Mudawara Border Crossing

A Crossing on the Hejaz Railway Route

Important Note for Travelers: This is a remote border crossing. It is essential to verify its current operational status and hours with official government sources from both Jordan and Saudi Arabia before planning your trip.

The border crossing connecting the area near Mudawara in Jordan with Mudawara in Saudi Arabia is a journey into the deep, remote heart of the Arabian Desert. This is a secondary checkpoint, a quiet road that runs parallel to the historic route of the Hejaz Railway, the famous line built by the Ottomans to connect Damascus with the holy city of Medina. To cross here is to travel through a landscape of immense, empty beauty, a passage defined by the romance of the old railway, the starkness of the desert, and the deep history of the Hajj pilgrimage route. It is a crossing for the adventurous traveler, a journey into a land of epic landscapes and history.

Operational Details

This checkpoint connects the Ma’an Governorate of Jordan with the Tabuk Province of Saudi Arabia. It is an international crossing, but it is much quieter than the main commercial crossing at Al-Omari. It is crucial to check its operational status and hours before travel, as it may not be open 24/7. The crossing is intended for passenger cars and local traffic. The road leading to the border on both sides is a long and lonely desert highway. The traffic is generally very light, making for a quick and uncomplicated crossing, but the remoteness is the main challenge.

Before Crossing

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A History of the Hejaz Railway

The history of this region is the history of the Hejaz Railway. Built by the Ottoman Empire in the early 20th century, the railway was a major engineering feat, designed to transport pilgrims to Mecca and to assert Ottoman control over the Arabian Peninsula. During World War I, the railway became a major target for the Arab Revolt, led by T.E. Lawrence (“Lawrence of Arabia”), who famously led guerrilla attacks on the line. The abandoned tracks, stations, and derelict locomotives of the Hejaz Railway can still be seen along the route, a poignant and beautiful monument to a bygone era. The modern border crossing follows this historic and legendary path.

The Border Crossing Procedure

The border crossing procedure is a rigorous and meticulous process. You will pass through modern and highly secure facilities on both sides. You will need a valid passport and visas for both countries, which must be obtained in advance. A special Hajj or Umrah visa is required for pilgrims. Vehicle registration and international insurance are also necessary. The checks by both Jordanian and Saudi authorities are very thorough. As a smaller crossing, the process may be faster than at the main highway, but the level of scrutiny is just as high.

The Surrounding Region: Jordan Side

On the Jordanian side, the crossing is in the far south of the country. The road from the border leads towards the magnificent desert landscapes of Wadi Rum, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its dramatic sandstone mountains, its red sands, and its connection to Lawrence of Arabia. The ancient Nabatean city of Petra, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, is also in this region. The port city of Aqaba on the Red Sea is the main regional center.

The Surrounding Region: Saudi Arabia Side

On the Saudi side, the crossing is in the Tabuk Province, a region of stunning and diverse desert landscapes. The road from the border leads towards the city of Tabuk. The region is home to the magnificent landscapes of Wadi Al-Disah and the future site of NEOM, the futuristic mega-city being built on the Red Sea coast. The area is also rich in archaeological heritage, including the ancient Nabatean tombs of Mada’in Saleh (Hegra), a UNESCO World Heritage site, which is further to the south.

Practical Travel Information

Practical planning is essential for this route. You must have all your documents, including visas, in perfect order. The official currencies are the Jordanian Dinar (JOD) in Jordan and the Saudi Riyal (SAR) in Saudi Arabia. The climate is one of extreme heat in the summer and can be cold in the winter. The desert landscape is vast and empty, with very few services. You must be completely self-sufficient with fuel, food, and water. Be aware of the strict laws and customs of Saudi Arabia.

Final Considerations

The Mudawara border crossing is a journey into the heart of the historic Hejaz. It is a quiet, remote checkpoint that offers a passage through a landscape of epic beauty and profound history. It is a route that follows the ghosts of the old Ottoman railway. For the adventurous and well-prepared traveler, it is a gateway to the wonders of Wadi Rum in Jordan and the newly opened tourist sites of northwestern Saudi Arabia. It is a crossing that is a true desert adventure, a journey into the magnificent and empty heart of Arabia.