Riding in Qatar
 

Is it difficult to get in and out of Qatar by motorcycle?


I'm guessing that SA is not so motorcycle friendly, but the UAE and Oman are welcoming.


Eventually I would like to ride in Iran, but that may not be easy for a Canadian.


Greg

Hi Greg


Look at the size of Qatar. Starting at the northern tip you reach the south border before being able to click on 6th gear.
Besides its flat and boring (and happens to be VERY hot in summer)


Oman is fantastic to ride and from Oman you can drive easy into UAE. Both countries have great roads, friendly people, fantastic landscapes, unbelievable off road, tracks, free camping everywhere, and the best climate in the world from October to April


Oh, and no issues with a brew after a long ride.


Most motorcycle brands have a chapter in these countries so depending on your bike, you can contact them. Bon voyage

I'm moving there in January 2017, so I was wondering what it will be like to get to UAE and eventually Oman.


There is a tiny bit of road between Qatar and UAE that runs through SA. I was wondering if that is a big deal to get through, given that the Kingdom is not really motorcycle friendly (from what I can gather).

Hi Greg


OK
I presume you will have residence visa in Qatar and register your bike in Qatar.
In that case the only problem will be to get a Saudi Visa (multiple entry)


If however you manage to get it, its straightforward.
No carnet, nothing.
Border crossings are relatively easy.


Please keep in mind that from Silla/Batha border to Dubai is a loooooooong stretch of nothing (except for Abu Dhabi)


From UAE to Oman is a piece of cake.
Border crossing is fast.


PM me if you need info


Cheers


PS : There is an option to send your bike by car carrier and to fly to Dubai

Thanks for that Cycad. I should tell you that I'm from Canada, so I'm used to loooooong stretches of nothing!


I should have my Resident's Card soon, and I've started looking for a bike. The folks around me aren't very supportive of a motorcycle here, but what else can I do? I can't drive a car or an SUV. That would not be suitable!

Hi

Wait till you drive a long stretch through sand. That will make long roads in Canada very exciting :-)

In the ME people drive like madmen. Especially in the Kingdom

I have been commuting by bike in KSA, UAE and Qatar for years. Even some days in summer.

If you can read traffic you should be OK

Good luck

I have never experienced sand, so this should be a new adventure for me. I also don't know anything about heat. I'm encouraged that you ride in the summer. Most people I talk to won't go out in the summer.


Life is all about knowing your limits. I'm about to learn some more about my own.


Thanks again for your encouragement.

If you want to make an event of your trip down to the UAE, come down to the UAE Desert Challenge, the first round of the 2017 FIA / FIM Cross Country Rally series, April 2nd - 6th. It's en route from the KSA border to Abu Dhabi, so you will save a few hours riding (only a few...)


Local hero AND 2017 DAKAR WINNER yesterday!! :-) Sam Sunderland will be there of course, but so are hundreds of race cars and bikes, ploughing through the Rhub Al Khali (Empty Quarter) about 500kms a day at race speeds.

Pack a tent and a camera and ear plugs (bikes start warming up at about 5am), food and beverages all available, you can ride out to watch the stages or cadge a lift with one of the dozens of locally based team's support cars - we're a friendly bunch. Not sure if I'll be there this year as it starts April 2nd and I was planning to leave for Africa on April 1st, but I'm now tempted to stay for the DC.

Cycad may I ask what nationality you are - I've heard it can be very difficult for bikers to get transit visas for Saudi - in fact nigh on impossible, and nationality plays a part out here as we both know. Sorry, don't mean to question your input, I don't ride a bike (currently having lessons though, at last!) just asking for clarification.

Hi Tim

European. :-)

As long as you have GCC residence visa, your bike is registered in GCC country, you have valid insurance (or buys one at the border) PLUS a KSA visa (multiple entry : you should be OK

Please note that KSA visa spiked from 750 AED to 3.000 AED.

There might be recent changes in transit and obtaining a KSA visa but I didnt hear anything about this.

In case regulations changed : you can fly to UAE and send your bike by recovery.
There are companies specialized in doing this.
Usually its for cars but should be OK for motorcycle.

Lance

Roads are excellent in UAE. There are also lots of gravel offroads. Sand however is tricky. I dont like it but it is possible.

Heat : personally I dont mind driving in the summer. My helmet is fluo (not black!) I have excellent mesh jacket (not leather). As long as you ride its OK. But on traffic lights, with a boxer engine, its hell.

Some people use these special jacket which you can fill with water and which allow evaporation. I dont use them but some of my friends praise these things as miracles.

Good luck