300 cars to Makkah
RIYADH — Mercedes, Lincoln, Hudson, Packard, Chevrolet, Lancia, Studebaker and Ford.They are names more readily associated with the history of the automobile than with travel across Saudi Arabia almost a century ago.Yet in 1930, vehicles from all of those manufacturers were part of an extraordinary convoy accompanying King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud from Riyadh to Makkah.Around 300 cars…
In 1930, an impressive convoy of around 300 cars from various car manufacturers embarked on a journey from Riyadh to Makkah. The roster of automobiles included Mercedez, Lincolns, Hudsons, Packards, Chevrolets, Lancias, Studebakers, and Fords. This convoy was part of King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud's mission to personally oversee affairs related to the Hajj season, inspect the conditions of pilgrims, and oversee services being provided to them.
The route for the journey was extensive, passing through several key locations including Al-Haysiyah, Al-Dawadmi, Al-Dafinah, Al-Muwayh, Al-Ushairah, and Al-Sail before reaching Makkah. What made this journey unique was the comprehensive organization and preparation involved, particularly in terms of the resources accompanying the convoy.
At a time when modern highways, air connections, and extensive transport infrastructure were not available, moving hundreds of vehicles across such a distance was a significant logistical exercise. This snapshot of Saudi Arabia already on the move in 1930 offers a striking glimpse of movement across the Kingdom, highlighting the changing nature of royal travel and the importance of the Hajj season.
Written by urgent.news from Saudi Gazette's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
