Abu Dhabi is an ideal road-trip base in 2026 due to its modern highways, strong safety standards, and easy car-rental options for both short and long drives. Driving rules are clear, speed limits are well enforced, and while the city has no tolls, some Dubai routes use Salik.
The winter months, from October to April, are best for road trips, and continued infrastructure upgrades, new attractions, and a packed 2026 calendar of cultural and outdoor events make self-drive travel even more convenient.
- How to plan scenic road trips from Abu Dhabi
- Road trip 1: Abu Dhabi to Rub al Khali and Tel Moreeb
- Road trip 2: Abu Dhabi to Al Ain and Jebel Hafeet Mountain road
- Road trip 3: Abu Dhabi to Dubai via scenic coastal and city routes
- Road trip 4: Abu Dhabi city loop, Corniche Saadiyat, and Yas Island
- Road trip 5: Abu Dhabi to Al Wathba camel races and wetlands
- Road trip 6: Abu Dhabi to Sharjah and northern Emirates heritage loop
- Road trip 7: Abu Dhabi to Fujairah via the Hajar Mountains
- Road trip 8: Abu Dhabi to Musandam peninsula, Oman fjords
- Road trip 9: Abu Dhabi to Ras Al Khaimah and Jebel Jais
- Road trip 10: Abu Dhabi to Hatta Mountain lakes
- Best time of year and seasonal considerations
- Key takeaways
- FAQs
How to plan scenic road trips from Abu Dhabi
Careful planning turns a simple drive into a comfortable and memorable journey.
1. Choosing the right vehicle
Sedans suit highways and city loops, SUVs offer comfort on longer routes, while a 4×4 is essential for deep desert or dune terrain.
2. Navigation and fuel planning
Google Maps works reliably, but offline maps help in remote areas. Fuel stations are frequent on major roads, though planning refuels is critical in desert regions.
3. Permits, borders, and insurance considerations
Cross-border trips into Oman require passport checks, visa compliance, and rental permissions. Always confirm insurance coverage before departure.
4. Safety tips for desert and night driving
Carry water, avoid solo off-road driving, and monitor tyre pressure. Night driving demands extra caution due to wildlife and reduced visibility.
Road trip 1: Abu Dhabi to Rub al Khali and Tel Moreeb
This is one of the most iconic road trips from Abu Dhabi, leading into the vast Empty Quarter and its towering dunes.
Location and distance
Liwa Oasis is about 220 to 250 kilometres from Abu Dhabi, with Tel Moreeb located deeper in the desert. The drive takes around 3.5 to 4 hours, plus extra time for off-road sections.
Road type, vehicle requirements, and fuel planning
Highways reach Liwa, but Tel Moreeb requires a 4×4 due to soft sand. Fuel is available in Liwa, so refuelling before entering the Empty Quarter is essential.
Highlights along the way
Liwa Oasis features date farms and palm-lined settlements, while Tel Moreeb, rising close to 300 metres, offers dramatic dune views, especially at sunrise and sunset.
Top experiences
Self-driving on dune edges or guided dune bashing is popular, along with desert camps offering BBQ dinners, camel rides, and stargazing.
Suggested 1-to-2-day itinerary
A day trip covers Liwa and sunset at Tel Moreeb, while an overnight stay allows for desert dining, stargazing, and a relaxed return, with Liwa towns as key food and fuel stops.
Road trip 2: Abu Dhabi to Al Ain and Jebel Hafeet Mountain road
This classic route blends city heritage with mountain driving.
Location and distance
Al Ain is about 90 minutes from Abu Dhabi, with Jebel Hafeet just beyond the city. The 12-kilometre mountain climb is considered one of the UAE’s most scenic drives.
Key stops in Al Ain
The Garden City offers Al Ain Oasis, heritage forts, local souks, and attractions like the zoo or nearby hot springs.
Jebel Hafeet highlights
Viewpoints along the road provide sweeping desert and city views, with sunset and nighttime offering different perspectives from the summit.
