Exploring the open road in the UAE is a special experience. Now that the weather is cooling down, there’s no better time to explore the natural beauty the United Arab Emirates has to offer. Beyond the city lights and malls, you'll find striking scenery, from giant sand dunes to rugged mountains and clear blue coastlines. Whether you want adventure or a break from city life, these road trips highlight the best of the Emirates.
Dubai to Hatta: Mountain Retreat
The 130-kilometer drive from Dubai to Hatta shows how quickly the scenery changes. The city slowly fades, and soon you see the Hajar Mountains rising in the distance.
Hatta has a unique atmosphere with a whole range of diverse activities. You can kayak in the freshwater pools at Hatta Dam or visit the heritage village to learn about traditional Emirati life. For those adrenaline seekers, the mountain bike trails are great for exploring the rocky landscape. The drive takes about two hours, but plan to spend a full day there.
Abu Dhabi to Liwa Oasis: Desert Dreams
This trip leads you into the Empty Quarter, where you'll find some of the world's tallest sand dunes. The 240-kilometer drive from Abu Dhabi to Liwa lets you watch the scenery become simple: just sky, sand, and well... quiet.
The dunes at Liwa are more than 300 meters high, and their shapes change with the wind. Visit at sunrise or sunset to see the sand glow in warm colors. You can stay overnight at Qasr al Sarab resort or try camping under the stars for a memorable experience. Just remember to wrap up warm, as temperatures are set to plummet!
Fujairah Coastal Drive: Where Mountains Meet Sea
The eastern coast of the UAE has its own charm. Driving from Fujairah to Khor Fakkan, you'll see the Gulf of Oman on one side and the Hajar Mountains on the other.
Snoopy Island is a great place to stop for snorkeling, with clear water and plenty of sea life, including tropical fish, sea turtles, and reef sharks (they shouldn't bite)! The mountain roads near Dibba are especially beautiful in the cooler months, when you might see wildflowers on the hills.
Jebel Jais: UAE's Highest Peak
The road to Jebel Jais, which rises to 1,934 meters, is one of the most exciting drives in the UAE. In Ras Al Khaimah, the route has sharp turns and climbs that offer great views along the way.
As you drive higher, the temperature can drop by up to 10 degrees. At the top, you can try the world's longest zipline or just relax in the cool mountain air. Watching the sunrise from here, with clouds in the valleys, is a special experience - and makes a great spot to snap photos of your car too!
Essential Tips for UAE Road Trips
You'll find plenty of petrol stations on main roads, but it's smart to fill up (or fully charge) before going into remote areas. The best time for these trips is from October to April, as summer can be very hot. Bring extra water for your journey.
Many of these routes involve mountain or desert driving, which requires attention and respect. Check your vehicle thoroughly before setting off, especially tire pressure and coolant levels. Mobile coverage can be patchy in mountainous regions, so download offline maps beforehand. It’s always a wise idea to bring more than one car in case of emergencies.
The UAE's road network is excellent, making these trips accessible even for nervous drivers. The key is giving yourself time to stop, explore, and soak in landscapes that prove there's far more to this country than meets the eye from the city limits.
Now that you know about the best road trips in the UAE, it might be time to find the right car to take you there. Check out the latest used cars for sale in Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi on Carabia. With a wide range of SUVs, pickups, and sedans, there’s something for every kind of adventure.
