Dubai’s strategic location makes it the perfect starting point for unforgettable road trips across the UAE. With world-class highways, stunning desert landscapes, mountain roads, and coastal routes, the Emirates offer diverse experiences just a few hours’ drive away.
Whether you’re craving adventure, culture, or simply want to escape the city for a weekend, these 10 road trips will show you a side of the UAE you’ve never seen. Grab your rental car from BV Car-Bus Dubai and let’s hit the road!
1. Dubai to Hatta – Mountain Escape (130 km, 1.5 hours)
The Route:
Take Emirates Road (E611) and enjoy the transition from city skyline to rugged Hajar Mountains. The road gets more scenic as you approach Hatta, with winding mountain passes and stunning viewpoints.
What to Do:
- Kayak in the turquoise Hatta Dam
- Explore Hatta Heritage Village
- Mountain biking trails for adventure seekers
- Hatta Wadi Hub for zip-lining and wall climbing
Best Time: October to April (cooler weather)
Car Recommendation: SUV for comfort on mountain roads
2. Dubai to Abu Dhabi – Capital City Culture (150 km, 1.5 hours)
The Route:
Sheikh Zayed Road (E11) is a straight, smooth highway connecting the two emirates. This is one of the most popular road trips from Dubai.
What to See:
- Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (a must-visit!)
- Louvre Abu Dhabi
- Yas Island (Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World)
- Qasr Al Watan Presidential Palace
- Corniche Beach
Pro Tip: Leave early morning to avoid traffic and Salik tolls during peak hours.
Car Recommendation: Any comfortable sedan or family SUV
3. Dubai to Fujairah – East Coast Adventure (130 km, 2 hours)
The Scenic Route:
Take Emirates Road (E611) through the dramatic Hajar Mountains. The changing landscape from desert to mountains to coastline is breathtaking.
Highlights:
- Snoyo Beach and Al Aqah Beach for swimming
- Fujairah Fort (oldest fort in UAE)
- Al Bidya Mosque (oldest mosque in UAE)
- Snorkeling and diving spots
- Fresh seafood restaurants
Weekend Idea: Combine with an overnight stay at a beach resort.
Car Recommendation: Compact car or sedan works perfectly
4. Dubai to Al Ain – Garden City Oasis (160 km, 1.5 hours)
The Route:
Drive along E66 through the desert landscape to reach the UAE’s fourth-largest city, known for its green spaces and heritage sites.
Must-See Attractions:
- Jebel Hafeet mountain (second highest peak in UAE)
- Al Ain Zoo
- Al Ain Oasis (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Hot springs at Green Mubazzarah
- Camel Market
Driving Highlight: The Jebel Hafeet mountain road has 60 turns and offers spectacular panoramic views.
Car Recommendation: Reliable sedan or SUV for mountain driving
5. Dubai to Ras Al Khaimah – Beach & Mountains (115 km, 1 hour)
The Journey:
Head north on E11, passing through Sharjah and Umm Al Quwain. The coastal route offers glimpses of the Arabian Gulf.
What Awaits:
- Jebel Jais (UAE’s highest mountain) with zipline and viewing deck
- Abandoned village of Jazirat Al Hamra
- Beautiful beaches
- RAK National Museum
- Desert camping opportunities
Adventure Factor: Try the world’s longest zipline at Jebel Jais!
Car Recommendation: SUV recommended for Jebel Jais mountain roads
6. Dubai to Liwa Oasis – Desert Safari (235 km, 3 hours)
The Route:
Take E11 toward Abu Dhabi, then head south on E65. This journey takes you deep into the Empty Quarter desert.
Experience:
- Massive sand dunes (some over 300 meters high)
- Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort
- Date palm plantations
- Traditional Bedouin culture
- Incredible stargazing opportunities
Important: 4×4 vehicle essential for off-road dune driving
Car Recommendation: 4×4 SUV only (rent from BV Car-Bus Dubai)
7. Dubai to Khor Fakkan—Hidden Coastal Gem (140 km, 2 hours)
The Scenic Drive:
Route E102 through the Hajar Mountains offers some of the UAE’s most dramatic scenery, with steep cliffs and sharp turns.
Attractions:
- Stunning Khor Fakkan amphitheater
- Al Rabi Tower historical site
- Beautiful corniche and beaches
- Excellent snorkeling spots
- Nearby Wadi Shees waterfalls
Photography Tip: Stop at mountain viewpoints for incredible photos.
Car Recommendation: Comfortable sedan or SUV
8. Dubai to Jebel Jais Viewing Deck – Mountain Views (130 km, 2 hours)
The Mountain Road:
Take E11 north, then E18 toward RAK, followed by the scenic mountain road to Jebel Jais.
Highlights:
- UAE’s highest point (1,934 meters)
- Temperature 10°C cooler than Dubai
- Viewing deck platforms
- Via Ferrata climbing routes
- Mountain restaurants
Best Time: Sunrise or sunset for spectacular views
Car Recommendation: SUV for mountain roads
9. Dubai to Sir Bani Yas Island – Wildlife Reserve (250 km, 3 hours + ferry)
The Journey:
Drive to Jebel Dhanna port (3 hours), then take a ferry to the island. A unique adventure combining road trip and sea travel.
Island Attractions:
- Over 17,000 free-roaming animals
- Arabian Wildlife Park
- Historical sites
- Water sports
- Luxury eco-resorts
Planning Note: Book ferry and accommodation in advance.
Car Recommendation: Long-distance SUV
10. Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve – Local Safari (65 km, 1 hour)
The Route:
Head south on Al Ain Road (E66) to experience the desert without going too far from Dubai.
Activities:
- Guided desert drives
- Camel trekking
- Falconry demonstrations
- Luxury desert camps
- Sustainable tourism experience
Perfect For: Half-day trip or sunset experience
Car Recommendation: Standard SUV
Essential Road Trip Tips for UAE
- Fill up before leaving Dubai— Gas stations are plentiful but plan ahead
- Download offline maps—Google Maps works great but have offline backup
- Pack water and snacks— Stay hydrated, especially in summer
- Check Salik balance—Some routes have multiple toll gates
- Carry emergency numbers—Police: 999, Roadside assistance
- Respect speed limits—Cameras are everywhere
- Plan for weather—summer heat (40°C+) vs pleasant winters
Best Time for Road Trips from Dubai
October to April: Perfect weather for all road trips (20-30°C)
May to September: Hot! Best for mountain destinations (cooler) or early morning drives
Weekends: Thursday-Friday can be busy; Wednesday or Sunday are ideal
Why Rent from BV Car Dubai for Your Road Trip?
Planning a road trip requires the right vehicle. At BV Car Dubai, we offer:
🚗 Wide vehicle selection—from budget sedans to luxury 4x4s
🛡️ Comprehensive insurance—Drive with peace of mind
⛽ Flexible fuel policies—fair and transparent
📍 24/7 roadside assistance—help whenever you need it
💰 Competitive rates—best value for multi-day rentals
✨ Well-maintained vehicles—safety first
Whether you’re planning a quick day trip to Hatta or a weekend exploration of the Northern Emirates, we have the perfect car for your adventure.
Ready to explore the UAE? Book your rental car today and discover the incredible diversity just beyond Dubai’s borders!
