However guy expatriates, who are not driver in profession but having a family iqama like me have the benefit of owning a car. But driving in Saudi is the most critical decision that I would possibly make. So I'm writing this post in english, so comments and suggestions from other nationalities working in the kingdom will be freely recognized .
Yes to Driving!
There are so many advantages why an expatriate must drive a car here in Saudi Arabia.
1. Saudi Arabia has the cheapest petrol. The premium diesel fueling a car is only 0.45 riyals per liter or around six pesos in Philippines. Just imagine how many kilometers a car could run at 15 riyals full tank. Maybe more than a week. The whole world fuel prices are increasing but Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries kept their fuel prices low.
2. Having the cheapest petrol, Saudi Arabia also has the cheapest car sale and car rental. Without a down payment and monthly installment plan for as low as 600 riyals, you can have your brand new car. Or you can rent a car for 90-100 riyals for 24 hours.
3. Public transportation is not available in some cities. So driving an own car is necessary. However, if you have contacts to legitimate taxis (only few), then this will not be a problem.
4. The country has good and excellent widened highways. The well managed roads are mostly four to six lanes, one way route.
5. Well, the country has the best technology in terms of managing and controlling traffic. They recently introduced the system (called SAHER) for generating charges & fines and inquiries purposes. Once captured by their camera, immediately they will send SMS on violator's registered mobile. The violator can settle his penalties at home at his convenience. One must be registered in www.moi.gov.sa to have a complete access.
No to Driving!
Saudi Arabia has no good record in term of driving.
1. The highest accident rates brought by driving was recorded here in Saudi Arabia. I witnessed some of them and Mr. Google knows it! The high standard highways gave not only comfort but made the driver unnoticed that he exceeded the car's speed limit.
2. Fuel is low but violation fines are extremely high. There are traffic cameras situated on highways and only veteran drivers know well the location. Exceeding speed limit captured by a camera costs 300 riyals. How much it would be if you caught by other cameras in same highway? There are more expensive fines than this.
3. There are problems that might be encountered along the road. And waiting for a "Good Samaritan", is not common in here. I must handle the troubleshooting first before calling help from known friends.
4. Driving here would exposed me to Saudi strict law. Accident is uncontrollable and everyone knew that the punishment for death is only death.
5. Nowadays, there are so many expatriates in Saudi due to industrial expansions. As benefit competition between companies, some provided cars to their employees. Salaries also adjusted in such a way that an ordinary employee could avail luxuries. Parking spaces in the cities are also in competition. What is then the used of having a car if it was parked very far from the door step?
6. In between traffic trouble, traffic officer will not speak nor understand english. So sometimes, explanations brought more troubles. I remembered a friend complaints because he was once caught on the road, "There are so many expat in Saudi, traffic police should know international language.". He was then replied by a guy, "My friend, we're not in London or America.". A reminder that this is an Arabic speaking country.
Driving, I'm thinking of it!
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