days on the Dakar-inspired Saudi Desert Expedition, depending on stops and pace.
When is the best time to drive the Dakar-inspired Saudi Desert Expedition?
The recommended season for the Dakar-inspired Saudi Desert Expedition is Oct–Mar.
Where does the Dakar-inspired Saudi Desert Expedition start and end?
The Dakar-inspired Saudi Desert Expedition runs from Jeddah to Riyadh.
What are the main stops on the Dakar-inspired Saudi Desert Expedition?
The Dakar-inspired Saudi Desert Expedition passes through Jeddah, Ha’il, Jubbah.
How difficult is the Dakar-inspired Saudi Desert Expedition to drive?
The Dakar-inspired Saudi Desert Expedition is rated extreme and is best handled with 4wd only.
Do I need a 4WD for the Dakar-inspired Saudi Desert Expedition?
Yes — the Dakar-inspired Saudi Desert Expedition includes off-road or rough sections that require 4wd only.
Do I need a permit or border paperwork for the Dakar-inspired Saudi Desert Expedition?
Yes — the Dakar-inspired Saudi Desert Expedition requires permits, fees, or border paperwork. Plan ahead: As of July 13, 2026, the U.S. State Department advises reconsidering travel to Saudi Arabia (Level 3; advisory issued March 13, 2026), with Level 4 areas near the Yemen border. This itinerary is not an official Dakar course: competition stages change annually and often cross closed land, so check the official Dakar site for the current edition separately. Use a licensed local desert operator for every lava-field or dune sector, obtain required land-access permissions, and carry satellite communication, recovery gear, fuel and water.
How many fuel stops are needed on the Dakar-inspired Saudi Desert Expedition?
Plan around 3 refuels (or about 7 EV charges) along the Dakar-inspired Saudi Desert Expedition, based on its about 2,100 km length.
Is the Dakar-inspired Saudi Desert Expedition safe to drive?
As of July 13, 2026, the U.S. State Department advises reconsidering travel to Saudi Arabia (Level 3; advisory issued March 13, 2026), with Level 4 areas near the Yemen border. This itinerary is not an official Dakar course: competition stages change annually and often cross closed land, so check the official Dakar site for the current edition separately. Use a licensed local desert operator for every lava-field or dune sector, obtain required land-access permissions, and carry satellite communication, recovery gear, fuel and water.
What scenic tier is the Dakar-inspired Saudi Desert Expedition?
The Dakar-inspired Saudi Desert Expedition is a iconic drive — Iconic road trips that anchor a region's reputation — postcard scenery, headline highways, and the routes most travellers want to drive.