Your overland journey between Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates is a classic Gulf road trip, but one that requires passing through a third country. There is no direct land border between Kuwait and the UAE; the entirety of your route involves a substantial drive across the territory of Saudi Arabia.
The trip is a two-stage process involving two separate international borders. First, you will cross from Kuwait into Saudi Arabia, typically at the busy Nuwaiseeb-Khafji post on the coast or the Salmi-Raqi post further inland. From there, you must travel approximately 500 kilometers across Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province.
The second stage is crossing from Saudi Arabia into the UAE. This takes place at the Al Ghuwaifat-Al Batha border, a large and modern facility that is the only land link between the two countries. This entire journey requires careful planning, especially concerning visas. You must ensure you have a valid multi-entry or transit visa for Saudi Arabia in addition to any visas needed for Kuwait and the UAE.
This route highlights the unique geography of the Persian Gulf, where Saudi Arabia acts as a land bridge connecting its northern and southern neighbors. The drive is long and primarily through the desert, but the highways are of high quality.