Arar

Introduction

Arar is a city in northern Saudi Arabia and the seat of the Northern Borders Province. It sits near the border with Iraq, placing you in the country's far north rather than in the central or coastal regions familiar to most visitors.

Getting around

Public transport within Arar is poorly developed, so plan on getting around by rental car or taxi rather than relying on a local bus network. There is no railway station, metro or tram in the city; if you want to arrive or depart by rail, you will need to travel overland by road to Sakaka, Turaif or Rafha and continue from there by taxi or rental car. Long-distance buses use modern air-conditioned coaches on the major highways and are aimed at intercity travel rather than moving around town, and their schedules and routes can change, so check with national carriers or ask locally before planning a journey.

Driving is a popular option in this part of the country and gives you the most flexibility. An international driving license is required, the region's roads are generally of good quality, but fuel stations are sparse, so keep an eye on your fuel level when travelling between towns. Taxis are the other practical choice and also cover the onward leg from nearby rail-connected cities. Arar Airport sits close to the city, making the transfer into town short and straightforward, and you can alternatively fly into Sakaka or Turaif and continue by land. The climate is dry with strong sun year-round: if you do walk, carry water, use sunscreen and avoid being outdoors in the middle of the day, and winter and early spring are the most comfortable seasons for being outside.

Three days in Arar

Day one: Start in Arar itself, the capital of the Northern Borders Province, and get your bearings in the city before heading out. Arar Airport is the arrival point if you fly in, and taxis are the practical way to move around once you are there. Settle into the city's rhythm and use the day to orient yourself for the longer drives ahead.

Day two: Take a long drive out to Sakaka, one of the neighbouring towns within reach of Arar, and plan your time so the return journey does not run late. Driving is the main way to cover ground here, and the distances between settlements are considerable, so treat the day as much about the road as the destination.

Day three: Head north towards Turaif, near the border with Iraq, or choose Rafha if you prefer a different direction for your final day. Both are long drives from Arar, so set out early and keep the pace relaxed. End the day back in the city, with the Northern Borders Province's wide spaces behind you.