Motorists seeking the ultimate straight-line driving experience need look no further than Saudi Arabia, home to the world's longest straight road. This remarkable stretch of tarmac allows drivers to travel for more than 150 miles without encountering a single bend.
A Record-Breaking Desert Highway
Highway 10, which links Haradh to Al Batha, cuts directly through the heart of the vast Rub Al-Khali desert. Originally constructed as a private road for the late King Fahd, this incredible feat of engineering now holds the official Guinness World Record for the planet's longest corner-free road.
The record-breaking section spans an impressive 240 kilometres (approximately 149 miles). According to Guinness World Records, the journey along this super-straight stretch has an estimated driving time of around two hours, which is surprisingly quick given the distance.
From Australian Outback to Saudi Sands
This Saudi Arabian route has snatched the title from the previous record-holder, Australia's Eyre Highway. The Australian road measured roughly 146 kilometres (91.25 miles) without a turn, making the new champion significantly longer.
The construction of this road is part of a broader trend in the Middle Eastern nation, which has recently emerged as a major player in global motorsport. Saudi Arabia now hosts prestigious events including the Dakar Rally, a Formula 1 Grand Prix, and the Extreme E off-road championship. The country's expansive desert landscapes provide the perfect canvas for creating spectacular racing circuits and unique roads like Highway 10.
Driving Dangers and Linear Ambitions
Officials have issued warnings to motorists using the record-breaking road. The monotonous landscape and complete absence of turns can lull drivers into a false sense of security, potentially leading to dangerous speeding or a loss of concentration.
This highway is not Saudi Arabia's only venture into dramatic linear design. The nation has begun construction on a £1 trillion 'smart city' in the Tabuk Province, known as Neom. Its centrepiece, dubbed 'The Line', is a planned 110-mile-long metropolis consisting of two enormous parallel structures.
This vision, championed by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, aims to diversify the nation's economy away from fossil fuels towards science and leisure. However, the project has faced criticism, with some involved privately describing the proposals as 'untethered from reality'. Prominent design scientist Melissa Sterry has also warned that the mirrored-glass construction could act as a 'giant greenhouse', a potentially lethal feature in a region where a recent heatwave saw temperatures hit 40C, resulting in over 1,000 deaths during the Haj pilgrimage.