Itinerary ideas
The route works well as a one-day loop or an overnight stay at Al Ain resorts or desert lodges.
Road trip 3: Abu Dhabi to Dubai via scenic coastal and city routes
Among the most flexible road trips from Abu Dhabi, this drive can be fast or leisurely.
Location and route choices
Drivers can choose the E11 highway or slower coastal alternatives, with travel times ranging from 90 minutes upward depending on stops.
Iconic Dubai stops
Skyline drives along Sheikh Zayed Road, Palm Jumeirah loops, and Downtown routes near Burj Khalifa fit naturally into a self-drive plan.
Optional experiences
Evening desert safaris, creekside neighbourhoods, and cultural districts add depth to the trip.
Suggested 1 to 2-day road trip plan
A one-day trip includes a morning start, city driving loop, and an optional evening desert add-on. Overnight stays in Downtown Dubai or Dubai Marina offer convenient parking and access.
Road trip 4: Abu Dhabi city loop, Corniche Saadiyat, and Yas Island
This drive offers an easy way to enjoy coastal views, landmarks, and skyline scenery without leaving the city.
Why is this the best short scenic drive
It is ideal for a half-day or evening outing with minimal driving stress. The route delivers maximum skyline and sea views in a compact, relaxed loop.
Key driving segments
Corniche Road, the Emirates Palace surroundings, the Saadiyat Island cultural zone, and the Yas Island entertainment loop.
Photo and coffee stops
Corniche viewpoints, Louvre Abu Dhabi waterfront, and Yas Marina during golden hour.
Road trip 5: Abu Dhabi to Al Wathba camel races and wetlands
This short drive from the city combines wildlife, heritage, and open desert scenery.
Understanding the short trip
The drive from Abu Dhabi city centre takes around 30 minutes. Smooth roads, clear signage, and minimal traffic make it an easy route for new drivers.
Al Wathba camel race track
The racing season runs from October to April, featuring robot jockeys and a uniquely Emirati atmosphere.
Al Wathba Wetland Reserve
Home to flamingos and hundreds of bird species, the reserve offers walking trails and observation points.
Half-day itinerary suggestion
Start with a morning walk at Al Wathba Wetland Reserve, followed by late-morning or afternoon camel races. End the trip with a short drive to a nearby desert viewpoint for sunset before returning to the city.
Road trip 6: Abu Dhabi to Sharjah and northern Emirates heritage loop
This road trip blends cultural landmarks with relaxed waterfront driving.
Location and driving logistics
The distance from Abu Dhabi to Sharjah usually takes about 2 to 2.5 hours by car. Routes that avoid central Dubai and travel outside peak hours help reduce heavy traffic.
Sharjah highlights
Museums, historic districts, and waterfront drives offer a quieter cultural contrast.
Extending the loop
Ajman beaches or desert roads toward Umm Al Quwain work well for overnight stays.
1 to 2-day sample itinerary
A day trip can focus on Sharjah’s cultural districts and waterfront areas. An overnight loop allows time to extend the drive to Ajman, combining beaches with a relaxed return the next day.
Road trip 7: Abu Dhabi to Fujairah via the Hajar Mountains
This scenic drive showcases a dramatic shift from open desert to rugged mountains and east coast beaches.
Why this route is a top scenic drive
The journey transitions from flat desert highways into the rocky Hajar Mountains before reaching Fujairah’s coastline. This contrast makes it one of the most visually varied road trips from Abu Dhabi.
The drive covers roughly 300 kilometres and takes around 3.5 to 4 hours, depending on the route and stops.
Route options
The Abu Dhabi-Dubai-Fujairah route is the fastest and most direct. More scenic inland routes pass through mountain terrain and quieter roads.
Key stops and viewpoints
Mountain passes and wadis offer natural photo stops along the way. Fujairah’s beaches and the historic fort area provide easy coastal breaks.
