Hijaz Railway - Saudi
 

Has anyone done the Hijaz Railway road from Mada in Salih (Al Ula) to Tabuk in Saudi? I've heard it's an amazing route. However I don't want to do it if it's all sand or difficult to follow. Any experiences would appreciated.

cheers
Brett

It's definitely all sand and in large parts soft, loose sand. You might be able to ride the elevated base of the railway since the tracks have long since been taken for better use, but I think the base has been flooded away in many places also. It's basically desert riding all the way. The scenery near Al-Ola/Mada'in Saleh is spectacular though. If you plan to visit Mada'in saleh, you need an entry permit from the ministry of archaelogy.

Thanks Dagge. Useful info. Cheers, Brett.

Madain Saleh
 

Has there been any recent change in this road's condition? If not, can we get through to the Red Sea coast road to Aqaba on tarmac without backtracking along road 70 onto road 15?

Thanks.
Stephan

I would not guarantee asphalt, but it looks like there are many minor roads between Al Ula / Duba / Al Wejh. What vehicle?

Thanks.
 

R1100GS with off-road capability and K1200RS with practically none (graded roads are doable but I'd prefer not).

Thanks for the info. I guess, at worst, we can ask at Al Ula if we get there... :(
Stephan

Answering my own question...
 

There is a (very scenic) asphalt road from Al Ula to Al Wejh. Then it's a right turn all the way up the coast to Duba, Al Hagl and the Jordanian border.

The landscapes around Al Ula are spectacular and worth the journey time.
Stephan

Hi Stephan

I went a few years ago. there is a lot of sand and what is left of old embankments. Will be a struggle on a GS.

There is a book called "Desert Treks around Riyadh" that gives directions and a guide for the route, I'll see if I can find it.

Also get to Wahba Crater if you can, it is unbelievable.

Amazon.co.uk: Desert Treks from Riyadh: Ionis Thompson: Books

Be observant around Al Ula & Medain Saleh. A group of French nationals were shot after visiting last year:

BBC NEWS | Middle East | French killed in Saudi shooting

Thanks for the info, Redsnapper! That explains our police escort from north of Hail to the Jordanian border...
Stephan

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3121/...6ebdd9e0_o.jpg

PS Some of this stuff may be out of date, the book is a good few years old now.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3159/...ebc9ab5c_o.jpg

For anybody who may be interested. Some of this may be out of date by now.

Sme pics:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3030/...414a4bab_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3124/...1e5fe399_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2072/...5cfb2033_o.jpg

Fantastic.
Oh how I wish I could leave tomorrow.:palm:

I will plan to enter Saudi from Jordan, which border to enter at? and exit Saudi at Port of Jeddah.

I would not like to travel this country on a 'transit visa', 18 hours is just too short, but would like perhaps 7 to 10 days.

This then, only leaves a 'tourist visa' :thumbup1:
So, fast forward to January 2009, are tourist visa's still difficult to get, does one still need a letter of invitation.:helpsmilie:

My wife and I will be driving a Land Cruiser.:D

Good luck with visas. It should be easier in a car than on a bike.

One major tip: entry to Madain Saleh requires 48 hours clearance from the ministry in Riyadh. Without it, you are extremely unlikely to be allowed in.

This is no doubt due to the shootings at Al Ula.

I don't know if you could ask at your local Saudi Embassy in advance. If not, factor it into your planning and arrive at Al Ula museum 2 days before you want to visit the site!

Safe journey.
Stephan

Hi,
I phoned the Saudi embassy in London today.
I got through to the consular and visa section.
Essentially there are 2 visas.
1. Business visa
2. Family visa

The family visa costs £39.00 per person

You need to know a relative living there.
My wifes, cousin's son, is studying there for 4 years in Riyad.
He has to apply for, I think she said, an authority some thing or other, can't quite remember.
Any way, I believe it is possible, now I don't think you actually have to 'visit' the relative, I need to find more on this out.
The visas are from 1 month to 6 months validity.

I think I will get another phone call in tomorrow.

'vette

Vette, I live in Saudi.

From memory you need a letter of invitation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Saudi to be sent to your local Saudi Embassy. The Embassy will then issue you with a visit visa.

The Sponsor of your relative in Saudi needs to request the letter of invitation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Thanks RED'.
I couldn't remember all she told me.
She knew exactly what I needed to do.
Very helpfull.

So the sponsor of my relative needs to needs to request the letter of invitation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Now thats getting complicated.

I thought, my relative request the letter of invitation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Seems not so though?

So after the sponsor of my relative requests a letter of invitation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, The Embassy will then issue us with a visit visa ?

Now I need to find out off him, who his sponsor is, and he has to ask them for a letter for us.
I can't see that much happening, but you never know.

'vette