What are the most spectacular roads on the Arabian Peninsula?
Embark on a driving odyssey across the vast expanse of the Arabian Peninsula, where ancient sands whisper tales of bygone eras, and modern highways tell stories of architectural marvels. This stretch of Western Asia, cradled between Africa and the Arabian Plate, offers not just roads but routes to the soul of an old yet ever-evolving region.
One can't talk of driving in the Peninsula without mentioning the Jabal Hafeet Mountain Road. An asphalt ribbon draped over rugged peaks, it's not just one of the Arabian Peninsula's treasures, but is globally recognized as a driving paradise. Meanwhile, the Highway Empty Quarter stands as a testament to human audacity, snaking through shifting sands, challenging and rewarding all in the same breath.
However, not all tales of these roads are of scenic beauty or engineering prowess. The Highway 80, notoriously known as the "Highway of Death" during the Persian Gulf War, serves as a somber reminder of the region's tumultuous history.
From the coastal embrace of the Muscat-Sur Highway in Oman to the arid vastness of Saudi Arabia's deserts, the Arabian Peninsula's highways bridge the gap between the past's whispers and the future's beckon. So, fasten your seatbelt, rev up the engine, and get ready to traverse through landscapes that are as rich in beauty as they are in tales of valor, ambition, and endurance.
Jebel Hafeet Mountain Road is a cool drive in the desert
Located on the outskirts of Al Ain, in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Jebel Hafeet Mountain Road is one of the greatest driving roads in the world, featuring more than 60 turns.
The Wild Road to Jebel al-Harim in Oman
Jebel al-Harim (Mountain of Women) is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2,056m (6,745ft) above sea level, located on the Musandam Peninsula in Oman.
Jebel Al Mebrah is an absolute must for road lovers
Jebel Al Mebrah is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 1,527m (5,010ft) above sea level, located in the United Arab Emirates.
Highway 85 is one of the longest straight roads in the world
Following the heart of Saudi Arabia, Highway 85 is one of the longest straight roads in the world, with 822 km (510 miles) of straightness close to the border with Jordan.
Highway 1 of Iraq was the world's scariest highway
Highway 1 was dubbed as the world's scariest highway. On the expressway between Jordan and Baghdad, drivers had to brave for a lot of years ISIS fighters and air strikes, to bring supplies to Iraq. It might be the most hairy truck route in the world. The number of trucks crossing into Iraq from Jordan has plummeted from 2000 to 30 on some days.
Highway Empty Quarter is the road through moving sands
Opened in 2015, the Saudi Arabia-Oman highway, known as Highway Empty Quarter, directly connects both countries through the Rub’ al Khali desert, also known as The Empty Quarter, the largest and most barren sand desert in the world. The road has been called an engineering marvel as it was built through the moving sands of the vast Empty Quarter.
Driving the defiant Al Baha's 25 Tunnels of Saudi Arabia
Al Baha's 25 Tunnels is a sharply winding zig-zag road located in the southwestern part of Saudi Arabia. This tourist drive consists of 25 tunnels at different lengths and elevations.
Highway 80, the "Highway of Death" during the Persian Gulf War
A paved highway running from Kuwait to Basra in Iraq was dubbed the "Highway of Death" during the Persian Gulf War after U.S. aircraft bombed a retreating column of Iraqi tanks and trucks, destroying 2,700 vehicles in all.
Al Hada Road is one of the most beautiful drives of Saudi Arabia
Located in the Mecca Province of Saudi Arabia, Al Hada Road is one of the most spectacular drives in the country, with 93 bends.
Driving the hairpinned N6 Road to Aqabat Thirah in Yemen
Aqabat Thirah is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.283m (7,490ft) above the sea level located on the boundary of Al Bayda’ and Abyan Governorates, in Yemen.
Jabal Al Jais Road: Navigating the Pinnacle of UAE's Majestic Heights
Jabal Al Jais, the towering pinnacle of the UAE, isn't just renowned for its staggering height. The road leading to its summit, weaving through the Al Hajar Mountains, stands as an engineering marvel and a dream drive for enthusiasts. This detailed guide unveils the thrilling journey up the Jebel Jais Mountain Road, where every twist and turn reveals unparalleled scenic beauty and adrenaline-pumping challenges.
A Guide to Driving to Mount Nebo: Jordan's Historic Christian Holy Site
Mount Nebo is a mountain pass at an elevation of 680m (2,230ft) above the sea level, located in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. Locally known as Siyagha, Mount Nebo is the highest point in this region of the ancient kingdom of Moab.
