Dubai’s many attractions guarantee that you won’t run out of things to do here. However, the United Arab Emirates offers a variety of destinations that should be on everyone’s bucket list. These are easily accessible so you would be tempted to visit via a road trip.
When you embark on a road trip from Dubai, you can discover the UAE’s rich diversity beyond the city’s glittering skyline. You’ll be amazed by the country’s beautiful mountains, desert dunes, and beaches.
The roads and highways also make for enjoyable drives that allow you to make the most of your daily car rental service. Whether you’re in the front or backseat, you’ll see stunning landscapes that feel worlds away from urban life.
The spontaneous stops, conversations, and sense of adventure that come with road trips make each journey more fun and memorable.
If you’re in Dubai, exploring the UAE by road lets you make the most of your stay here. It’s also a fantastic way to create unforgettable memories and appreciate the country’s charm.
Top Road Trips From Dubai
Below are the best road trip destinations to consider if you’re in Dubai:
1. Abu Dhabi
If you haven’t visited the UAE’s capital, a road trip to Abu Dhabi is a great way to explore the city.
Abu Dhabi is 139 kilometers or about an hour and 18 minutes away from Dubai. The emirate is the largest in the UAE and a major business and financial hub in the country and the region.
Like Dubai, Abu Dhabi boasts skyscrapers, beaches, and a diverse food scene. It’s a great place to visit to learn more about the country’s history, culture, and heritage. The successful combination of old and new makes this emirate a unique and wonderful place to explore.
The city’s most popular destinations include:
- Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
- Qasr Al Watan
- Ferrari World™ Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
- Warner Bros. World™ Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
- Yas Waterworld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
- SeaWorld® Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
- Yas Beach
- Saadiyat Island
- Marina Mall
- Qasr Al Hosn
- Heritage Village
- Louvre Abu Dhabi
If you want to stay here for a night or two, book a room at one of the world-class hotels, holiday rentals, and other accommodation options.
2. Ras Al Khaimah
Ras Al Khaimah is the UAE’s top adventure hub known for its majestic mountains and variety of exciting experiences. The emirate offers the most authentic historical, cultural, and outdoor activities in the country.
It’s home to Jebel Jais, the country’s tallest mountain, and the world’s longest zip line, the Jebel Jais Flight.
This emirate is only 112 kilometers from Dubai via the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311). The typical driving time is one hour and 12 minutes.
Besides Jebel Jais and Jebel Jas Flight, Ras Al Khaimah’s well-known attractions include:
- Al Jazeera Al Hamra
- Dhayah Fort
- Mohammed Bin Salem Mosque
- Saqr Park
- Flamingo Beach
- National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah
- Al Rams Corniche
- Queen of Sheeba’s Palace
- Khatt Village
Ras Al Khaimah is the best place to experience camping or glamping if you want to stay here. You can also choose among the different hotels and resorts for your accommodation.
3. Sharjah
If you’re looking for the shortest road trip to embark on, Sharjah is the ideal destination. This emirate is only 28.9 kilometers away or 24 minutes away from Dubai via the Sheik Zayed Road (E11).
Sharjah is teeming with natural beauty, with several deserts, mountains, and beaches. It also has several souks, malls, museums, and heritage sites. It’s another exceptional place to experience both the old and new in the UAE.
The emirate’s most sought-after destinations include:
- Al Noor Island
- Al Majaz Waterfront
- Al Qasba
- Al Dhaid
- Al Badayer
- Mleiha
- Dibba Al-Hisn
- Khorfakkan
- Nahwa Enclave
- Kalba
- Sharjah Heritage Museum
- Salem Al Mutawa Mosque
- Al Noor Mosque
Enjoy your stay here by booking a room or suite at one of the beachside hotels or resorts.
4. Fujairah
The journey to Fujairah is one of the best road trips you can enjoy in the UAE. While on the road, you’ll see incredible views of mountains, beaches, and wild camels.
You can enjoy these views even if the road trip is short, which is only 121 kilometers via the Sharjah-Kalba Road (E102) and Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Street (E84) or one hour and 15 minutes from Dubai.
Fujairah is the only emirate located entirely on the UAE’s eastern coast adjacent to the Gulf of Oman. It’s known for its many water activities and sports, including diving, snorkeling, fishing, kayaking, and sailing.
Its well-known attractions include:
- Snoopy Island
- Sandy Beach
- Khor Fakkan
- Aqua Bounce
- Al Hayl Castle
- Fujairah Fort
- Wadi Al Wurayah Waterfalls
- Ain Al Madhab Gardens
- Al Bidya Mosque
- Hajar Mountains
You can choose from among different accommodation options when you want to spend a night or two at this beautiful emirate.
5. Al Ain
Al Ain, which is known as the UAE’s “Garden City,” is another excellent road trip destination if you want to immerse yourself in the country’s history, culture, and natural beauty. The city is located at the foot of the Hajar Mountains and offers a refreshing escape from the bustling pace of Dubai.
The total drive time to Al Ain from Dubai is one hour and 16 minutes, covering 132 kilometers via the Al Ain – Dubai Road (E66).
Al Ain boasts some of the UAE’s most iconic attractions, including:
- Jebel Hafeet
- Al Jahili Fort
- Al Ain Oasis
- Al Ain Museum
- Al Ain Palace Museum
- Wadi Adventure
- Hill Archaeological Park
- Al Ain Zoo
Al Ain’s accommodation options ensure you can find one that suits your budget and preferences when you want to stay here.
With these road trip destinations from Dubai, you can make your weekends and free time more fun and memorable.