Dubai is a great base for a road trip. Within two hours you can be in the mountains, on a quiet beach or in a different emirate altogether. With a rental car, you set your own schedule and stop wherever you like. Here are five weekend road trips from Dubai, with practical tips for each, plus advice on
how to recover after a long day of driving and exploring.
1. Hatta: mountains, kayaking and mountain biking
Drive time: about 1 hour 30 minutes
Hatta is the classic Dubai escape. The mountain roads are scenic, the dam is great for kayaking, and the trails attract hikers and mountain bikers from across the UAE. Go between October and April, when temperatures are comfortable.
Tip: start early. The kayak rental and trails get busy by late morning on weekends.
2. Jebel Jais: the UAE’s highest peak
Drive time: about 1 hour 45 minutes (Ras Al Khaimah)
The road up Jebel Jais is one of the most impressive drives in the region, with hairpin bends and wide views. At the top, temperatures can be ten degrees cooler than in Dubai. The zipline and viewing decks make it a full day out.
Tip: the mountain road is long and winding. Check your rental car's fuel before you start the
climb, and take breaks if you feel tired.
3. Abu Dhabi: culture and the Corniche
Drive time: about 1 hour 30 minutes
The drive along the E11 is straightforward, and Abu Dhabi rewards a weekend visit: the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the Corniche and the attractions on Yas Island.
Tip: Abu Dhabi has its own toll system. Check how your rental company handles tolls before you go.
4. Fujairah and the east coast: snorkelling and beaches
Drive time: about 2 hours
The east coast feels very different from Dubai, with mountains running down to the sea. Snoopy Island near Dibba is popular for snorkelling, and the beaches are quieter than in the city.
Tip: book a hotel on the coast and stay the night. Driving back the same day after a long beach day is tiring.
5. Al Qudra: desert lakes and cycling
Drive time: about 45 minutes
Al Qudra Lakes and the long cycle track are perfect for a short trip. Bring a picnic, watch the sunset and look out for the wildlife around the lakes.
Tip: you will need a car that handles sandy access roads well. Ask your rental company for advice.
Driving tips for every trip
- Plan your fuel stops. Petrol stations are frequent on the main highways but less so on
mountain roads. - Carry water. Keep several bottles in the car, especially between May and September.
- Respect speed limits. UAE roads have many speed cameras, and fines are charged to
the rental. - Take breaks. Stop every two hours on longer drives, stretch your legs and get some
fresh air.
Recovering after the trip
A day of driving, hiking, cycling or kayaking leaves most people stiff and tired. Long hours behind the wheel can be hard on the neck, shoulders and lower back, while hiking and cycling work the legs.
A few simple habits help:
1. Stretch for ten minutes when you arrive, focusing on the hips, back and shoulders.
2. Rehydrate with water and something with electrolytes after an active day.
3. Eat a proper meal rather than snacking on the road.
4. Book something restful. Many active travellers book a sports massage after a day on the trails or the bike, with firmer pressure focused on the muscles they used.
If you are staying in a hotel before or after your road trip, you do not even need to leave
your room. With a hotel massage in Dubai, a therapist comes to your room with a massage
table, linens and oils, so you can go straight to bed afterwards and be ready for the next drive.
The bottom line
With a rental car, the best of the UAE is within easy reach of Dubai: mountains in Hatta and
Ras Al Khaimah, culture in Abu Dhabi, beaches on the east coast and desert lakes on the
city's edge. Plan your fuel, carry water, take breaks, and leave time to recover. The road trip
is more fun when you are not still stiff from the last one.
