THE GREAT SAUDI ROAD TRIP

To understand Saudi Arabia, it helps to explore the Kingdom’s origins.

The Saudi royal family traces its roots to the early 18th century in the region of Najd, where Muhammad bin Saud formed an alliance with Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab, the founder of the Wahhabi movement — a strict interpretation of Sunni Islam. This partnership shaped the ideological foundation of the Kingdom and remains a key influence on its governance and traditions.

While the modern state of Saudi Arabia was formally established in 1932, its identity has long been shaped by the unification of diverse regions across the Arabian Peninsula. This legacy of expansion has fostered a striking cultural variety — from the Yemeni-influenced tribes of the southwest and the nomadic bedouins of the central deserts to the historically cosmopolitan Hejaz, a region enriched by centuries of trade and pilgrimage.

In September 2019, the introduction of a tourist eVisa marked a significant shift. After decades of limited access, Saudi Arabia welcomed international visitors, offering a rare opportunity to experience its vast landscapes and cultural heritage firsthand.

These photographs are the result of two cross-country road trips taken in 2019 and 2021, spanning the regions of Hejaz, Ha’il, Tabuk, Makkah, Madinah, Jazan, Asir, and Najran. Each image offers a glimpse into the Kingdom’s diverse communities, striking geography, and the evolving narrative of a nation in transition.