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How to Escape the Gulf Heat: The Ultimate GCC Road Trip Guide to Abha & Al-Soudah

Published

5 hours ago

July 25, 2026

Shorya

With rising temperatures globally over the summer months, many people across the Gulf are searching for cool places to be away from home without breaking the bank with an international vacation.

Saudi Arabia’s Aseer Highlands is one of the region’s finest travel secrets, boasting misty mountains, pine forests and cool temperatures of 18°C to 25°C in both Abha and Al-Soudah. The route is a scenic drive with spectacular views and is a great getaway from the desert heat for those traveling from the GCC countries.

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Planning Your Road Trip

Travelers entering the UAE can enter first into the borders of Saudi Arabia via Batha then take Highway 10 to Al Kharj. Next, head south along Highway 65 then 15 to the Aseer area. This drive, which is about 1,900 kilometres long, is normally completed in 20-22 hours, with a stop-over in Riyadh or Sulayyil strongly recommended the night before.

The Salwa Border roads or the King Fahd Causeway on the Saudi-Qatarian and Saudi-Bahraini borders are available to visitor vehicles wishing to travel into Saudi via stretch 10 of the highway and route 15 to the Sarawat Mountains. The path chosen is a bit shorter with an average length of 1,600 to 1,750.

Experience the Cool Highlands of Al-Soudah

Al-Soudah is one of the highest mountain locations in Saudi Arabia located at more than 3,000 m above sea level. In summer, cool breezes, rolling fog, and regular afternoon rain showers create an environment where it is a lush green haven unlike anywhere else in the Gulf.

Rovers of the healthy and lovely can hike through old juniper woods with a view of the mountains, go to a mountaintop for breathtaking vistas and or head to the back of deep valleys to experience a wild, exhilarating zip-line adventure.

Explore the Charm of Abha

Abha is the cultural hub of the Aseer region, which is a few minutes drive from Al-Soudah. The town enjoys a very pleasant climate, it is known for its coloured Jacaranda trees, its colourful traditional markets and the ambiance of the artists.

They can walk along Art Street, buy locally-made handicrafts and mountain honey in the souks, and flee from the heights of the city to have a view of the city and its traditional Saudi food.

Discover Heritage Villages

Rijal Almaa is undisputedly one of the prettiest heritage villages in Saudi Arabia and a journey through Aseer can no longer be completed without a stop here. The outstanding buildings, which consist of multi-storey stone houses constructed with Aseeri stone and quartz, display traditional Aseeri architecture and the mountain way of life over the past centuries.

Another ride that is not to be missed is at Al Habala with its view of the lake. This stunner of a clifftop village was once cobbled trails through the mountains, but now you can take a scenic cable car into an awesome canyon of historic stone homes.

Prepare Before You Go

Make sure to have your Saudi eVisa or GCC Resident Visa in order before you leave and check you have vehicle insurance for travel within Saudi Arabia. Vehicles must also have brakes, tires and cooling systems checked as winding mountain roads demand more services from the vehicles.

The mountains are cooler, but showers can be expected in the afternoon during the summer. Lightly pack jackets, waterproof clothing and drive slowly during foggy and rainy conditions.

FAQs

What is the distance between Dubai to Abha by car?

This trip is about 1900 km long, and the journey typically takes about 20 to 22 hours.

What happens on the Doonbeg Fort in the summer?

Summer days are usually between 18°C and warm 25°C and have cloudy conditions with cool breezes and even afternoon rain on the regular.

What are there that one must see in the Aseer region?

Some of the best places to visit in the region include Al-Soudah, Abha, Rijal Almaa, and Al Habala, which provide opportunities for hiking, active recreation, cultural experiences, and a glimpse into the region’s traditional architecture.