bahrainthismonth.com | SEPTEMBER 2026 MOTORING 28 Hit the Road Some of the GCC’s most memorable getaways can be reached without setting foot in an airport. Starting from Bahrain, these eight road trips make the open road part of the escape. Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia Al Khobar is the natural starting point for a road trip from Bahrain. Cross the King Fahd Causeway and Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province is within easy reach, making this an ideal choice for a spontaneous overnight stay. Spend the afternoon along the Corniche before settling in for dinner and an overnight stay. With relatively little time spent on the road, Al Khobar offers the satisfaction of an international escape without taking up most of the weekend. Drive: Around 1 to 1.5 hours, excluding Causeway queues. Al Ahsa, Saudi Arabia Around 200km from Bahrain, Al Ahsa rewards a relatively short drive with one of Saudi Arabia’s most distinctive landscapes. The UNESCO-listed Al Ahsa Oasis is the largest oasis in the world, with more than 2.5 million palm trees across a landscape shaped by centuries of settlement. Nearby, Al Qarah Mountain adds another dimension to the trip with its striking rock formations and caves. Continue into Hofuf to explore Souq Al Qaisariya before spending the night in the area. With only the Bahrain-Saudi border to navigate, Al Ahsa is an easy choice for a weekend that feels far removed from home. Drive: Allow around 3 hours, including reasonable border time. Riyadh, Saudi Arabia At approximately 460km from Manama, Riyadh marks the point where the open road becomes a significant part of the escape. Once there, explore Al Masmak Fortress and the historic centre before discovering the rapidly changing Saudi capital. Those extending their stay can head beyond the city towards the dramatic escarpments of the surrounding desert, adding another stretch of road to the itinerary. Drive: Allow around 5 to 6 hours with stops and border time. Kuwait City, Kuwait Head north through Saudi Arabia for a route that takes you in a completely different direction. At approximately 477km from Manama, the drive requires a second border crossing before reaching Kuwait City. Once there, head for the waterfront and discover a capital shaped by its long relationship with the Gulf. A two-night stay leaves enough time to explore before retracing the route south. Following the Gulf north through Saudi Arabia is a major part of the appeal, with the second border crossing giving this relatively manageable drive a genuine cross-country feel. Drive: Allow around 6 hours or more with stops and border formalities.
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