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), Jabal Hafeet Mountain Road is one of the greatest driving roads in the world.

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 the sea level, located in the United Arab Emirates.

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 the sea level located on the Musandam Peninsula of Northern Oman, bordering the United Arab Emirates.

Highway Empty Quarter was built through the 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.

Highway 1 of Iraq is the world's scariest highway

Highway 1 is dubbed as the world's scariest highway. On the expressway between Jordan and Baghdad, drivers have to brave 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 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 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.

Driving the defiant Al Baha's 25 Tunnels

Al Baha's 25 Tunnels is a sharply winding zig-zag road located on the south west of Saudi Arabia. This tourist drive consists of 25-tunnels at different lengths and elevations.

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.

A scenic paved road to Moreeb Dune

Tal Mireb road is a stunning asphalted road in the Rub al Khali desert south of the Liwa oasis, in United Arab Emirates.

The remote and isolated road to Jabal Shaharah

Jabal Shaharah is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.525m (8,284ft) above the sea level, located in the Shaharah District, Amran Governorate of Yemen.

Jabal Sabir is a steep paved road with 55 switchbacks

Jabal Sabir (also called Jabal Saber) is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.883m (9,458ft) above the sea level, located near Ta'izz, a governorate 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.

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.