Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > Middle East
HUBB: Riyadh Saudi Arabia HUBB: Riyadh Saudi Arabia
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Middle East Topics specific to the Middle East countries, Syria, Lebanon, Israel, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Yemen, Oman and the Emirates
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 20 Mar 2007
redsnapper's Avatar
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Helsinki
Posts: 90
HUBB: Riyadh Saudi Arabia
Hi to all HUBB'ers.

Im a Brit expat based in Riyadh KSA. There are a few bikers here, both expat and local of all nationalities.

If you are looking for advice or travelling through then feel free to drop me a line. Visas are not easy to get for tourists or transits.

There are a few dealers here including an excellent Harley/Buell dealer with an active HOG group.. Riyadh to Dublin road trip last year!, TriStar who have started up what appears to be a professional BMW/KTM dealership, and local Suzuki/Honda/Kawasaki dealers who tend to sell bikes, quad bikes, cars etc.

I'm also interested in establishing a contact with Dubai. Getting parts and spares here in Riyadh is not always easy but we have a company office in Dubai and I would appreciate information from a local in Dubai (looking for Avon Distanzias at the moment for 17" DRZ400SM wheels for example, and some other bits such as handguards, case guards etc).

I travel to Dubai and can pick up if somebody can give me names and addresses.

Thanks in advance

Richard
__________________
'Peaches are better than Tanks'
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 20 Mar 2007
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Germany
Posts: 241
Aaaargh - your post comes about two weeks late for me... Am just in Sanaa and will FLY to Amman next WE because I did not get a visa.

Just in order to share: To get a Saudi Visa you'll need an invitation of a Saudi Organisation. I found following possibilities:

- The Harley Club in Riyad is willing to issue an invitiation in case you want to ride a Harley into SA
- The Automobile Association issues invitations as well, but they will have to be contacted by your local Automobile Association and the whole business must be done BEFORE you leave for your trip
- a Dutch guy I know got an invitation from his embassy. However, the German embassy will not issue such an invitation arguing it would not be job of an embassy to undermine the visa policy of another country. As much as I regret not being able to travel SA, I find this point of view fair enough.

Maybe it would make sense to contact the dealers of the other motorbike brands? Or maybe there are other motorbike clubs which would issue invitations for riders of non-Harleys? Or maybe it would make sense to FOUND such a club...?

Regards

Lars
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 20 Mar 2007
redsnapper's Avatar
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Helsinki
Posts: 90
Visa
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lars View Post

Just in order to share: To get a Saudi Visa you'll need an invitation of a Saudi Organisation. I found following possibilities:

- The Harley Club in Riyad is willing to issue an invitiation in case you want to ride a Harley into SA
- The Automobile Association issues invitations as well, but they will have to be contacted by your local Automobile Association and the whole business must be done BEFORE you leave for your trip
- a Dutch guy I know got an invitation from his embassy. However, the German embassy will not issue such an invitation arguing it would not be job of an embassy to undermine the visa policy of another country. As much as I regret not being able to travel SA, I find this point of view fair enough.
The invitation generally comes from a Saudi government or business organisation and is usually work related. They will write to your local Saudi Embassy requesting issue of a visit visa.

Tourist visas or visit visas for travel are not so easy (i.e. very difficult) to come by, although this situation is slowly changing as Saudi starts to look at the development of tourism.

Your own Embassy will generally not request a visit visa on your behalf unless you have good reason or are well connected.

The Harley dealer here is very progressive and well connected. They promote cultural exchange via the HOG network and welcome riders from other countries. I don't know if they can help with a visa and I think it would only be if you are riding a Harley.

Thats as much as I know.. I'm here on a work visa so not an expert by any means.

Regards

Richard
__________________
'Peaches are better than Tanks'
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 2 May 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Dubai
Posts: 22
Riding Bikes in Saudi
Hi Richard,

I was always under the impression that bike riding is not permitted in KSA. Somebody told me that about 2 years ago. He came from Kuwait to Dubai and had to trailer the bike here.

Please let me know what the law is on riding bikes in KSA. I have planed a trip from Dubai to Germany next year. In this new light I might go via KSA instead of Iran.

With regards to your spare parts request: please send me a mail to drwdxb@gmail.com . I will see what I can do. I must warn you though. I am going on leave for 2 weeks as of tomorrow.

Regards

Dirk
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 3 May 2007
redsnapper's Avatar
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Helsinki
Posts: 90
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dirkdxb View Post
I was always under the impression that bike riding is not permitted in KSA. Somebody told me that about 2 years ago. He came from Kuwait to Dubai and had to trailer the bike here.
Hi Dirk

Bikes are not illegal here, there is a growing bike market here (the Saudis love fast motors, cars, bikes, quads). Check out Youtube for some of the wheelies..

However, you need a visitors visa to get across the border and these are not that easy to get unless you are coming here on business and have a sponsor. Plenty of guys drive across from Bahrain, Kuwait and the UAE so I don't think the vehicle is the problem.

I think a lot of guys ship their bikes and then fly across KSA if they can't get a visit visa.

I'd check with your embassy for definitive guidance as I am not an expert.

Regards

Richard
__________________
'Peaches are better than Tanks'
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 13 May 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Dubai
Posts: 22
Thanks a lot for the info.

Dirk
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia dragonninja Repair Shops, Middle East 1 6 Oct 2013 05:18
Passenger ferry between Sudan and Saudi Arabia Ongrod sub-Saharan Africa 4 2 Mar 2006 22:47
Saudi Arabia to UK on a ZZR? dragonninja Which Bike? 4 19 Dec 2004 15:05
Biking Saudi Arabia as a woman Dirk/D Middle East 11 2 Jul 2004 06:18
Visa for Saudi Arabia AliBaba Middle East 2 5 Nov 2002 22:27

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Ecuador June 13-15
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 00:42.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top