RoadAtlas
Dakar Rally Territory — Saudi Arabia — Desert
Middle East

Dakar Rally Territory

Saudi Arabia

In short: Dakar Rally Territory is a 2000 km desert road trip in Saudi Arabia, typically driven over 7–10 days, best in Oct–Mar. Highlights: Jeddah, Ha'il, Al-Ula.

Distance
2000 km
Duration
7–10 days
Best Season
Oct–Mar
IconicExtreme4WD onlyDesertOff-road sectionsPermit requiredGuide recommended

Follow the world's most demanding rally through the Empty Quarter's boundless ergs, the Hejaz lava fields, and the ancient Nabataean trade routes to Al-Ula, Saudi Arabia at its most elemental and most extreme.

~3 refuels
~7 charges
Practical notes
Saudi Arabia requires tourist visas and some areas near Al-Ula or military zones require advance permits. Navigation across open ergs and lava fields demands experienced desert driving with recovery gear, satellite communication, and ample fuel and water reserves. A knowledgeable local guide is essential for route-finding and safety.
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Stops along the route

Jeddah — Departure — Dakar Rally Territory — Saudi Arabia
Departure
Jeddah
Dakar's ceremonial start on the Red Sea corniche. The UNESCO district of Al-Balad is a labyrinth of coral-built merchant houses.
Hotels
Ha'il — City — Dakar Rally Territory — Saudi Arabia
City
Ha'il
An oasis city ringed by Nefud desert dunes. The Dakar bivouac here becomes a city of tents and mechanics in the rally's opening days.
Hotels
Riyadh — Arrival — Dakar Rally Territory — Saudi Arabia
Arrival
Riyadh
The desert capital and Dakar finish line. The Tuwaiq escarpment on the city's outskirts is a 100 km sandstone cliff above the Najd plateau.
Hotels

Things to Do

Al-Ula — Landmark — Dakar Rally Territory — Saudi Arabia
Landmark
Al-Ula
Hegra holds 100 Nabataean tombs carved into rust-red sandstone. Saudi Arabia's Petra is one of the most spectacular ancient sites on Earth.
Hejaz Lava Fields — Landmark — Dakar Rally Territory — Saudi Arabia
Landmark
Hejaz Lava Fields
A vast hardened lava plateau north of Medina, jet-black basalt stretching to the horizon. One of the most otherworldly landscapes in Arabia.
Empty Quarter Fringe — Nature — Dakar Rally Territory — Saudi Arabia
Nature
Empty Quarter Fringe
The world's largest continuous sand desert at 650,000 sq km. The Dakar crosses its northeastern fringes where dunes tower over 200m.
Al-Balad Historic District — Historic Site — Dakar Rally Territory — Saudi Arabia
Historic Site
Al-Balad Historic District
Explore Jeddah's old town with its traditional architecture and bustling souks.
King Fahd's Fountain — Landmark — Dakar Rally Territory — Saudi Arabia
Landmark
King Fahd's Fountain
Witness the world's tallest fountain, shooting water up to 312 meters into the air.
Al Ula Old Town — Historic Site — Dakar Rally Territory — Saudi Arabia
Historic Site
Al Ula Old Town
Wander through ancient mud-brick houses and learn about the town's rich history.
Elephant Rock — Natural Feature — Dakar Rally Territory — Saudi Arabia
Natural Feature
Elephant Rock
Marvel at this natural sandstone formation resembling an elephant, especially stunning at sunset.
Edge of the World — Scenic Viewpoint — Dakar Rally Territory — Saudi Arabia
Scenic Viewpoint
Edge of the World
Experience breathtaking views from towering cliffs overlooking the vast desert.
National Museum of Saudi Arabia — Museum — Dakar Rally Territory — Saudi Arabia
Museum
National Museum of Saudi Arabia
Discover the rich history and culture of Saudi Arabia through extensive exhibits.
Masmak Fortress — Historic Site — Dakar Rally Territory — Saudi Arabia
Historic Site
Masmak Fortress
Visit the historic fortress that played a pivotal role in the formation of modern Saudi Arabia.

Where to Eat

Al Baik — Fast Food — Dakar Rally Territory — Saudi Arabia
Fast Food
Al Baik
Famous for its crispy fried chicken and signature garlic sauce, a favorite among locals and travelers alike.
Al Romansiah — Traditional Saudi — Dakar Rally Territory — Saudi Arabia
Traditional Saudi
Al Romansiah
Offers authentic Saudi dishes like Kabsa and Mandi in a traditional setting.
Najd Village — Traditional Saudi — Dakar Rally Territory — Saudi Arabia
Traditional Saudi
Najd Village
Serves traditional Najdi cuisine in a setting that reflects the region's heritage.
Al Orjouan — International Buffet — Dakar Rally Territory — Saudi Arabia
International Buffet
Al Orjouan
Offers an extensive international buffet with a variety of cuisines in a luxurious setting.
Al Nakheel — Middle Eastern — Dakar Rally Territory — Saudi Arabia
Middle Eastern
Al Nakheel
Known for its Lebanese and Middle Eastern dishes, offering a rich dining experience.
Toki — Asian Fusion — Dakar Rally Territory — Saudi Arabia
Asian Fusion
Toki
Offers a blend of Chinese and Japanese cuisine in an elegant atmosphere.
The Globe — European Fine Dining — Dakar Rally Territory — Saudi Arabia
European Fine Dining
The Globe
Located in a glass sphere atop Al Faisaliah Tower, offering panoramic city views and gourmet dishes.

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Frequently asked questions

How long is the Dakar Rally Territory drive?

The Dakar Rally Territory covers 2000 km from start to finish.

How long does the Dakar Rally Territory take to drive?

Most travellers spend 7–10 days on the Dakar Rally Territory, depending on stops and pace.

When is the best time to drive the Dakar Rally Territory?

The recommended season for the Dakar Rally Territory is Oct–Mar.

Where does the Dakar Rally Territory start and end?

The Dakar Rally Territory runs from Jeddah to Riyadh.

What are the main stops on the Dakar Rally Territory?

The Dakar Rally Territory passes through Jeddah, Ha'il, Al-Ula.

How difficult is the Dakar Rally Territory to drive?

The Dakar Rally Territory is rated extreme and is best handled with 4wd only.

Do I need a 4WD for the Dakar Rally Territory?

Yes — the Dakar Rally Territory includes off-road or rough sections that require 4wd only.

Do I need a permit or border paperwork for the Dakar Rally Territory?

Yes — the Dakar Rally Territory requires permits, fees, or border paperwork. Plan ahead: Saudi Arabia requires tourist visas and some areas near Al-Ula or military zones require advance permits. Navigation across open ergs and lava fields demands experienced desert driving with recovery gear, satellite communication, and ample fuel and water reserves. A knowledgeable local guide is essential for route-finding and safety.

How many fuel stops are needed on the Dakar Rally Territory?

Plan around 3 refuels (or about 7 EV charges) along the Dakar Rally Territory, based on its 2000 km length.

Is the Dakar Rally Territory safe to drive?

Saudi Arabia requires tourist visas and some areas near Al-Ula or military zones require advance permits. Navigation across open ergs and lava fields demands experienced desert driving with recovery gear, satellite communication, and ample fuel and water reserves. A knowledgeable local guide is essential for route-finding and safety.

What scenic tier is the Dakar Rally Territory?

The Dakar Rally Territory 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.