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 took part in the journey.The account, preserved by the King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives, known as Darah, offers a striking glimpse of movement across the Kingdom at a time when long-distance travel bore little resemblance to the highway journeys of today.The royal journey took place in 1348H/1930.Its purpose was not ceremonial. King Abdulaziz was traveling to Makkah to personally oversee affairs related to the Hajj season, inspect the conditions of pilgrims and follow the services being provided to them.The route itself reveals the scale of the undertaking.From Riyadh, the convoy passed through Al-Haysiyah, Al-Dawadmi, Al-Dafinah, Al-Muwayh, Al-Ushairah and Al-Sail before reaching Makkah.But it was the organization of the journey that distinguished it from the King’s earlier travels.Darah notes that the trip involved a different level of preparation and arrangement, particularly in the resources accompanying it.The convoy numbered approximately 300 automobiles of multiple makes.Mercedes vehicles traveled alongside Lincolns. There were Hudsons and Packards, Chevrolets and Lancias, Studebakers and Fords, among others.Seen from the perspective of 2026, when the journey between Riyadh and Makkah is supported by modern highways, air connections and extensive transport infrastructure, the number is particularly striking.In 1930, moving hundreds of vehicles across that distance was itself a major logistical exercise.The convoy also reveals something about the changing nature of royal travel.King Abdulaziz’s journeys were closely connected to governing. Traveling allowed him to inspect conditions directly, follow public affairs and oversee matters requiring his attention in different parts of the country.On this occasion, the destination was Makkah and the responsibility was Hajj.The contemporary record survives in Umm Al-Qura. Darah cites issue No. 282, dated May 2, 1930, as a source for the journey.Nearly a century later, the image remains compelling:A King traveling west from Riyadh.Seven principal points along the route.And around 300 automobiles moving across the country toward Makkah.It is a snapshot of Saudi Arabia already on the move.