It’s the best time for UAE residents to visit Saudi as the Kingdom opens its borders to foreign tourists
Looking for something new to spice up your travel game? Here’s a bus adventure that promises an epic journey across stunning scenery and a very affordable price.
Abu Dhabi residents can book a bus ride from the UAE capital to Dammam or Riyadh in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for as low as AED 220 one way or AED 325 for a two-way ticket. And it’s the best time to book a trip to Saudi as the Kingdom is opening up its borders to foreign tourists and offering exciting deals to many ancient heritage sites and cultural destinations that were previously off limits to outsiders.
In a widely applauded move earlier this year, the Saudi government has even approved a new law that allows citizens to operate Airbnb-style property rentals, creating even more travel options for travellers across all budgets.
UAE residents travelling from the capital can book a bus trip from Saudi Arabia Public Transportation Company (SAPTCO) website (saptco.com.sa/TripReservation/Search.aspx). The bus leaves from Al Nahhat Street in Al Shahama, Abu Dhabi.
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A one-way trip to Dammam costs AED 220, and AED 325 for a two-way trip. Dammam is gaining popularity among tourists as it offers many historical and cultural destinations.
For those who prefer to visit Riyadh, the Kingdom’s capital and largest city, a one-way bus trip costs AED 250 and AED 380 for a return ticket. As part of efforts to promote tourism in the country, Riyadh has played host to many new attractions and events, including sports, musical and entertainment, giving travellers plenty of leisure options during their stay.
Travel time to both destinations lasts about 12 hours. Each passenger is allowed to carry luggage up to 50kg. Excess baggage will be charged AED 3 per kilogram. Travellers from the UAE may also catch a ride from Dubai at Bin Rasheed Building, Al Khaleej Road, Frij Al Murar, and from Sharjah behind King Faisal Mosque.
UAE residents travelling to the Kingdom will need to present their Emirates ID, passport, valid residence permit and eVisa. Tourists will need to bring along a Saudi visit visa, a UAE visit visa and passport.
Travel options between Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arabia have expanded following the Kingdom’s move to open up the country to foreign tourists. Etihad Airways earlier announced that it is adding 10 new flights from the UAE capital to different cities in the Kingdom, increasing its total flights between the two countries from 54 to 64 per week.
Ultra-low airline Wizz Air also recently opened a new route to the Holy city of Madinah, with flights operating on a daily basis.
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