Drivers in Saudi Arabia must be at least 18 years old, but car and van hire in Dammam requires drivers to be at least 21. An international driving licence is valid in the country for one year, while holders of licences from a number of countries, including the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the European Union, are able to use them for up to three months. Beyond those limits, a licence will need to be converted to a Saudi licence.
As punishments can be severe, it is important for drivers to strictly adhere to the rules of the road, even if other vehicles on the road do not. Vehicles drive on the right side of the road, and seatbelts are mandatory for drivers and passengers. Young children should be seated in a booster seat at all times.
Alcohol is strictly prohibited throughout Saudi Arabia. The punishment for driving under the influence of alcohol could be a prison sentence and a fine. Mobile phones are hands-free only while driving, and although music can be played in vehicles, drivers are asked to avoid doing so during Islamic prayer times.
In the city centre, the speed limit is generally between 40 and 80 k/ph. Away from the city centre, some roads have speed limits of up to 90 k/ph. Meanwhile, highways outside of Dammam itself have an upper limit of 120 k/ph. The highway that links Dammam and Riyadh is one of a select number of highways that have a higher speed limit of 140 k/ph.
Speed limits are enforced by a combination of police on the roads and speed cameras. The punishment for speeding is likely to be points on your licence and a fine, though you also risk a full driving ban. Some speed signs may be written in Arabic only, so you should take the time to learn Arabic numerals before visiting.
When driving outside of the city centre, there are some potential hazards to be aware of, including sandstorms. Camels and other large animals can make their way onto the roads. For this reason, you need to take extra care, especially when travelling at night or driving on winding roads.
The city of Dammam has excellent road connections to other parts of Saudi Arabia. Highway 40 connects Dammam to the two largest cities in the country, Riyadh and Jeddah. It also connects with Makkah, which is the holiest city in Islam. The King Fahd Causeway links the city to Bahrain, while the Abu Hadriyah Highway leads to Kuwait.
