All about planning a road trip to Salalah from Dubai
It takes under two hours to fly from Dubai to the Omani city of Salalah. But if you’d rather take the more scenic route, plan a Dubai to Salalah road trip and enjoy the picturesque sights until you reach Dhofar, Salalah’s seashore capital.
ABOUT SALALAH
The second-largest city in the Sultanate of Oman, Salalah is famous for its vast stretch of beaches, lush green spaces that come alive during the monsoon season and delicious cuisine. Not to forget the vibrant souks and many cultural experiences this beachfront town offers every traveller. The town’s unique location next to the Arabian Sea makes it a popular option for tourists and adventure seekers.
It’s a comfortable experience, provided you don’t mind a long drive. However, regardless of how many road trips in the UAE you have taken, it still pays to be prepared. Without further ado, here is how to plan your Salalah trip from Dubai by road.
Preparation
Water bottles are essential during your road trip, considering you will travel through the desert. Apart from staying hydrated, here is what you need for the journey.
- A reliable vehicle that has been serviced recently
- Omani riyals
- Power banks to charge your smartphone
- Snacks
We can’t stress about cash enough, considering that many Omani petrol stations don’t accept credit cards.
How to travel from Dubai to Salalah by road
A trip to Oman from Dubai by road is a relatively straightforward venture through a vast desert. You can take in the sights of the rolling dunes, camels and the serene stretch, making it a worthy drive for hardcore road trippers.
To start, here is what you need to know about the distance between Dubai and Salalah by road and the time it will take you to get to the city.
- Dubai to Salalah Distance: 1,226 km
- Drive duration: Approximately 12 hours
The speediest way to travel to Salalah from Dubai by road is via Route 31, following the Dubai Al Ain Road (E66). While the route may seem simple enough, we recommend relying on Google Maps to ensure you stay on track. Whether your ride is a four-wheeler or a regular sedan, ensure it’s well-maintained. Repair shops are a fair distance once you start your journey.
Where to fuel up
There are dozens of petrol stations along the route to Salalah. So, unless you want to err on the side of caution, you don’t need to refuel at every other gas station along the way.
We recommend refuelling during long stretches with no stations. For example, the longest stretch for fuel stations is between Haima and Thumrait, which is three hours. However, the significant factor is the car you are driving. Keep an eye on the fuel meter.
Passing through the Hafeet Border
You will pass through the Hafeet Border during your road trip from Dubai to Oman. Avoid trips during peak times or be prepared to face the traffic if possible. The border can become pretty crowded during the summer and winter holidays. So, you and your road trip buddies may wait long at the border during this time.
GCC nationals are allowed visas upon entry at the border, and the country’s e-visa system allows tourists to enter the country more easily. Make sure you check out the Oman visa cost for UAE residents.
Apply for an Oman Visa
Apply early for your e-visa to get approved in time for your trip. This can be done from an online portal. Here’s the Oman UAE visa process for UAE residents:
- Register and log into the Oman E-visa portal
- Fill and print out the application form
- Take the form to an ROP office near you
You must be a UAE resident with a valid passport (for at least six months) to apply. You will also need to provide photos of yourself.
- Cost of unsponsored tourist visa: OMR 5 (approximately AED 47.73)
- Validity: 28 days
If you don’t have the said tourist visa on hand, you might have to get in line at the border, and if the queue is long, there’s a long wait to re-apply at the border in person. Charges also apply, so make sure you have cash and/or a credit card.
Drive safe
Oman has spent a lot on its road systems. So, large potholes are something that you won’t have to worry about on your Dubai to Salalah road trip. As with most highways, the drivers usually present the most danger. Apart from reckless drivers, strong crosswinds can be a problem while crossing the city of Al Ain.
We recommend taking breaks and having someone from your party drive for a few hours to avoid falling asleep at the wheel.
When to go on a Dubai to Salalah road trip
If you want to complete the entire journey in one go, we recommend leaving early in the morning to avoid driving at night, when the roads may not be as well-lit.
The desert landscape will give way to smatterings of lush greenery an hour before you reach Salalah. And the long trip will have been well worth it. For the best experience, we recommend going between July and September when the weather is cooler.
Things to do in Salalah
The fun begins once you finally reach Salalah. Here are some places worth a visit:
- Al Fazayah Beach
- Sultan Qaboos Masjid
- Taqa Castle
- Wadi Durbat
FAQS ABOUT TRAVELING FROM DUBAI TO SALALAH
Where should I go in Oman?
Once you reach Salalah, check out the best places to visit in Oman. Your options include Jebel Shams and the beautiful island of Masirah.
What are the best road trip destinations in the UAE?
Are you looking for more options? No matter where you live in the country, you can always grab a few pals and go for the best long drive in the UAE. If you are new to the country, familiarising yourself with major highways in the UAE, like Sheikh Zayed Road (E11), will be a good idea.
Where can I travel from Dubai?
Apart from Oman, you can travel to European destinations from Dubai. You can easily find flights to places like Vienna within a six-hour distance from the emirate. Furthermore, you can always take the Dubai Oman bus service to head to Oman.
How can I travel from the country to the Maldives?
Here’s what you need to know about travelling from the UAE to the Maldives. Fortunately, the process is easy if you know what to do. The island country offers visas on arrival to tourists, which can cut down your pre-travel preparations.
That’s a wrap to planning your Dubai to Salalah road trip. If you’re looking for other destinations for an Oman road trip from Dubai, plan a trip to Khasab. Are you looking for more travel destinations within the UAE? Consider our picks for the best short weekend trips from Dubai.
