Car Rental in Saudi Arabia for Visitors from the GCC

Every weekend and holiday, thousands of visitors from neighbouring Gulf countries come to Saudi Arabia for family visits, Umrah, events and tourism. Many fly in and rent a car; others drive across the border and want a second car for the family. Here is what GCC visitors need to know.

Which licence can you use?

• GCC citizens and GCC residents can drive in Saudi Arabia with a valid driving licence issued in a GCC country.
• Other visitors can drive with a valid foreign licence for up to one year from arrival, or until it expires, whichever comes first. Some licences need an international driving permit or an Arabic translation.

Rules can change, so check the latest requirements with the traffic department before you travel. The documents for renting are in car rental requirements in Saudi Arabia.

The best branch for your route

• From Bahrain over the King Fahd Causeway: Al Khobar and Dammam come first, and Sajil's two Al-Ahsa branches are about 150 km south.
• From the UAE and Qatar by road: Al-Ahsa is the first big Saudi city on the way, so the Al-Ahsa branches are a natural stop.
• Flying into Riyadh: ten branches across the city. See car rental in north Riyadh if you land at King Khalid International Airport.
• Coming for Umrah via Taif: the Taif branch. Read Umrah by rental car.

Booking from home

You can book online before you travel and pay with mada, Visa or Mastercard. Read how to book step by step. Prices depend on the city and period:

• Riyadh daily from SAR 87.
• Al-Ahsa daily from SAR 87.
• Taif daily from SAR 87.

Can I drive the rental car back to my country?

Taking a Saudi rental car across a border needs the rental company's written approval and suitable insurance. Do not plan it without asking the branch first.

Good to know on Saudi roads

• Speed cameras are common, and fines are sent to the renter.
• Children under 10 should not sit in the front seat. See travelling with children in a rental car.
• For a long stay of several weeks, compare weekly and monthly prices.

Frequently asked questions

Can I rent with my GCC ID instead of a passport?

Bring the ID document you entered the Kingdom with and your licence. The branch will confirm what it needs when you book.

Is there a branch near the Bahrain causeway?

The closest Sajil branches are in Al-Ahsa.

Can my spouse drive too?

Only drivers allowed by the rental contract may drive. Ask about adding a driver when you book.