Saudi Arabia’s Highway 10 holds the Guinness World Record as the longest uninterrupted straight road, stretching 256 kilometers (159 miles). Running from Haradh, a city rich in oil and gas resources, to Al Batha near the UAE border, this road cuts through the vast Rub Al-Khali desert without a single bend.
Originally built as a private road for King Fahd, Highway 10 is part of a 1,475-kilometer highway system. The road is heavily used for transporting goods across the desert, offering a direct route with an estimated driving time of about two hours. While the road’s construction likely aimed to enable high-speed travel for the king, its exact purpose remains speculative.
Highway 10 surpasses Australia’s Eyre Highway, which previously held the record with a 146-kilometer straight stretch. Despite its straight path, drivers must remain vigilant due to potential hazards like stray camels and challenging desert conditions.
Engineering and Infrastructure
Highway 10 is fully paved and well-maintained to support its heavy use for transporting goods between Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Its construction showcases advanced engineering, designed to endure the harsh desert environment while providing a reliable transportation route.
Driving Experience
Driving on Highway 10 offers a unique experience due to its length and straightness. Though the journey may seem monotonous, drivers must stay alert for potential hazards like stray camels and other wildlife. This challenge distinguishes Highway 10 from other long, straight roads where curves and changes in terrain are more common.
Highway 10 stands out in global transportation infrastructure, combining impressive length, historical significance, engineering excellence, and unique driving challenges.
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