Private chauffeur transfers in both directions, from Saudi Arabia to the UAE and from the UAE back to Saudi Arabia.
When flight schedules change at short notice, the road is often the most dependable way to reach the UAE. Travellers cross from Saudi Arabia into the Emirates every day at Al Batha and Al Ghuwaifat, a border that is open around the clock. With a private chauffeur, the trip becomes one continuous journey from your door in Saudi Arabia to your door in the UAE, with nothing for you to plan, navigate or manage.
Patriot Limousine has driven guests, families and corporate teams across the UAE since 2014. Our Saudi Arabia to UAE service brings the same standard to the overland route: one vehicle, one professional chauffeur, and one operations team coordinating everything from your first message to your drop-off in Abu Dhabi, Dubai or any other emirate.
At a glance
| At a glance | |
| Pickup cities | Riyadh, Dammam, Al Khobar, Dhahran, Al Ahsa and Jubail |
| Drop-off | Any address in the seven emirates, or AUH, DXB and SHJ airports |
| Border crossing | Al Batha (Saudi Arabia) to Al Ghuwaifat (UAE), open 24 hours |
| Driving time | About 8 hours from Riyadh to Abu Dhabi, plus 1 to 3 hours at the border |
| Vehicles | Executive sedans, GMC Yukon SUVs, V-Class and Staria MPVs, HiAce vans, luxury coaches |
| Chauffeurs | English and Arabic Languages |
| Booking | 24/7 on WhatsApp or by phone |
This guide explains the route, the border crossing, which vehicle suits your group, and how to book.
Direct transport: one vehicle, no changes
The biggest advantage of a private transfer is simplicity. We collect you from your home, hotel or office and drive you directly to your destination in the UAE. There are no bus stations, no shared rides and no change of vehicle along the way.
- Door to door. Pickup from your address in Saudi Arabia, drop-off at your hotel, home, office or airport in the UAE.
- Luggage loaded once. Your bags stay in the same vehicle for the whole journey.
- Your timetable. Leave before sunrise, late at night or whenever suits your plans.
- Onward flights. We can take you straight to Abu Dhabi (AUH), Dubai (DXB) or Sharjah (SHJ) airport.
The route and journey times
There is one land crossing between the two countries: Al Batha on the Saudi side and Al Ghuwaifat on the UAE side. From Riyadh, the route runs through Al Kharj and Haradh to Al Batha, then along the E11 past Al Ruwais to Abu Dhabi and on to Dubai. From the Eastern Province, it heads south from Dammam through Al Ahsa to the same crossing.
| From | To | Approx. distance | Approx. driving time (excl. border) |
| Riyadh | Abu Dhabi | 860 km | 7.5 to 8.5 hours |
| Riyadh | Dubai | 990 km | 8.5 to 9.5 hours |
| Dammam / Al Khobar | Abu Dhabi | 720 km | 6.5 to 7.5 hours |
| Dammam / Al Khobar | Dubai | 850 km | 7.5 to 8.5 hours |
| Al Batha border | Abu Dhabi | 300 km | about 3 hours |
Border formalities usually add one to three hours, depending on the time of day and the volume of traffic. Your chauffeur plans rest stops along the way, so the journey is broken into comfortable stretches.
Crossing the border at Al Batha and Al Ghuwaifat
For first-time travellers, the border is the part of the trip with the most unknowns. An experienced chauffeur removes most of them. Our chauffeurs know the lanes, the order of the checkpoints and the paperwork the vehicle needs, so you only have to think about your own documents.
A typical crossing from Saudi Arabia into the UAE runs like this:
- Saudi exit at Al Batha. Passports are checked and stamped out, followed by a short vehicle and customs check.
- Border zone. A short drive across to the UAE side.
- UAE entry at Al Ghuwaifat. Passports and visas are checked. Eligible UAE citizens and residents may use the smart gates.
