Best destinations for road trips around the UAE – bon voyage!
You haven’t experienced the best of this stunning country until you embark on a road trip. The sparkling beaches, picturesque mountains and mesmerising deserts are best enjoyed when driving around. So, pack your bags, find your favourite playlist and get ready to visit the best places for road trips in UAE.
ROAD TRIP DESTINATIONS IN THE UAE
RAS AL KHAIMAH – A PERFECT PLACE FOR ADVENTURE SEEKERS
Ras Al Khaimah is one of the best places for a weekend road trip in the UAE. This exquisite, historic location is known for its beautiful mountains and amazing activities for adventure junkies.
Ras Al Khaimah has popular hiking spots in the UAE, including Jebel Jais, the tallest mountain in the country. However, the emirate’s claim to fame is the world’s longest zip line, the Jebel Jais Flight, where you can fly past the mountains in an aerial adventure.
If you want to try some of the popular things to do in Ras Al Khaimah, plan a weekend getaway to this charming emirate with your friends! You can take a shuttle bus from Dubai Airport to visit RAK for a day from Dubai.
POPULAR ATTRACTIONS IN RAK
- Dhayah Fort
- Al Jazirah Al Hamra
- Mohammed Bin Salem Mosque
FUJAIRAH – A DIVING PARADISE
The scenic routes, spectacular views and surprise sightings of herds and wild camels make Fujairah the perfect destination to explore with your friends and family. Located on the coastline bordering the Gulf of Oman, Fujairah is all about the sea, with activities like marine clubs, beach resorts, fishing, sailing, diving and snorkelling.
Some popular attractions here include Snoopy Island, Sandy Beach and Khor Fakkan. The resorts in Fujairah offer activity packages for guests to try, including deep-sea diving, snorkelling and more.
POPULAR ATTRACTIONS IN FUJAIRAH
- Al Hayl Castle
- Fujairah Fort
- Sheikh Zayed Mosque
AL AIN – THE GARDEN CITY
Al Ain is one of the popular places for long drives in the UAE. The city gets its name from abundant natural oases, lush greenery and springs, complemented by a majestic mountainous backdrop.
One of the popular things to do in Al Ain on your UAE road trip is to check out Wadi Adventure. It has the world’s largest man-made white-water channels and a super-sized surf pool.
After aquatic adventures, you can make your way to the nation’s first curated UNESCO World Heritage Site, alongside a 3,000-year-old irrigation system. If you are a fan of wildlife, don’t forget to include the Al Ain Zoo in your itinerary. Here, you can experience a safari and see everything from lions, giraffes, deer, and Arabian oryx!
POPULAR ATTRACTION IN AL AIN
- The Hilton Al Ain
- Danat Al Ain Resort
- Jebel Hafeet
UMM AL QUWAIN – A TOUR TO ISLANDS
Although Umm Al Quwain is one of the smaller emirates in the UAE, it is still a great place for viewing scenic landscapes and natural reserves. There are gorgeous islands near the Umm Al Quwain coast, with well-preserved mangrove forests.
Al Sinniyah Island is the most popular and totally worth the visit. Travellers can check out stunning sunsets at sandy Umm Al Quwain beaches. Kite Beach Center UAQ is another spot you should add to your list when visiting here.
POPULAR ATTRACTION IN UMM AL QUWAIN
- UAQ Marine Club
- Umm Al Quwain National Museum
- Emirates Motorplex
- Falaj Al Mualla Fort
GO FOR A SANDY JOURNEY IN LIWA
Feel like driving through the desert with your favourite tunes on an endless road? The vast desert of Liwa is exactly the scenic UAE road trip you are looking for!
Known as the ‘Empty Quarter,’ Liwa is a desert settlement 220km from Abu Dhabi’s main centre, about 100 miles southwest of the capital.
One of the best times to plan a road trip to this destination in the UAE is during the Liwa Date Festival, which involves celebrating traditions and customs related to the indigenous date palm tree.
POPULAR ATTRACTIONS IN LIWA
- Mezairaa Town
- Liwa Forts
EXPERIENCE AN UNFORGETTABLE ADVENTURE IN HATTA
A road trip to Hatta is one of the most time-honoured ways of celebrating long weekends in the city. Striking mountains, gorgeous natural pools, kayaking trips, beautiful picnic spots, quaint hotels and resorts add a touch of adventure to Hatta road trips.
Resting at the foothills of the Hajjar Mountains, this charming UAE long-drive place is known for the Hatta Dam, where you can kayak, paddle-board or swim in the sparkling turquoise waters.
Being a popular tourist spot, there are many things to do in Hatta, such as visiting the 360 Observatory, kayaking in the Hatta Dam or mountain biking.
POPULAR ATTRACTIONS IN HATTA
- Hatta Fort Hotel
- Hatta Hill Park
- Hatta Rock Pools
SCENIC SPOTS FOR YOUR BEST ROAD TRIP IN UAE
If you want to cover more ground over the long weekend during your best scenic drives in the UAE, make a pit stop at these picturesque locations.
- Love Lake Dubai: Nestled amidst Dubai’s desert dunes lies a romantic escape – Love Lake. This hidden gem features two interlinking heart-shaped lakes, making it a favourite spot for couples. Just a short drive from Al Qudra Lake, Love Lake Dubai offers a tranquil escape for a special visit.
- Dibba: This is an incredible beachside destination towards the UAE’s east coast, with mountains on one side and the blue sea on the other. A perfect spot for diving, visitors to Dibba often take dhow cruises into Musandam.
- Al Wasit Wetland Nature Reserve, Sharjah: The Wasit Wetland Centre is only 15km from the emirate of Sharjah. Explore a diverse landscape of lakes, dunes and mudflats teeming with plants and birds. It takes around 30 to 40 minutes to reach the spot from Dubai.
- Jebel Akhdar: Although not actually in the UAE, this awe-inspiring mountain range is definitely one of the best road trips from the UAE. It is located in the Omani Hajar Mountains and has been known as the Pearl of Islam for many centuries. Explore historic forts, bustling markets and dramatic peaks, all steeped in the region’s rich heritage.
- Sir Bani Yas Island: Combine your road trip with a ride on the ferry to explore this beautiful island in the capital. Explore its wildlife sanctuary or unwind at luxurious resorts like the Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara.
FAQS ABOUT PLACES FOR THE BEST LONG DRIVE IN THE UAE
WHERE SHOULD I STAY DURING MY ROAD TRIP?
There are plenty of hotels and resorts all over the UAE where you can stay during your drive. Most hotels have weekend staycation offers, allowing you to save extra bucks.
WHERE CAN I GO CAMPING IN THE UAE?
In Dubai, you can camp at Al Qudra or Hatta. Those residing or visiting the capital can head to Liwa Oasis or Shipwreck Beach for a memorable camping experience. Check out our guide on the best places in the UAE for night camping for more options.
ARE THERE ANY SURFING SPOTS IN THE UAE?
Khorfakkan Beach in Fujairah, Al Khan Beach in Sharjah and Sunset Beach Dubai are some of the top spots for surfing in the UAE.
And that’s all for the best long-drive destinations in the UAE!
Travel enthusiasts can plan short weekend trips from Dubai by air. Furthermore, those who want to travel to top international destinations for solo holiday trips from Dubai can choose from many options, including Baku, Istanbul, Bangkok and more.
