Going from Dubai to Doha by road is exciting because it takes people through the desert and across national borders. Flying is the fastest way, but a road trip allows you to enjoy the area more slowly. Nevertheless, taking this route means going through Saudi Arabia which requires you to prepare and have the necessary papers.
This guide offers all the details you need to travel from Dubai to Doha by road such as visa rules, crossing the border, vehicle rules and useful advice for a trouble-free journey.
Can You Drive from Dubai to Doha?
The trip from Dubai to Doha can be made by road, but you have to pass through Saudi Arabia because the two countries do not share a land border. The total trip is about 650 kilometers (takes around 6-7 hours to drive) without including the time for crossing the border.
Route Overview:
- Dubai to Ghuwaifat (UAE-Saudi Border) – Around 350 kilometers (4 hours)
- Ghuwaifat to Salwa (Saudi-Qatar Border) – Around 200 kilometers (2 hours)
- Salwa to Doha – Around 100 kilometers (1 hour)
Border Crossings:
- UAE Exit (Ghuwaifat Border) – Passport control and exit formalities.
- Saudi Entry (Al Batha Border) – Visa checks and vehicle insurance purchase.
- Saudi Exit (Salwa Border) – Exit procedures before entering Qatar.
- Qatar Entry (Abu Samra Border) – Passport control and Hayya Card verification (if required).
Visa Requirements for Road Travel
Because the route goes through Saudi Arabia, people need to have visas for both Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
1. Saudi Arabia Visa
- GCC Citizens: No visa required.
- Expats and Tourists:
- eVisa (Tourist Visa): You can purchase it online (the price is around SAR 300 plus insurance).
- Transit Visa: Valid for four days/96 hours (only one entry allowed).
- Tasheer Visa Center (Qatar): The service helps people get visas for about QR 520.
2. Qatar Visa
- GCC Citizens: No visa required.
- Visa on Arrival (for eligible nationalities): You can get a waiver for 30 days (which can be extended).
- Hayya Card (Mandatory for Tourists): Needed for visa-free entry (it must be applied for online).
- GCC Residents: You can get a 30-day visa (which can be extended for another 30 days).
Important Notes:
- Indian, Pakistani and Iranian travelers are required to book their hotels in advance to get their visas.
- You might be required to have a negative PCR test (done within 48 hours before travel).
| Country | Traveler Category | Visa Type | Key Details |
| Saudi Arabia | GCC Citizens | Not Required | • Free entry with GCC nationality proof |
| Expats & Tourists | eVisa (Tourist Visa) | • Cost: ~SAR 300 + insurance • Apply online via Saudi Visa Portal | |
| Transit Visa | • 96-hour validity (single entry) • Can only be applied once every 3 months | ||
| Tasheer Visa Center (Qatar) | • Cost: ~QR 520 • Includes biometrics processing | ||
| Qatar | GCC Citizens | Not Required | • Free entry with GCC nationality proof |
| Visa on Arrival | 30-Day Waiver (Extendable) | • For eligible nationalities (95+ countries) • Requires passport validity >6 months | |
| Tourists | Hayya Card | • Mandatory for visa-free entry • Apply online via Hayya Platform | |
| GCC Residents | 30-Day Visa (Extendable Once) | • Must hold GCC residency • Profession restrictions may apply |
Vehicle Requirements and Documents
For UAE-Registered Vehicles:
- Tourism Certificate (RTA Dubai): Expats must have this when driving in other countries.
- Clearance Certificate: Must be kept if the car is still being financed or mortgaged.
- GCC Vehicle Insurance: Make sure your insurance includes Saudi Arabia and Qatar (for at least 15 days).
For Rental Cars:
- Check with the rental company if you are allowed to drive across national borders.
- Get a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the rental agency before moving in.
Saudi and Qatar Vehicle Regulations:
- Saudi Arabia: Third-party insurance is required by law (you can get it at the border).
