A road trip from Dubai gives you access to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the Arabian Peninsula. From the golden sand dunes of the Empty Quarter to the turquoise waters of the east coast, every route offers a unique experience. This guide covers the best scenic routes you can explore when you plan a road trip from Dubai.
Dubai sits at the center of the UAE, which means you can reach mountains, beaches, deserts, and historic towns within a few hours of driving. Many travelers choose to rent a car for these trips because public transportation does not cover most of these routes. A rental car gives you complete freedom to stop wherever you want and travel at your own pace.
Dubai to Hatta: Mountains, Dams, and Heritage
The drive from Dubai to Hatta covers approximately 130 kilometers and takes about 90 minutes. This route is one of the most popular road trips in the UAE because it offers a dramatic change in scenery. You start in the flat urban landscape of Dubai and gradually enter the rugged Hajar Mountains.
The road follows the E44 highway before branching off toward Hatta. As you approach the mountains, the terrain becomes more interesting with rocky outcrops, dry wadis, and sparse vegetation. The road quality is excellent throughout, with smooth asphalt and clear lane markings. You will find several petrol stations and rest stops along the way.
Hatta itself offers many activities for visitors. The Hatta Dam is the most photographed spot, with its turquoise water set against the backdrop of brown mountains. You can rent kayaks or pedal boats to explore the dam. The Hatta Heritage Village gives you a look at traditional Emirati life, with restored buildings dating back several centuries. Hatta Wadi Hub offers adventure activities like mountain biking, axe throwing, and zip lining.
“The Hatta road trip is the perfect half day adventure from Dubai. We see many of our clients book a comfortable SUV for this drive because the mountain scenery deserves a vehicle that matches the experience.” โ Kristan De Graaf, Co-Founder, Elite Rentals Dubai
For the return trip, you can take the same route or extend your journey by continuing to Fujairah on the east coast. This adds about an hour to your trip but gives you access to beaches and a completely different landscape.
Dubai to Fujairah: East Coast Beach Adventure
Fujairah sits on the eastern coast of the UAE, facing the Gulf of Oman. The drive from Dubai to Fujairah takes about two hours and covers roughly 170 kilometers. This route takes you through the Hajar Mountains via one of several passes, each offering different scenery and driving experiences.
The most scenic route goes through Masafi, a small town known for its Friday Market where vendors sell pottery, carpets, fruits, and fresh produce. The market operates daily despite its name, and it makes a great stop for photos and souvenirs. From Masafi, the road descends toward the coast, and you will notice the vegetation becoming greener as you get closer to the Gulf of Oman.
Fujairah’s coastline is less developed than Dubai’s, which gives it a natural charm. Al Aqah Beach and Sandy Beach are two of the most popular spots, both offering clear water and good snorkeling conditions. Dibba, at the northern tip of Fujairah, is a fishing town with a relaxed atmosphere and excellent seafood restaurants.
The east coast also features several historic sites. The Fujairah Fort, dating back to the 16th century, sits on a hilltop overlooking the city. The Al Bidyah Mosque, the oldest mosque in the UAE, is a must visit stop along the coastal road. These sites add cultural depth to what is otherwise a nature focused road trip.
Dubai to Abu Dhabi: Capital City and Beyond
The drive from Dubai to Abu Dhabi follows the E11 highway and takes about 90 minutes. This is the most traveled route in the UAE, connecting the two largest cities in the country. The highway is wide, well maintained, and features a speed limit of 140 kilometers per hour on some sections.
Abu Dhabi offers a very different atmosphere from Dubai. The city feels more spacious and relaxed, with wide boulevards and impressive public spaces. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is the most visited landmark, and its white marble architecture is stunning both inside and out. The Louvre Abu Dhabi, designed by Jean Nouvel, houses an impressive collection of art and artifacts from around the world.
Beyond the city center, you can drive to Saadiyat Island for pristine beaches or to Yas Island for Ferrari World and Yas Marina Circuit. The Corniche is a beautiful waterfront drive that stretches for eight kilometers along the coast. Each of these destinations adds a different dimension to your Abu Dhabi road trip.
“The Dubai to Abu Dhabi drive is one of the smoothest highway experiences you will find anywhere. We recommend a luxury sedan or a sports car for this route because the straight, wide highway lets you truly appreciate the performance of the vehicle.” โ Julian De Graaf, Co-Founder, Elite Rentals Dubai
Dubai to Ras Al Khaimah and Jebel Jais
Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) is the northernmost emirate in the UAE, located about 100 kilometers from Dubai. The drive takes roughly 90 minutes and follows the E311 highway north. The landscape changes as you drive north, with the Hajar Mountains becoming more prominent on the eastern horizon.
The main attraction for road trippers is Jebel Jais, the highest peak in the UAE at 1,934 meters. The road to the summit is an engineering marvel, with switchbacks and hairpin turns carved into the mountain. The drive to the top takes about 30 minutes from the base, and the views at every turn are spectacular. On clear days, you can see all the way to the Strait of Hormuz.
Jebel Jais also hosts the world’s longest zip line, which stretches for 2.83 kilometers across the mountain. Even if you do not try the zip line, the viewing platforms and hiking trails at the summit provide plenty of reasons to visit. The temperature at the top can be 10 degrees cooler than in Dubai, which makes it a refreshing escape during the warmer months.