Suggested 2-day plan
Day 1 focuses on the drive with scenic stops and a beach sunset in Fujairah. Day 2 allows for a morning swim or snorkelling before a relaxed return to Abu Dhabi.
Road trip 8: Abu Dhabi to Musandam Peninsula, Oman fjords
This international road trip offers dramatic mountain roads and fjord-like coastal scenery.
Border and document requirements
A valid passport and compliance with Oman’s 2026 entry rules are required. Rental cars must have cross-border permission and additional insurance.
Understanding the route
The Abu Dhabi-Dubai-Ras Al Khaimah-Musandam route spans about 450 kilometres. Roads are generally good, with winding coastal and mountain sections.
Top Musandam experiences by car
Cliffside viewpoints and coastal drives are the main highlights. Dhow cruises and snorkelling can be added as easy day trips.
2 to 3-day suggested itinerary
Break the journey with an overnight stop in Ras Al Khaimah or Dubai. Spend a full day in Musandam before a scenic return drive.
Road trip 9: Abu Dhabi to Ras Al Khaimah and Jebel Jais
This route leads to the UAE’s highest peak and one of its most dramatic mountain roads.
Distance
Jebel Jais is known for its long, winding ascent, sharp switchbacks, and expansive viewpoints. The drive from Abu Dhabi to Ras Al Khaimah takes around 3 to 3.5 hours, depending on traffic.
Jebel Jais scenic drive
The mountain road features multiple viewpoints, wide turns, and designated sunset stops. Temperatures are often cooler at higher altitudes compared to Abu Dhabi, especially in winter.
Adventure add-ons
Jebel Jais is home to zipline and via ferrata experiences when operational in 2026. Short hikes and roadside picnic areas offer quieter alternatives for non-adrenaline travellers.
1 to 2-day itinerary
A fast-track day trip focuses on the Jebel Jais drive and viewpoints. An overnight stay in Ras Al Khaimah allows for a slower return and added activities
Road trip 10: Abu Dhabi to Hatta Mountain lakes
This drive combines rugged mountain landscapes with lakeside views and heritage stops.
Route and border nuances
The usual route runs Abu Dhabi-Dubai-Hatta and takes around 2.5 to 3 hours. Drivers should carry identification for checkpoints along border-adjacent sections.
Location
It’s located in the Hatta mountains, Dubai
Scenic highlights
The route offers mountain backdrops, winding roads, and views over Hatta Dam. Hatta Heritage Village and nearby local eateries add cultural interest.
Activities for drivers
Kayaking at the dam, light hiking, and roadside photo stops are popular. Most activities are accessible directly from parking areas.
Ideal 1 to 2-day plan
A day trip works best with an early start and midday return. Overnight stays in lodges or glamping sites allow for a relaxed pace if available.
Best time of year and seasonal considerations
Timing is key when planning road trips from Abu Dhabi. Understanding seasonal weather, local holidays, and major events helps ensure smoother journeys and a more enjoyable experience on the road.
- October to April: Cooler weather is ideal for desert, mountain, and long-distance drives.
- May to September: Extreme heat; limit trips to early mornings, evenings, or coastal routes.
- Ramadan and public holidays: Altered opening hours and heavier evening traffic, especially around Eid and National Day.
- Major 2026 events: Abu Dhabi Formula 1 Grand Prix and large Yas Island events may cause temporary road closures and congestion.
Key takeaways
With its modern highways, strong safety standards, and excellent regional connectivity, the capital is an ideal starting point for road trips from Abu Dhabi in 2026. Scenic routes range from desert dunes and mountain roads to coastal cities and heritage hubs. The right vehicle choice, seasonal timing, and careful route planning help ensure safe and rewarding journeys.
FAQs
Only desert and dune routes require one. Highways and city drives do not.
Yes, with a 4×4, experience, and preparation. Guided options are also popular.
December to February offers the coolest conditions.
Yes, with prior rental approval and valid documents.
Abu Dhabi has none, but Dubai routes may include Salik, handled through rentals.