- Qatar: You might need to get approval for your private vehicle; shuttle buses can be taken from the Abu Samra border.
| Vehicle Type | Required Documents | Additional Notes |
| UAE-Registered Vehicles | Tourism Certificate (RTA Dubai) | • UAE nationals/GCC citizens do not need a Tourism Certificate. • Insurance can be purchased at the Saudi border. |
| Clearance Certificate | ||
| GCC Vehicle Insurance | ||
| Rental Cars | Cross-Border Permission | • Many rental companies prohibit cross-border travel. • Additional fees may apply. |
| No Objection Certificate (NOC) | ||
| Saudi Arabia Regulations | Third-Party Vehicle Insurance | • Speed limits strictly enforced (120-140 km/h). • Biometrics required at immigration. |
| Qatar Regulations | Private Vehicle Approval | • Some travelers must leave their cars at the border and take a shuttle. • Hayya Card may be required for entry. |
| Free Shuttle Buses |
Step-by-Step Road Trip Process
1. Exit UAE (Ghuwaifat Border)
- Show the passport, visa and vehicle documents.
- Pay any exit fees that you must pay to leave the UAE.
2. Enter Saudi Arabia (Al Batha Border)
- Carry out the full biometric process (fingerprint and iris scan).
- Buy Saudi vehicle insurance (it costs about QR 120 per week).
3. Drive Through Saudi Arabia
- Drive on the Salwa Highway in the direction of Qatar.
- Drive at the posted speed limit which is usually 120-140 km/h and is always enforced.
4. Exit Saudi Arabia (Salwa Border)
- Exit stamping of passports.
- Carry your vehicle insurance receipt when you return the vehicle.
5. Enter Qatar (Abu Samra Border)
- Show your Hayya Card (if you have one).
- If required, checking the results of a PCR test.
- If you are not driving your own car, take the free shuttle bus to Doha.
Travel Tips and Considerations
- Best Time to Travel: Try to cross the border on weekdays to avoid delays.
- Fuel Stops: Fill up your tank with gas before you leave the UAE (petrol is less expensive in Saudi Arabia).
- Navigation: You can use Google Maps or Waze (having offline maps is helpful).
- Currency: Saudi Riyals (SAR) and Qatari Riyals (QAR) can be used at all border crossings.
- SIM Card: Buy a SIM card for Saudi Arabia or Qatar to use for mobile data.
- Public Transport in Qatar: Go to qatiming.com to find bus schedules and other land transport options in Qatar.
Potential Challenges:
- Waiting at borders can take a long time, sometimes as long as 2 hours or more.
- Saudi Arabia has strict rules about traffic (speed cameras and seatbelt enforcement).
- You may not be allowed to drive your own car into Qatar; you might need to use a shuttle bus.
FAQs
Can I drive directly from Dubai to Doha without crossing another country?
No, you cannot drive directly between Dubai and Doha because the UAE and Qatar do not share a land border. The road trip requires passing through Saudi Arabia, with key border crossings at Ghuwaifat (UAE-Saudi) and Salwa (Saudi-Qatar).
What visas are needed for this road trip?
You will need:
– A Saudi Arabia visa (e.g., eVisa, transit visa, or Tasheer Visa for Qatar residents).
– A Qatar visa (e.g., Hayya Card for tourists, visa on arrival for eligible nationalities, or GCC residency-based visa).
– GCC citizens are exempt from visa requirements for both countries.
Are there special documents required for my vehicle?
Yes, depending on your vehicle type:
– UAE-registered cars: Tourism Certificate (for expats), clearance certificate (if financed), and GCC insurance covering Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
– Rental cars: Cross-border permission and a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the rental company.
– Saudi Arabia: Mandatory third-party insurance (purchasable at the border).
How long does the journey take, and what’s the route?
The total distance is ~650 km, taking 6–7 hours of driving (excluding border stops). Route:
1. Dubai → Ghuwaifat (UAE-Saudi border): 350 km (~4 hours).
2. Ghuwaifat → Salwa (Saudi-Qatar border): 200 km (~2 hours).
3. Salwa → Doha: 100 km (~1 hour).
What are the major challenges or tips for this trip?
– Border delays: Allocate extra time (up to 2+ hours) for immigration and checks.
– Strict traffic laws: Adhere to Saudi speed limits (120–140 km/h) and seatbelt rules.
– Vehicle restrictions: Some private cars may not be allowed into Qatar; shuttle buses are available.
– Preparation: Carry SAR/QAR cash, offline maps, and a Saudi/Qatar SIM card for connectivity.
While you can drive from Dubai to Doha, you need to be well prepared for the visa, insurance and border rules. Flying is usually the fastest and most convenient way for most people to travel. But for people who prefer driving and exploring, going by road in Saudi Arabia can be a lovely adventure, as long as they have all the needed documents.
