Oman introduces its first international bus service to Saudi

Friday, February 23, 2024

The first international passenger bus service between Muscat and Riyadh commenced on Thursday via the Empty Quarter road directly linking Oman and Saudi Arabia.

This is a gesture to build a cultural bridge between two countries of the Middle East.

Speaking to the Observer, Rashid al Khanjary, Owner of Al Khanjary Transport, said that the bus will start daily from Muscat at 6 am and from Riyadh (Azizia area) at 5 pm.

The travel will take approximately 18 to 20 hours depending on the time taken for immigration and formalities at the border.

Timings from Riyadh will be adjusted as per the passenger demand.

The service will have three stops in the Sultanate of Oman, namely: Ruwi, Nizwa, and Ibri.

On the Saudi side, the service will stop at Dammam, as the bus will operate to the Saudi capital via Dammam (in the Eastern province of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia).

The one-way promotional fare till the end of the month is RO25 or SR250. After that, the fares will be RO35 or SR350.

The Saudi authorities have stipulated that the bus should have a minimum of 25 passengers on board.

He said that the route via Dammam would add some extra kilometers, but the dual carriageway would offer a comfortable ride.

The company will operate two drivers on the route and there will be some stops for rest. Citizens and expatriates can avail of the service.

Expatriates can avail of the visa, while some nationals may have visa-on-arrival options or other exemptions.

Building bridges beyond borders

The significance of this bus service extends far beyond the convenience of travel.

It’s a bridge between Oman and Saudi, facilitating not only the movement of citizens and expatriates but also enabling a deeper cultural exchange and strengthening regional ties.

The route, especially through the Empty Quarter road, symbolizes a path toward greater collaboration and understanding between the two nations.

It opens up new avenues for tourism, cultural exchange, and economic collaboration, making the once-daunting distance between Muscat and Riyadh a journey of discovery and unity.

As the bus service commences operations, it carries with it the hopes and aspirations of many.

It stands as a testament to the power of connectivity and the endless possibilities that emerge when borders are traversed, and cultures are connected.

This inaugural journey from Muscat to Riyadh is not just a route on the map; it’s a new chapter in the story of Oman and Saudi Arabia, a narrative of friendship, discovery and shared futures.

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