Saudi Road Signs Explained: A Visual Guide for Visitors and New Drivers

Saudi road signs follow international shapes and colours, and most text is in both Arabic and English. Once you know the system, even a sign you have never seen makes sense. Here is a quick guide for visitors and first-time drivers in the Kingdom.

Shapes and colours tell you the type

• Red triangle, point up: a warning about what is ahead.
• Red circle: something is forbidden, such as no entry or no U-turn.
• Blue circle: something you must do, such as keep right or turn left only.
• Octagon (STOP / قف): stop completely, then go when the way is clear.
• Upside-down triangle: give way.
• Green or blue rectangles: directions and distances on highways and city roads.
• Brown signs: tourist sites and heritage places.

Warning signs you will see often

• Camel crossing: a camel in a red triangle. Slow down, especially at dusk and night. More in highway driving in Saudi Arabia.
• Speed humps: common near schools, mosques and neighbourhood entrances.
• Roundabout ahead, sharp bend, steep descent: the last is common on mountain roads in Taif and Abha.
• Sand drifting: sand may cover part of the road, often in open desert stretches.
• Flood area or wadi: never cross when water is flowing. See driving in rain and flash floods.

Prohibition and mandatory signs

• No entry (red circle with a white bar), no U-turn and no overtaking.
• Speed limit: a number in a red circle. See speed limits in Saudi Arabia.
• No stopping / no parking: check the time panels under the sign. See parking in Riyadh.
• Keep right, turn left only, and lane for buses in blue.

Camera and enforcement signs

Signs often warn of speed and red-light cameras ahead. Treat every one as real; fixed and mobile cameras are widespread.

Highway guide signs

• Exit numbers help you navigate long city roads such as King Fahd Road and the Northern Ring Road.
• Distance signs show the next towns. On long routes, look for fuel and rest-area symbols.

Right of way basics

Traffic already in a roundabout usually has priority unless signs or lights say otherwise. At junctions without signals, slow down and be ready to stop.

Before you drive

Read our tips for driving in Saudi Arabia, and if you are visiting, renting a car as a tourist.

Frequently asked questions

Are Saudi road signs in English?

Most direction and warning signs are in Arabic and English.

What does the camel sign mean?

Camels may cross the road. Slow down and watch carefully, especially at night.

Who has priority at a roundabout?

Usually vehicles already in the roundabout, unless signs or traffic lights show otherwise.