- UAE customs. A brief vehicle inspection, then onward to Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Our vehicles are already registered and insured for the trip. That avoids a common hold-up for people driving their own Saudi-registered car, who have to buy temporary UAE insurance at the border.
Documents to have ready for every passenger
- Passport valid for at least six months.
- UAE visa or Emirates ID, where your nationality or residency requires it.
- Saudi residence permit (iqama) with a valid exit and re-entry or final exit visa, or the visit visa you used to enter Saudi Arabia.
- Prescriptions for any medication, carried with the medicine in its original packaging.
- For a child travelling with one parent, a consent letter from the other parent where required.
Entry rules depend on your nationality and residency status, and they can change. Please check your eligibility with the UAE ICP and Saudi Jawazat before you travel. Our team will talk you through the practical side of the crossing when you book.
Vehicles for a long-distance journey
Eight hours or more on the road calls for the right vehicle. We choose it based on your group size and luggage, so nobody travels with a suitcase on their lap.
| Vehicle type | Example models | Seats | Best for |
| Executive sedan | BMW 5 Series, Lexus ES | 1 to 3 | Business travellers and couples |
| Full-size SUV | GMC Yukon | up to 6 | Passengers with extra luggage or who prefer a higher seating position |
| VIP MPV | Mercedes-Benz V-Class, Hyundai Staria | up to 6 | Families and small groups with luggage |
| Van / minibus | Toyota HiAce | up to 12 | Larger families, teams and crews |
| Bus / coach | Luxury coaches | 20+ | Corporate groups and staff movements |
Every vehicle is cleaned and inspected before departure. For long-distance trips we also provide:
- Bottled water and light refreshments.
- Phone charging for every passenger.
- Climate control set to your preference.
- Room for full-size suitcases, with larger vehicles available for heavy luggage.
Female chauffeurs and mobility assistance can be arranged on request, subject to availability. Please tell us about any special requirements when you book.
Chauffeurs who know the route
Our chauffeurs are licensed, experienced on long-distance routes and briefed on your trip before they set off. They speak English and Arabic, and French and Spanish speaking chauffeurs are also available. That helps at the checkpoints and makes the journey easier for international guests.
- They have driven the route before and know where to stop.
- They communicate clearly with you and with officials at the border.
- They are discreet and respectful, especially with families and senior executives.
- They help with luggage at pickup, at the border and on arrival.
Available 24/7, before and during your journey
Plans rarely change during office hours. Our booking and operations team works around the clock, seven days a week. You can book a late-night departure, confirm details early in the morning or move your pickup time at short notice.
Once your trip is confirmed, you receive your booking details and your chauffeur’s name and number by WhatsApp or email. During the journey, our operations team stays in touch with your chauffeur. Family or colleagues waiting in the UAE can be kept updated on your progress and arrival time.
Planned from start to finish
An overland trip has more moving parts than an airport transfer. We plan them before you leave:
- Route and timing. Departure planned around border traffic and the time you need to arrive.
- Rest stops. Breaks at reliable service areas, including time for meals and prayer.
- Luggage. A vehicle chosen for your actual baggage.
- Arrival. Drop-off at your hotel, home, office or airport anywhere in the seven emirates.
- After you arrive. Airport transfers, an hourly chauffeur or city-to-city travel within the UAE, on the same booking.
Who travels with us
- Families heading home or joining relatives in the UAE, who want a private vehicle with space for children and luggage.
- Business travellers with meetings in Abu Dhabi or Dubai on a fixed schedule.
- Corporate and project teams moving staff or crews between the two countries, with group vehicles and one point of contact.
- Travellers with onward flights who prefer to fly from AUH, DXB or SHJ.
Tips for planning your trip
- Leave early. A pre-dawn start from Riyadh avoids the afternoon heat and gets you to Abu Dhabi by early evening.
- Allow for busy periods. Border traffic is usually heavier at weekends, at the start and end of school holidays, and around Eid.
