Trump Riyadh Visit 2025 | Road Closures, Traffic Updates, & Alerts

As President Donald Trump lands in Riyadh for his 2025 visit after taking the seat at the white-house again, the Saudi capital is bracing for heightened security and significant road closures. Whether you’re commuting to work, heading to the airport, or planning an event, routing through the city this week will require foresight and traffic updates.

President Donald Trump’s 2025 visit to Saudi Arabia marks a significant moment in U.S.-Gulf relations, emphasizing economic collaboration and strategic partnerships.

If you’re living in Riyadh or traveling through the city between May 13–15, this guide will help you with the traffic advisories, detour options, and security updates surrounding the Trump Riyadh visit 2025.

Security Tightens Across the Capital

With multiple bilateral meetings, a Gulf Cooperation Council summit, and several high-level stops on his agenda, President Trump’s Saudi Arabia trip is triggering a citywide lockdown in phases. Security around embassies, government districts, and luxury hotels has been significantly ramped up.

The Ritz-Carlton Riyadh, where President Biden also stayed in 2022, is once again the preferred base for U.S. delegations. Expect restricted access in surrounding neighborhoods like Al Hada, Wadi Hanifah, and King Saud Road.
Diplomatic Quarter (DQ) is operating under maximum security, with checkpoints tightening around foreign missions and sensitive installations.
Real-time traffic monitoring and aerial surveillance have been deployed in cooperation with the Ministry of Interior and the U.S. Secret Service.
Residents are urged to stay updated with live traffic and news bulletins as unannounced convoy movements may trigger sudden diversions.

Key Metropolitan Areas Expected to Be Affected

Several key areas might experience disruptions during motorcade movements for this high-profile VIP visit.

King Khalid International Airport (RUH): Arrival and departure roads are subject to rolling closures. Avoid traveling to RUH between 12 PM and 7 PM on May 13.
Diplomatic Quarter (DQ): Expect roadblocks on Circle 1, Circle 2, and limited access to embassies.
Authorities will likely partially close King Abdulaziz Road and King Fahd Road during President Trump’s motorcade. Use Prince Turki Al Awwal Road or the Northern Ring Road as alternatives
Al Yamamah Palace & Diriyah Gate: These heritage and political venues may trigger intermittent restrictions in Al Dirah and Wadi Hanifah Road.
The Ministry of Education announced holidays on May 13 and 14 for Kindergarten to 5th grade students due to the ongoing Saudi-American and Gulf-American Summits. However, students from 6th to 12th grade will attend classes online.
The British International School Riyadh (BISR) will close its DQ campus on Tuesday, May 13 and Wednesday, May 14.
Hotel Zones (The Ritz-Carlton, InterContinental Riyadh): Roads around VIP hotels often have restricted entry.
Diriyah: Diriyah has announced closure of At-Turaif, Bujairi Terrace and Zallal till Wednesday, May 14.

Tip: Use King Saud Road or Makkah Al Mukarramah Road as potential detours.

Alternate Routes to Consider

In light of Trump’s Saudi Arabia visit 2025, residents in Riyadh should prepare for temporary road closures and heightened security near diplomatic zones, key hotels, and the King Khalid International Airport. Authorities have announced partial closures around King Abdulaziz Road, Olaya District, and Al Maather Street from May 13–14, especially during convoy movements. The Ministry of Interior urges the public to plan, use alternative routes such as the Northern Ring Road and Prince Turki Al Awwal Road, and stay updated via official @MOISaudiArabia alerts for real-time traffic information.

To avoid roadblocks in Riyadh, authorities advise locals to:

Use Northern Ring Road (Route 40) for east-west cross-city movement.
Drive via Takhassusi Street or Prince Turki Al Awwal Road for safer north-south transit.
Avoid the central Olaya and ministries district during daylight hours.
Riyadh Metro will operate without interruption during the visit, so make use of it to avoid road closures.

