Residents traveling between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Riyadh are forced to spend more time planning trips, undertake longer journeys, and use additional ground transfers as some passengers seek alternatives to their usual air routes.
Due to the temporary suspension of direct flights, residents are exploring various ways to reach the capital of Saudi Arabia, including landing in other cities and then continuing the journey by land transport. For some, this means traveling through Dammam in KSA, while others use Bahrain as a transit point before further travel to Riyadh.
These changes in travel occurred against the backdrop of recent attacks on Saudi airports and energy infrastructure, which disrupted flight operations, including at Riyadh Airport. As a result, passengers are weighing options for flights, ground transportation, and subsequent connections when moving between the UAE and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
For those with work commitments in Riyadh, finding an alternative route has become a practical necessity. Others in Dubai remain flexible with their plans, hoping to return by air once regular flights resume.
A 59-year-old British specialist residing in Riyadh, who wished to remain unnamed, is one of those using a longer route to return to Saudi Arabia after visiting family in the UK. After the trip to Dubai, she plans to fly to Manama in Bahrain and then continue to Riyadh by land transport, which will take another five to six hours.
She noted: 'I went to the UK to meet my family, but due to airport closures, I had to find another way to get back to Riyadh, where I live. Now I have reached Dubai and will fly from here to Manama in Bahrain. From there, I will drive to Riyadh, which is expected to take about five to six hours. It's a longer route than usual, but it's the route I must take to get back to work in Riyadh.'
A 46-year-old marketer, Vidjan R., was also forced to travel to Riyadh due to professional obligations. He flew from Dubai to Dammam on Sunday to attend the World Oil and Gas Congress 2026, and then continued by land transport.
He reported: 'It was a big event on the Riyadh calendar, so I still had to go to Riyadh. I flew from Dubai to Dammam in Saudi Arabia, and then drove to Riyadh, which takes about four hours.' After completing the event, Vidjan intends to partially make his way back before returning to the UAE. His return journey will include a drive from Riyadh to Dammam, followed by another drive to Bahrain.
He added: 'But now I am finished and plan to drive back to Dammam, and then by car to Bahrain, which takes about an hour. After that, I will fly from Bahrain back to the UAE.'
Not everyone is prepared for additional ground transfers. For some residents, staying in Dubai and waiting for more convenient flight options remains the preferred option.
Rishi Joshi (name changed), who holds dual citizenship, arrived in Dubai on Friday to meet his family. He is currently trying to figure out the best way to return to Riyadh but is keeping his plans open. He stated: 'I am trying to find a way to get back to Riyadh after the closures of the airports in the Kingdom. This is a temporary closure, and I hope everything will reopen soon, and I can return by plane to at least one of the Saudi Arabian airports from the UAE. I am here for now. It's just a matter of 'waiting and watching'. '