- Keep documents within reach. Passports and visas belong in your carry-on bag, not in a suitcase in the boot.
- Book onward flights with a margin. If you are flying from the UAE on the same day, allow at least four hours between your expected arrival and your flight.
- Tell us about medical or mobility needs when you book, so we can choose the vehicle and plan stops around them.
Pricing and what’s included
We quote a fixed price per vehicle, one way, in UAE dirhams with VAT included. The price depends on your pickup city, destination and vehicle type. Every quote covers:
- The vehicle and chauffeur for the whole journey.
- Fuel, road tolls and vehicle border fees.
- Water and light refreshments.
- Reasonable waiting time at pickup and at the border.
Passenger visa fees and any personal customs duties are not included.
UAE to Saudi Arabia: the return journey
The same service runs from the UAE to Saudi Arabia. We collect you anywhere in the seven emirates and drive you to Riyadh, Dammam, Al Khobar or another city in the Eastern Province. Distances, drive times and the border steps are the same in reverse, leaving the UAE at Al Ghuwaifat and entering Saudi Arabia at Al Batha.
How to book
- Contact us on WhatsApp (+971 2 551 1255) or call +971 56 409 0108, any time of day.
- Share your details: pickup city and address, destination in the UAE, preferred departure time, and the number of passengers and bags.
- Receive your quote and our vehicle recommendation.
- Confirm, then receive your booking details and your chauffeur’s contact information.
For corporate or group movements, use our corporate transport quote form and we will build a plan around your schedule.
Frequently asked questions
Can I travel from Saudi Arabia to the UAE by road?
Yes. The Al Batha and Al Ghuwaifat crossing is the land border between the two countries and is open 24 hours a day. Whether you can enter depends on your nationality, visa and residency status.
How long does it take to drive from Riyadh to Abu Dhabi?
About 7.5 to 8.5 hours for roughly 860 km, plus one to three hours at the border.
How long does it take to drive from Riyadh to Dubai?
About 8.5 to 9.5 hours for roughly 990 km, plus border time.
Do I need a visa to enter the UAE by road?
It depends on your nationality. GCC citizens can enter with their national ID, and UAE residents with their Emirates ID. Some nationalities receive a visa on arrival, while others must apply in advance. Please check the UAE ICP website before you travel.
How much does it cost?
We quote a fixed price per vehicle in AED, with VAT included. It covers fuel, tolls, vehicle border fees and refreshments. Send us your route on WhatsApp for a quote.
What if there is a long wait at the border?
Your chauffeur stays with you throughout, and our operations team keeps your contacts in the UAE updated. Normal border waiting time is included in your price.
Can you collect me from Jeddah?
Yes, on request. It is a much longer journey of about 1,800 km, so we plan it with two chauffeurs or an overnight stop.
Can I travel with my family and a lot of luggage?
Yes. We recommend a Mercedes-Benz V-Class, a Hyundai Staria, a GMC Yukon or a larger van, depending on the number of passengers and bags.
Can you take me directly to an airport in the UAE?
Yes. We drop off at Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah airports for onward flights.
Do you travel at night?
Yes. Our team is available 24/7, and we can arrange departures at any hour.
Can companies book transport for staff or crews?
Yes. We arrange one-off and recurring group transport with vans, minibuses and coaches, coordinated by one operations team.
Do you also drive from Dubai or Abu Dhabi to Riyadh?
Yes. We run the same door-to-door service from anywhere in the UAE to Riyadh and the Eastern Province, with the same vehicles and 24/7 booking.
Arrange your journey to the UAE
You don’t have to work out the road on your own. Since 2014, families, executives and corporate clients have trusted Patriot Limousine with their journeys. We hold a 4.9/5 Google rating from more than 230 reviews.
Tell us where you are and where you need to be. We’ll take care of the road in between.
WhatsApp: +971 2 551 1255 · Call: +971 56 409 0108 · Email: info@patriotlimo.ae
