You have not experienced the most remarkable things in the country if you have never taken a road trip around the UAE. UAE is designed to be travelled on the road due to a high quality of roads, various landscapes, and a small length of roads between cities and places of interest. Be it the mountains, the beaches, the desert or the culture, there is the kind of road trip destination that awaits you.
Top Road Trip Destinations in the UAE
Ras Al Khaimah – For Adventure Seekers
The Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) is a paradise over lovers of adventure. To take in views of the tallest mountain in the UAE, stop and drive to Jebel Jais for unrivalled views and the longest zipline in the world. The road is picturesque and the climate mostly cooler and hence ideal to spend one weekend off.
Must-Visit in RAK:
- Jais Jebel Flight (Zipline)
- Dhayah Fort
- Al Jazirah Al Hamra
- Mosque of Mohammed Bin Salem
Fujairah – A Seaside Escape
Fujairah, which is set at Gulf of Oman, is the right place to visit by beach lovers and people who love to engage in diving. The path is not only full of natural landscapes but also the sight of camels. It is perfect marine activities in terms of snorkelling, diving, and cruising using dhow.
Top Spots in Fujairah:
- Snoopy Island
- Sandy Beach
- Khor Fakkan
- Al Hayl Castle
- Fujairah Fort
- Sheikh Zayed Mosque
Al Ain – The Garden City
Al Ain is known by its greenery and oasis; thus it is a balance between nature and history. White-water rafting available at Wadi Adventure and then go straight to Jebel Hafeet to have a panoramic view of the desert.
Must-See in Al Ain:
- Al Ain Zoo & Safari
- Jebel Hafeet
- UNESCO Heritage sites
- Danat Al Ain Resort
- the oasis of Al Ain
Umm Al Quwain – For Island Adventures
Less-hyped, UAQ is the ideal place of the bird watcher and sea shore lovers. It boasts of clean beaches and the mangrove islands hosting mangroves such as Al Sinniyah which provides a break to the city life.
Places to Visit in UAQ:
- UAQ Marine Club
- Umm Al Quwain National Museum
- Kitesurf Beach
- Emirates Motorplex
- Falaj Al Mualla Fort
Liwa A Dream of the Desert
Basing in the Empty Quarter (Rub al Khali), Liwa is an endless dune paradise with the ultimate score of silence to those, who pines after the desert. It would be worth timing your visit to coincide with the Liwa Date Festival which is a cultural experience.
Highlights of Liwa:
- Mezairaa Town
- Liwa Forts
- Dune Bashing and desert Safaris
Hatta – For Mountain Retreats
Hatta is a 2-hour drive away from Dubai and it features scenic mountains and activities such as Kayaking at the Hatta Dam, mountain biking and having picnics in the mountains. Fantastic family oriented place or a city break.
Don Not Miss in Hatta:
- Hatta Dam
- Hatta Rock Pools
- 360 Observatory
- Hatta hill park
- Hatta Fort Hotel
More Scenic Road Trip Spots in the UAE
Dubai, Love Lake
- This heart-shaped lake is a fantastic sunset place and a romantic getaway near Al Qudra.
Dibba
- In the east coast, Dibba is known to provide scenic setting of mountains versus seas and ship sails known as dhow cruises into the fjords of Musandam.
Al Wasit Wetland Centre, Sharjah
A biodiversity paradise and bird watching, and it was only a 30 min car drive to Dubai.
Oman Jebel Akhdar
- This Omani mountain range is officially in Oman, but it is an epical weekend drive to see stunning mountains and to visit villages with old heritage and style.
Sir Bani Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
You can reach it by ferry, and this wildlife reserve provides a safari trip with luxury hotels (Anantara resorts).
Road Trip Tips for the UAE
Before you go:
- Examine the state of your automobile (tyres, oil, fuel)
- Take along foodstuffs, bottled water and a first aid kit
- Run GIS and download off line maps
- Carry genuine Emirates ID or travel permit (in case you are going to Oman)
- Be careful of the speed limit UAE has stringent traffic rules
