Saudi Arabia is the Emirates' largest neighbour by area and shares a long land border with it, across the Al Batha and Al Ghuwaifat crossings in the west of the UAE. Riyadh, the capital, is about four and a half hours' drive from Abu Dhabi on good roads, and Dammam and the Eastern Province are closer still to the northern emirates.
Entry
Saudi Arabia introduced tourist visas for a wide range of nationalities, obtained online in advance, and GCC residents in certain occupations are also eligible under a separate scheme. Rules, eligible nationalities and fees have changed several times since the visa was introduced and should be checked with the Saudi embassy or the official visa platform before travelling; the visa also covers the Umrah pilgrimage for many visitors, subject to the booking procedures that apply at the time.
Where people go
The Eastern Province is the closest part of the country: Dammam, Al Khobar and Dhahran, with the causeway to Bahrain at the far side, are used for weekend trips and shopping. Riyadh has the old Diriyah district, the National Museum and the new entertainment districts, and is the usual first stop for business travellers. Al Ula, in the north-west, with its Nabataean tombs at Hegra — Saudi Arabia's first World Heritage Site — has become a major destination following its development for tourism, and is reached by air from Dubai or Abu Dhabi. Jeddah and the Red Sea coast form a separate trip.
The Bahrain route
Travellers heading for Bahrain from the Emirates commonly drive through Saudi Arabia, crossing into the Eastern Province and then taking the King Fahd Causeway across to Bahrain. This requires valid Saudi and Bahraini arrangements, and the causeway has its own visa and toll procedures.
Practical notes
Saudi Arabia drives on the right, uses the riyal and applies strictly enforced traffic law with heavy penalties. Alcohol is prohibited, dress is conservative, and the public rhythm of the day is organised around prayer times, with shops and services pausing. During Ramadan the restrictions on eating and drinking in public during daylight apply to all. These are significant differences from the Emirates and are the main thing a first-time visitor needs to know.