School Holidays & Online Classes During Trump’s Riyadh Visit

In line with the security protocols and regional summits scheduled during President Trump’s Riyadh visit 2025, the Ministry of Education has declared holidays for select school grades.

Kindergarten to 5th grade students across Riyadh will observe school holidays on May 13 and 14, while students from Grade 6 to 12 will continue their classes online.

The British International School Riyadh (BISR) has also confirmed the closure of its Diplomatic Quarter (DQ) campus on both days, as a precautionary measure due to heightened security in the area.

Schools are advising parents to check directly for specific schedules and online class instructions.

Public Travel Advisory & Regional Tour Internary

Monitor Local Alerts: Follow @RiyadhTraffic and the Ministry of Interior for real-time traffic updates and incident reports.
Expect Delays: Add a 30–60 minute buffer to all travel plans.
Rideshare & Taxis: Uber, Careem, and taxis may face blocked pickup zones and route diversions.
Security Checks: Expect screening points around VIP sites, including vehicles and personal bags.

Authorities recommend that embassy workers, school operators, and business owners prepare for limited access, adjusted office hours, and remote working contingencies where possible.

The regional tour itinerary of Trump’s Gulf and Middle East visit is as follows:

May 13: Arrival in Riyadh; bilateral meetings with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
May 14: Participation in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) summit in Riyadh.
May 15: Visit to Doha, Qatar; meeting with Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
May 16: Visit to Abu Dhabi, UAE; meeting with President Mohammed bin Zayed.

Economic Investments, Defense Deals, and Regional Diplomacy

President Trump is back in Riyadh, and so is the traffic! Expect tight security, rolling roadblocks, and possible delays across the capital. – (Credits: APNews)

As part of President Trump’s first foreign tour since returning to the White House in 2025, his visit to Saudi Arabia marks a renewed phase of U.S.-Saudi strategic alignment.

Anchored by a historic $600 billion Saudi investment pledge into the U.S. economy, the trip underscores mutual priorities in economic development, defense cooperation, including talks of a $100 billion arms deal, and cutting-edge AI collaboration.

Amid rising regional tensions, Trump’s discussions also aim to recalibrate diplomacy around the Israel-Gaza conflict, Pakistan-India war, Iranian influence, and broader Middle East stability, reaffirming the Kingdom’s pivotal role in shaping the geopolitical landscape.

The Closure

President Trump’s 2025 visit to Saudi Arabia underscores a strategic pivot in U.S. foreign policy, emphasizing economic partnerships and technological collaboration while steering complex geopolitical landscapes and rising tensions.

Stay tuned to local news, traffic apps, and check your navigation tools like Apple Maps or Google Maps throughout the day. The Trump Riyadh Visit Road Closures may be short in timing, but the impact on the daily movement will be significant. For further updates and road-blockage coverage, follow Soul of Saudi.

FAQs

Which roads will be closed in Riyadh during Trump’s visit?
Authorities are expected to close roads near King Khalid Airport, Diplomatic Quarter, King Fahd Road, King Abdulaziz Road, and areas surrounding VIP hotels like the Ritz-Carlton. Sudden shutdowns may also occur without prior notice due to convoy movements.

What are the alternate routes in Riyadh today?
Use the Northern Ring Road, Prince Turki Al Awwal Road, and Takhassusi Street for east-west or north-south travel. Avoid areas near embassies, ministries, and central Olaya.

Will airport roads be blocked for Trump’s convoy?
Yes. Access to King Khalid International Airport (RUH) will be periodically restricted, especially between 12 PM and 7 PM on May 13. Plan extra time for airport travel.

Can I use Uber or Careem during Trump’s visit?
Yes, but expect delays. Pickups and drop-offs may be unavailable in high-security areas. Surge pricing and longer wait times are also likely.

Are embassies and schools closing for the visit?
While no full embassy closures are announced, many international schools, including BISR’s DQ campus, will close or shift to online classes. Always check with your school or embassy for official guidance.