What are the most spectacular roads on the Arabian Peninsula?

The Arabian Peninsula is located in the continent of Asia. It comprises Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Yemen. Covering an area of 3,237,500 km2 (1,250,000 sq mi), it’s the largest peninsula in the world, comparable in size to India. The peninsula is known worldwide due to its desertic landscape, with vast stretches of sand dunes and rocky plateaus.

Due to its geography, the peninsula hosts countless spectacular roads, running through the desert or mountains. When travelling to the Arabian Peninsula, don’t forget to drive the Jebel Hafeet Mountain Road, a cool drive in the desert with more than 60 turns, located on the outskirts of Al Ain, in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Highway 85, one of the longest straight roads in the world, with 822 km (510 miles) of straightness close to the border with Jordan. And the defiant Al Baha's 25 Tunnels, a winding zig-zag road located in the southwestern part of Saudi Arabia, with 25 tunnels at different lengths and elevations.

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.

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.

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 a high mountain peak at an elevation of 1,527m (5,010ft) above sea level, located in the United Arab Emirates.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Located in the Mecca Province of Saudi Arabia, Al Hada Road is one of the most spectacular drives in the country, with 93 bends.

Aqabat Thirah is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.283m (7,490ft) above sea level located in Yemen. It’s one of the most hairpinned roads in the world,

Jabal Al Jais, the highest peak of the UAE, isn't just renowned for its height. The road to its summit, running through the Al Hajar Mountains, is an engineering marvel and a dream for drivers.

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.

Mount Nebo is a mountain pass at an elevation of 680m (2,230ft) above sea level, located in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. Locally known as Siyagha, it is the highest point in this region of the ancient kingdom of Moab.

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.

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.

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.

Jabal Akhdar is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2,312m (7,585ft) above sea level, located in the Ad Dakhiliyah Governorate of Oman. The road is well-maintained but might be stressful for some people because of the incline and many curves.

Jebel Shams ('Mountain of the Sun') is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2,970m (9,744ft) above sea level located in Oman. At this elevation, it’s the highest point in the country.

Located in the Al Sharqiyah region in northeastern Oman, Wadi Arbaeen is one of the most amazing wadis in Oman. Drive slowly and carefully, as some sections have sharp heights and curves.

Wadi an Nakhur is a very scenic canyon located in northeastern Oman. It’s said to be the deepest canyon in the Middle East.

Wakan Village is a mountain town known for its stunning terraced gardens, located at an elevation of 1,402m (4,599ft) above sea level in northern Oman. Keep in mind, a 4X4 vehicle is required to reach the village.

Yasib is a high mountain town at an elevation of 1,200m (3,937ft) above sea level, located in the Al Batinah South Governorate of Oman. If you're scared of heights, it's better to avoid this route.

Jebel al Lawz ('Mountain of Almonds') is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2,391 m (7,844 ft) above sea level, located in Tabuk Province, Saudi Arabia.

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).

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.

The Baljurashi-Mekhwa road is a very scenic drive in the heart of the Al Bahah Region, in south-western Saudi Arabia.

Located in the Al Batinah Region of northern Oman, the road is a very scenic journey. The road is asphalted with breathtaking views.

Qiyut is a high mountain town at an elevation of almost 2.000m above the sea level, located in Ad Dākhilīyah, Oman.

The Madaba-Al-Karak Road (part of the Route 35) is one of the most scenic drives in the Kingdom of Jordan.

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 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.

Located within the Hajar Mountains of Oman, the international mountain road linking Murbah and Masafi is an epic adventure.

Located in Wadi as Shatan, in northeastern Oman, the Al Mahda dead end track is a very steep and scenic drive.

Dubai is a popular tourist destination in Middle East Asia. This populous city is located on the eastern side of the Arabian Peninsula and is known as the business hub of this region along the coast of the Persian Gulf.

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.

The United Arab Emirates or UAE is a prominent country of the Arabian Peninsula. It is also called Emirates, where numerous people visit for business purposes or to spend their vacations.

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