As a Saudi citizen, you enjoy one of the simplest entry processes to the UAE.1 The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) agreement grants Saudi nationals visa-free access, making the UAE an easy destination for tourism, shopping, business meetings, family visits, and transit to other destinations.

Entry Process

Entering the UAE as a Saudi citizen is straightforward:

1. Arrive at any UAE port of entry

You can enter through major international airports including Dubai International (DXB), Abu Dhabi International (AUH), Sharjah (SHJ), and Dubai World Central (DWC).2 Land borders, including the Ghuwaifat crossing, and seaports also accept GCC nationals.

2. Present your Saudi National ID or passport at immigration

Hand your valid Saudi National ID or Saudi passport to the immigration officer.1 Either document is accepted. For Saudi National ID, ensure it is valid and has not been reported lost or stolen.

3. Answer any questions

Immigration officers may ask about your travel purpose, length of stay, and accommodation. Be prepared with clear answers. For GCC nationals, questioning is typically brief and routine.

4. Receive your entry stamp

Upon verification, you will receive an entry stamp allowing a stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.5 Keep your travel documents safe as you will need to present them when departing.

Fees

As a Saudi citizen, you enter the UAE at no cost.1 The eVisa and other visa options are available for non-GCC nationals but are unnecessary for Saudi citizens who enter visa-free.

What You Need to Prove

UAE immigration focuses on standard entry verification for GCC nationals:

Valid identity document: Your Saudi National ID or Saudi passport must be valid.1 Expired or damaged documents will be rejected.

Genuine visitor purpose: Be ready to briefly explain why you are visiting the UAE. Common purposes include tourism, shopping, visiting family, business meetings, medical treatment, transit, or attending events.

No outstanding issues: You should not have any previous immigration violations, outstanding fines, or legal issues in the UAE that would trigger a travel ban.

Processing Times

Entry processing is immediate at the immigration counter.1 During peak travel times such as UAE National Day, Eid holidays, long weekends, Saudi National Day, and major events like the Dubai Shopping Festival, allow extra time for longer queues at busy airports and land borders.

Popular Entry Points from Saudi Arabia

By Air:

• Riyadh to Dubai (1.5 hours)
• Riyadh to Abu Dhabi (1.5 hours)
• Jeddah to Dubai (2 hours)
• Dammam to Dubai (1 hour)

By Land:

• Ghuwaifat Border (Saudi Arabia to Abu Dhabi)
• Al Batha Border Crossing

The Riyadh-Dubai and Jeddah-Dubai routes are among the busiest air corridors in the region, with multiple daily flights operated by Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia), Emirates, flydubai, flynas, and Air Arabia.

After You Enter the UAE

During your stay: Carry your Saudi National ID or passport with you at all times as it serves as your identification and proof of legal entry. Hotels will typically register your stay automatically.3

Currency and banking: The UAE’s currency is the Dirham (AED). ATMs are widely available throughout the country. Saudi bank cards work at most UAE ATMs. Major credit cards are accepted at hotels, restaurants, malls, and most establishments.

Emergency contacts: The Saudi Embassy in Abu Dhabi can assist with emergencies. Keep their contact information handy: Phone: +971 2 445 5555.4 Saudi Consulate in Dubai: +971 4 397 9777.

Driving: Saudi driving licenses are recognized in the UAE. You can rent a car with your Saudi National ID and Saudi driving license. Traffic rules are similar to Saudi Arabia, with driving on the right side of the road.

Extending your stay: If you wish to stay longer than 90 days, apply for an extension through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) or the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICP). Apply before your permitted stay expires to avoid penalties.

Departure: Present your Saudi National ID or passport at immigration when leaving the UAE. Officers will stamp your document with an exit stamp. Ensure you depart before your 90-day limit expires.

If Entry is Denied

Entry denial for Saudi citizens is rare but can occur. If denied entry:

Understand the reason: Ask the immigration officer for the specific reason. Common issues include document problems, previous violations, outstanding fines, or security concerns.

Contact the Saudi Embassy: If you believe the denial is unjustified, contact the Saudi Embassy in Abu Dhabi for assistance. They can help communicate with UAE authorities.

Document everything: Keep records of the denial, including any documents given to you by immigration. This information is important if you wish to resolve the issue for future travel.

Check for bans: Previous overstays, traffic violations, or legal issues may result in entry bans. If you suspect this is the issue, contact the relevant UAE authorities or the UAE embassy in Saudi Arabia before attempting to travel again.

Clear outstanding issues: If entry denial is due to unpaid fines or debts from previous visits, you may need to settle these obligations before being allowed entry again. Contact GDRFA or relevant authorities to understand what is owed.

Most entry issues can be resolved by ensuring your Saudi National ID or passport is valid, clearing any outstanding obligations from previous visits, and being prepared to answer basic questions about your travel purpose.