Driving between Riyadh and Dammam, Saudi Arabia, we entertained ourselves by "collecting" road signs that were unusual or even just a little different from what we're accustomed to in the United States. Some were quite normal - what you'd expect along a highway - but just in a different language. Others, like the 'sandstorm area' and 'camel crossing' signs reflect the geography, while the series of common Islamic sayings are indicative of the predominant culture.
Camel crossing! We encountered several of these along our way.
The camel crossing, consisting of an actual bridge across the highway just for camels. The camels roam free-range across the desert in the surrounding area.
Sandstorms. A real concern in this part of the world.
Thanks be to God, lord of all worlds.
There is no God but Allah, Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.
God's forgiveness, and repent to Him.
Oh Allah, bless Muhammad.
Halelujah and praise. Glory be to God the almighty.
Al-Gisha 20 km (its a town)
Ministry of Transportation. Wishing you safety and invites you to visit its website. If you have any comments, call the free number.
A sign from the Ministry of Transportation, General Administration of Roads and Transport, Eastern Region announcing a project.
Speed limit 120 km/h.
Out in the middle of the desert there's this abandoned Ferris wheel that's clearly part of a never completed real estate development.
Quite typical of the region, a lot of trucks like this are colorfully painted and decorated by their owners.
The so-called curves were more deviations from the otherwise perfectly straight highway.
In German it says, "We drive well" or "We drive you well," depending on how it's read.
120 km/hr speed limit.
Saudi Red Crescent Authority, Ambulance station.
Another sign from the Ministry of Transportation, General Administration of Roads and Transport, Eastern Region announcing a project.
140 km/hr speed limit!
Check point ahead! There is one of these each way on the route. For us it was largely perfunctory and we were simply waved through. I suspect one of their functions is to make sure travelers have a suitable vehicle and enough fuel to make it through the desert.
The signs says, "Using a mobile phone while driving exposes you to serious accidents. To request help, remember this number 997." In the background are potable water tanks, which partially provide water to the city of Riyadh.
Massive water tanks, holding potable water, which partially provide water to the city of Riyadh. In this part of Saudi, fresh water is produced by a saline water conversion process.
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