This 256 km highway in Saudi Arabia is world’s longest road without a bend

The super-straight stretch has an estimated driving time of around two hours. Originally constructed as a private road for King Fahd, the Highway runs from Haradh, a city renowned for its oil and gas reserves, to Al Batha, near the United Arab Emirates border, according to a report by Arab News.

Previously, the Eyre Highway, a 146-kilometre-long stretch connecting Western Australia and South Australia, held the record for the straightest road. While driving on Highway 10 might seem like setting the cruise control on autopilot, drivers are warned against complacency. Information found on dangerousroads.org emphasises that despite the lack of bends, collisions are not uncommon. The desert landscape presents its own set of hazards, with vehicles needing to be cautious of stray camels and the occasional kangaroo.

While the exact reasons behind building such a long, straight road remain unknown, some speculate it served as a high-speed route for the King. Regardless of its origin, Highway 10 stands as a testament to modern engineering and a truly unique driving experience, albeit one that requires a healthy dose of driver awareness.