RAK itself has a charming old town area with traditional souks, a national museum, and waterfront restaurants. The emirate is less commercialized than Dubai, giving you a more authentic Emirati experience.
Dubai to Al Ain: The Garden City
Al Ain sits about 160 kilometers east of Dubai, near the Oman border. Known as the Garden City, Al Ain has a greener landscape than most UAE cities thanks to its ancient falaj irrigation system. The drive takes about 90 minutes on the E66 highway and passes through flat desert terrain before reaching the oasis city.
Al Ain offers several unique attractions that you will not find elsewhere in the UAE. The Al Ain Oasis is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with over 147,000 date palms connected by traditional irrigation channels. Walking through the shaded pathways of the oasis provides a peaceful contrast to the busy streets of Dubai.
Jebel Hafeet is Al Ain’s most famous landmark. This mountain rises 1,249 meters above sea level and features a winding road to the summit that car enthusiasts love. The 11.7 kilometer ascent has 60 turns and offers panoramic views of the surrounding desert and the city of Al Ain below. Many driving groups consider this one of the best driving roads in the Middle East.
“When clients ask me for a full day road trip recommendation, I always suggest Al Ain. The drive is easy, the attractions are unique, and the Jebel Hafeet mountain road is genuinely exciting to drive. I help our clients pick the perfect car for this trip based on their group size and preferences.” โ Miss Sara, Booking Manager, Elite Rentals Dubai
The Al Ain Zoo is one of the largest in the region and houses over 4,000 animals. The city also has several forts and museums that showcase the history of the region. For a more adventurous experience, the hot springs at the base of Jebel Hafeet are open to visitors and offer a unique natural attraction.
Dubai to Liwa Oasis: Into the Empty Quarter
Liwa Oasis is located about 300 kilometers southwest of Dubai, on the edge of the Rub’ al Khali (Empty Quarter), the largest sand desert in the world. This is the longest road trip on our list, taking about three and a half hours each way. The route follows the E11 to Abu Dhabi and then the E45 south through the western region.
The drive through the western region of Abu Dhabi is flat and straight, but the scenery is unique. As you approach Liwa, the sand dunes grow taller and more dramatic. Some of the dunes near Liwa reach heights of over 300 meters, creating a landscape that feels otherworldly. The orange and red colors of the sand change throughout the day as the sun moves across the sky.
Liwa is best visited as an overnight trip, giving you time to explore the oasis, enjoy a desert sunset, and experience the complete silence of the Empty Quarter at night. Several desert resorts in the area offer luxury accommodation with views of the dunes. The Qasr Al Sarab resort, set among the dunes, is one of the most photographed hotels in the UAE.
This route requires a reliable vehicle with good air conditioning. An SUV is recommended because some of the roads near Liwa have sandy patches, and the extra ground clearance provides added safety. Fill up your fuel tank before leaving the main highway, as petrol stations become scarce in the western region.
Planning Your Dubai Road Trip
A successful road trip starts with good planning. Here are the key things to consider before you set out from Dubai.
Choose the right vehicle for your route. SUVs work best for mountain and desert drives, while sedans and sports cars are ideal for highway routes like Dubai to Abu Dhabi. Convertibles add an extra level of enjoyment on coastal routes, especially during the cooler months. You can explore all available vehicles on our car rental page.
Check the weather before you leave. Summer temperatures in the UAE can exceed 50 degrees Celsius, which affects both your comfort and your vehicle. The best months for road trips are November through March, when temperatures range from 20 to 30 degrees. If you travel during summer, stick to air conditioned highways and avoid extended stops in direct sunlight.
Carry enough water and snacks, especially for longer trips. While most routes have petrol stations and rest stops, some areas in the western region and the mountains have limited facilities. A cooler bag with water, fruits, and light snacks keeps everyone comfortable during the drive.
Download offline maps before you leave. While mobile data coverage is good across most of the UAE, some mountain and desert areas have weak signals. Google Maps and Waze both allow offline map downloads, which ensures you always know where you are going. For more driving tips, check our guide on best places to drive in Dubai.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the drive from Dubai to Hatta?
The drive from Dubai to Hatta takes approximately 90 minutes and covers about 130 kilometers. The route follows the E44 highway and offers beautiful mountain scenery as you approach Hatta.
What is the best car for a Dubai road trip?
The best car depends on your route. SUVs work well for mountain and desert drives, luxury sedans are perfect for highway routes, and convertibles are ideal for coastal drives during the cooler months. Elite Rentals Dubai offers vehicles for every type of road trip.
Do I need a special license to drive outside Dubai?
No, your Dubai rental car and driving license are valid across all UAE emirates. You can drive freely between Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and all other emirates without any additional permits or paperwork.
Can I drive a rental car to Oman from Dubai?
Some rental companies allow cross border travel to Oman, but you must get prior approval and additional insurance. Check with your rental provider before planning an Oman road trip. You will also need your passport and possibly an Oman visa at the border.
What are the fuel costs for a road trip from Dubai?
Fuel in the UAE is relatively affordable compared to Europe and North America. A full tank of petrol costs between 100 and 250 AED depending on the vehicle size. Most road trips from Dubai can be completed on a single tank of fuel, making them very cost effective.