Driving to Moreeb Dune: A Desert Drive Guide to UAE's Tallest Sand Hill
Located in the Al Dhafra region of Abu Dhabi, the Moreeb Dune, also known as Tal Moreeb, is one of the highest dunes in the world.
The remote and isolated road to Jabal Shaharah
Jabal Shaharah is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2,525m (8,284ft) above sea level, located in the Shaharah District of the Amran Governorate in Yemen.
A steep paved road with 55 switchbacks to Jabal Sabir
Jabal Sabir is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2,883m (9,458ft) above sea level, located in the southern part of the Taiz Governorate, in the Janad region of Yemen.
Driving the curvy road to Jabal Akhdar
Jabal Akhdar is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.908m (6,259ft) above the sea level, located in the Al Hajar mountain range, in the Ad Dakhiliyah region of northern Oman.
The road to Jebel Shams is not for the faint of heart
Jebel Shams ('Mountain of the Sun') is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.970m (9,744ft) above the sea level, located on the boundary of Al Batinah South and Ad Dakhiliyah governorates in northeastern Oman.
The Road To Wadi Arbaeen Has it All!
Located in the Al Sharqiyah region in northeastern Oman, Wadi Arbaeen is one of the most amazing Oman wadis. Drive slow and safely as some heights and curves are sharp.
Ultimate 4wd destination: Wakan Village
Wakan Village is a high mountain town at an elevation of 2.000m (6,561ft) above the sea level in the Western Hajar Mountains of Oman. The mountainous road to the town is narrow and steep. It should only be attempted in a 4WD car.
Travelling through the Wadi an Nakhur
Wadi an Nakhur is the deepest canyon in the Middle East. It’s located in northeastern Oman north of Al Hamra town.
Don’t glance down at your phone on the Yasab Road
Yasab is a high mountain town at an elevation of 1.200m (3,937ft) above the sea level located in the Al Batinah South Governorate of northern Oman. This road tests the skill, and courage, of any driver.
Jebel al Lawz: The Ultimate Road Trip Guide
Jabal al-Lawz ('mountain of almonds') is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.391m (7,844ft) above the sea level, located in Tabuk Province, northwest Saudi Arabia.
Driving Saudi Arabia's Highway 10, one of the world's longest straight roads
Located in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, Highway 10 is one of the longest straight roads in the world, with 255km (158 miles) of straightness.
Khor an-Najd, the only khor accessible by vehicle
Located in the remote and still pristine wilderness area of the Musandam Peninsula, in Oman, Khor an-Najd is the only khor accessible by vehicle (4WD only).
Driving through Quran Road
Quran is a cliff-hugging village located in the Ad Dakhiliyah Region of Oman. The route to the town is one of the most memorable drives in Sharqiya The route is strictly 4WD and is not for the faint-hearted as the last part of the ascent is a near-vertical climb with sharp hairpin bends.
Driving the Hell road from Baljurashi to Mekhwa
The Baljurashi-Mekhwa road is a very scenic drive in the heart of the Al Bahah Region, in south-western Saudi Arabia.
Rustaq-Nakhal Road
Located in the Al Batinah Region of northern Oman, the road is a very scenic journey. The road is asphalted with breathtaking views.
Qiyut
Qiyut is a high mountain town at an elevation of almost 2.000m above the sea level, located in Ad Dākhilīyah, Oman.
Madaba-Al-Karak Road
The Madaba-Al-Karak Road (part of the Route 35) is one of the most scenic drives in the Kingdom of Jordan.
Wadi Bimmah
Wadi Bimmah (aka the Snake Canyon) is a very scenic canyon located near Balad Sayt in Wadi Bani Awf, in the South Batinah Governorate of Oman. The road is extreme. Only 4x4, and even these cars can not make it sometimes if you are not a good driver.
Sinan Pass, a curvy road only for experienced drivers
Sinan Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.397m (7,864ft) above the sea level, located in Aseer (Asīr) Region, in southwest Saudi Arabia.
Murbah-Masafi Road
Located within the Hajar Mountains of Oman, the international mountain road linking Murbah and Masafi is an epic adventure.
Al Mahda dead end track
Located in Wadi as Shatan, in northeastern Oman, the Al Mahda dead end track is a very steep and scenic drive.
A cliff road on the edge of the Black and White volcano
Jabal Abyad or Jabal Bayda (the Black and White volcano) is an extinct volcano made by silica-rich lava located in Ḥaʼil Province, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
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