Introduction:
Welcome, fellow brave souls, to the wild ride that is driving in Saudi Arabia! If you thought roller coasters were exhilarating, wait till you experience the daily traffic mayhem in Riyadh. Buckle up, and let's embark 0n a typical journey of driving to my work in Riyadh!
Assert Your Presence:
In Saudi Arabia, driving isn't just a mundane activity; it's a regal affair! So, when you enter the roads of Riyadh, embrace your inner king or queen. A dignified nod or a wave of your hand to fellow drivers can magically clear the way. Just remember, every car driver in Riyadh is a king and queen also, and you are on their road, so it's not road rage; it's asserting your royal presence.
Ash Tip, NEVER ever give another driver profanities.
Honk Your Heart Out:
Who needs a horn when you have a magic wand? In Riyadh, honking is a language of its own. It's like a symphony of beeps, a ballet of car horns. Whether you're expressing joy, frustration, or simply saying "hello," let your horn serenade the streets.
Ash Tip, Honk responsibly, though; you wouldn't want to start a traffic jam symphony or upset a policeman.
Daredevil Lane Merges:
Indicators? What are those? In Riyadh, lane merging is a true test of bravery and intuition. Don't be shy; just merge as if you're auditioning for the next Fast and Furious movie. Confidence is key, and remember, blinkers are for the weak.
Ash Tip But I do suggest you always use them.
Traffic Jams: Finding Zen in Chaos:
In Riyadh, traffic jams are an opportunity for mindfulness and self-discovery. Embrace the slow pace, practice your deep breathing, and turn your car into a mini yoga studio. Hey, maybe you'll master the art of meditation before you reach your destination!
Ash Tip My favourite now is listening to Audiobooks. I'm flying through them now and actually find it relaxing as I drive.
GPS vs "Go-Positioning System":
In Riyadh, GPS stands for "Go-Positioning System" because no matter how advanced your navigation device is, the roads might have a different plan. Embrace the unexpected detours, take the scenic route, go all out Dukes of Hazards over non-marked speed bumps and who knows? You might just stumble upon a hidden Yemini Restaurant (it's the future)!
Ash Tip is to use Google Maps for every single trip you embark on, as it's the most up-to-date app for traffic in Riyadh.
Driving with Wildlife:
In Saudi Arabia, camels and goats might not respect pedestrian crossings, but they certainly have the right-of-way on the roads. Keep your eyes peeled for these unconventional road users; they're the true VIPs of the desert highways.
Ash Tip If you do have a collision with anything at all, always call Najm in the app on your phone.
"Emergency" Flashers:
In Riyadh, drivers have a unique way of expressing their intentions – the infamous "emergency" flashers. They might signal a lane change, double-parking, or even stopping for a quick coffee break. It's like a secret code between drivers, and you'll become fluent in no time.
. AshTip It's a daily common occurrence that cars will just stop in front of you outside a shop or office.
Flash Ta Pass:
The key to a smooth journey is just to go with the flow and keep a smile at all times. Especially when a Nissan Patrol comes hurdling up the road behind you, flashing its main beams at you. This is the international sign for " Get out of my way, slow coach. I'm bigger and more important than you." Trust me, once you get the hang of things and you exchange your Yaris for a bigger car, you can't help but prove you have moved up the pecking order by doing this.
Ash Tip Get out of the way. It's not worth the stress.
Conclusion:
Driving in Saudi Arabia, particularly in Riyadh, is a roller coaster ride like no other. Embrace the chaos, find humour in the quirks, and remember that driving is an adventure, not just a means to an end. Keep your spirits high, your seatbelts on, and cherish the memorable experiences that only driving in Saudi Arabia can offer. But although this was written with a tongue-in-cheek intention, always follow the rules and traffic laws.
Safe travels!
Ash