All about planning a road trip to Salalah from Dubai
It takes a little 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 till you reach the seashore capital of Dhofar, Salalah.
ABOUT SALALAH
The second-largest city in the Sultanate of Oman, Salalah is famous for its wide 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 that this beachfront town offers to 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 you can plan your Salalah trip from Dubai by road.
What should I bring before driving to Oman from Dubai by Road?
Bottles of water are important during your road trip considering you will be travelling through the desert. Apart from staying hydrated, here is what you need for the trip.
- 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 a lot of 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.
For a 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, make sure that it’s well-maintained. Repair shops are a fair distance once you start your journey.
Where do I 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. As an example, the longest stretch regarding 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 be passing through the Hafeet Border during your road trip from Dubai to Oman. If you can, try to avoid trips during peak times or be prepared to face the rush. The border can become pretty crowded during the summer and winter holidays. So you and your road trip buddies may be in for a long wait at the border during this time.
GCC Nationals are allowed visas on entry at the border and the country’s eVisa system allows tourists an easier way to enter the country. Make sure you check out the Oman visa cost for UAE residents.
Apply early for your e-Visa so it gets approved in time for your trip. If it doesn’t, you might have to get in line, and if the queue is long, there’s the long wait ahead to re-apply at the border in person. Charges also apply, so make sure that you have cash and/or credit card on hand.
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, it’s usually the drivers who present the most danger. Apart from reckless drivers, strong crosswinds can be a problem while crossing the city of Al Ain.
To avoid falling asleep at the wheel, we recommend taking breaks and having someone else from your party drive for a few hours.
When should I go on my 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 really 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?
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 UAE. If you are new to the country, it’ll be a good idea to familiarise yourself with major highways in the UAE like Sheikh Zayed Road (E11).
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, that are within a six-hour duration from the emirate.
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. Looking for more travel destinations within the UAE? Consider our picks for the best short weekend trips from Dubai.
