To have spent time on the road in the United Arab Emirates is to understand that the country is so much more than luxury hotels, beaches and the Formula One. Cruising through oases and mountain villages, passing ancient forts and herds of camels, all on wide, well-maintained highways and with cheap fuel is one of the true pleasures of travel in the UAE.
But equally in Ras al-Khaimah or in Fujairah, it is genuinely possible to get off the beaten track on narrow roads that snake through mountain passes and beside remote beaches. If you have a 4X4 and are comfortable with desert driving (read more on this below), you can go even more off the beaten track and into the sands of the Empty Quarter for nights under the stars.
Exploring the UAE by car also allows for flexible travel beyond major cities. While things are improving, there remains limited public transport outside Dubai and Abu Dhabi, so road trips are a way to visit less accessible destinations. Below are suggested itineraries that connect key sights and lesser-known areas, with options for different types of travellers.
1. Dubai to Hatta heritage drive
Dubai – Hatta; 135km; 1.5–2 hours (one way)
An entry-level drive for those based in Dubai is to the territory of Hatta, an enclave in the Hajar Mountains known for its restored heritage village, dam and hiking trails. You can also kayak at the Hatta Dam, while the Hatta Wadi Hub has outdoor activities like mountain biking.
Places to stay include Hatta Fort Hotel and eco-lodges like Sedr Trailers. This trip works well for a day or weekend. For a scenic detour through rolling sand dunes take the road through Lahbab.
2. Abu Dhabi to Al Ain oasis trail
Abu Dhabi – Al Ain; 170km; 1.5–2 hours (one way)
Al Ain, known as the Garden City, is a palm oasis rich with archaeological sites, including some that date back over 3,000 years and were home to some of the earliest residents of the Arabian Peninsula. Key sights include Al Ain Oasis, Al Jahili Fort, and the Camel Market.
The drive is direct, mostly along the E22 highway, but you could consider staying overnight at Al Ain Rotana or Oryx Grand Jebel Hafeet. Cooler temperatures at higher elevations make it a great place to visit during the hot summer months.
3. Northern Emirates circuit
Dubai – Ras Al Khaimah – Fujairah – Kalba – Dubai; 500km loop; 2–3 days
This road trip has everything the UAE has to offer: desert, mountains and sea.
Starting in Dubai, take the E611 to Ras Al Khaimah for Wadi Shawka hikes or the Jebel Jais mountain road. Continue to Fujairah for beaches and historical mosques. Return to Dubai via Kalba, where mangroves offer kayaking and birdwatching.
The Ritz-Carlton Al Wadi or Fujairah Rotana are options for overnight stays, and consider doing the drive on a weekday to avoid commuter traffic in and out of Dubai.
4. Desert to sea drive
Abu Dhabi – Liwa Oasis – Sir Bani Yas Island; 350km; 2–3 days
Beginning in Abu Dhabi, head south all the way to the Liwa Oasis where you will see massive dunes and desert forts. You can then travel to Jebel Dhanna and take a ferry to Sir Bani Yas Island, which is home to wildlife reserves and beaches.
Deep in the desert, Qasr Al Sarab is an amazing place to stay, or you could opt for the Anantara resorts on Sir Bani Yas – or both. You don’t need a 4X4 for any of the sites above, but you will if you want to go off-road into the Rub' al Khali. Make sure to bone up on the dos and don’ts of desert driving: letting air out of your tires, and stocking up on fuel and water.
5. Dubai to Musandam (Oman)
Dubai – Khasab; 200km; 2.5–3 hours (plus border time)
Take a trip from Dubai into the magical land of Musandam in Oman, where mountains descend dramatically into the sea, wild sheep roam the mountains and little villages look like they haven’t changed for 300 years. The road to Musandam hugs the coast and once in Khasab, travellers can take dhow cruises (from Dibba) or snorkel. A passport and visa may be required, and not all rental cars are allowed across borders. Possible accommodation options are the Atana Khasab or a guesthouse in Dibba, as well as an overnight stay on many of the dhows. It is best to avoid the border on weekends.
6. Dubai to Abu Dhabi connector
Dubai – Abu Dhabi; 140km; 1.5 hours
If you’re based in Dubai and you want to explore Abu Dhabi, a car is a reasonable option, particularly if you want to see out of town sites like the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Yas Island and some of the more remote beaches on Saadiyat Island. You could even extend the trip by going via Al Ain on routes E66 out of Dubai and then E22 back to Abu Dhabi. Avoid the main Dubai to Abu Dhabi road during rush hour on weekdays.
7. Short escape from Dubai
Dubai – Al Marmoom Desert – Dubai; 100km round trip; Half-day
Take the E66 out of Dubai as above, but hang left before Al Lisaili and follow signs to Al Qudra Lake and the Al Marmoom Conservation Reserve, which are good for spotting wildlife, cycling and stunning sunsets. Bring food and water, as services are limited.
8. Sharjah to Khorfakkan coastal route
Sharjah – Khorfakkan; 160km; 2 hours (one way)
This road trip takes tunnels and hills towards the Gulf of Oman. Khorfakkan, an enclave of Sharjah, has beaches, mountain viewpoints and a restored fort. The route is paved and passes through Masafi, where a Friday Market sells local produce and pottery.
Khorfakkan Corniche is a walkable area with cafes and hikers can explore the Al Rabi Trail, while families may prefer the beach or Shees Park. Accommodation includes budget hotels and guesthouses. It is a straightforward trip suitable for a weekend or even a long day trip.
Tips for driving in the UAE
- Carry your passport, license and rental documents
- Fuel is affordable but be sure to refuel before long desert drives
- Speed limits vary throughout the UAE and there are lots of cameras
- Most roads are paved but expect sand or gravel in rural areas
- Use navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze
- Watch out for animals, especially camels, at night outside cities
