Road trips from Dubai open up an impressive mix of landscapes within a few hours’ drive. From the Hajar Mountains and Indian Ocean beaches to vast desert plains and cross-border routes into Oman, these drives suit both quick weekend escapes and longer adventures. With modern highways, clear signage, and frequent fuel stops, Dubai works as a natural starting point for exploring the broader region by road.
- Top 15 scenic road trips from Dubai
- Planning your road trip: Essential tips
- Key stops in your road trip
- Key takeaways
- FAQs
Top 15 scenic road trips from Dubai
The following routes are among the most popular and reliable road trips from Dubai, based on driving times, scenery, and accessibility.
1. Musandam Peninsula (Khasab, Oman)
This approximately three-hour drive via Ras Al Khaimah leads to fjord-like inlets, calm turquoise waters, and dramatic cliffs. The route pairs well with stops at Dhayah Fort and Jebel Jais before crossing the border. Many travellers plan this drive alongside the fjord landscapes of Musandam, known for dolphin cruises and dhow sailing experiences.
Location
It’s located on the northern border of Oman
2. Jebel Jais
Under two hours from Dubai, this is one of the most rewarding mountain drives in the UAE. Jebel Jais, the country’s highest peak, offers cooler temperatures, sweeping viewpoints, and attractions such as the Jais Sledder and a zipline. The well-maintained mountain road makes it ideal even for first-time road trippers.
Location
It’s located in Wadi Shehah, Ras Al Khaimah
3. Fujairah
A coastal drive that cuts through desert plains and mountain passes, Fujairah is less than two hours away. Highlights include Fujairah Fort, Al Bidya Mosque, and stretches of beach along the Gulf of Oman. It is a strong option for travellers who want sea views without leaving the UAE.
Location
It’s located in Fujairah City, Fujairah
4. Al Ain
This historic inland drive connects Dubai to oases, forts, and Jebel Hafeet’s winding mountain road. Al Ain’s UNESCO-listed sites, shaded gardens, and walking trails make it popular with families and history enthusiasts looking for a slower-paced trip.
Location
It’s located in Al Ain, Abu Dhabi
5. Liwa Desert
Located on the edge of the Empty Quarter, Liwa is around five to six hours away via Abu Dhabi. The drive rewards visitors with towering dunes, heritage forts, and some of the country’s best desert camping. Winter months are ideal for dune biking and overnight stays.
Location
It’s located in Hadbat Al Za`Faranah, Abu Dhabi
6. Wadi Shees
A short but scenic detour into the Hajar Mountains, this route leads to natural pools, walking trails, and restored villages. Many travellers enjoy mountain trails near Wadi Shees for a quieter escape that still feels close to Dubai.
Location
It’s located in Khor Fakkan, Sharjah
7. Khor Fakkan and Sharjah Khor Fakkan Highway
This modern highway cuts directly through the mountains, revealing tunnels, dams, and unexpected green pockets. The drive ends at Khor Fakkan’s crescent beach, making it a favourite for day trips with picnic stops along the way.
Location
It’s located in Khor Fakkan, Sharjah
8. Wadi Kub to Al Ghail Village (Ras Al Khaimah)
A rugged 29-kilometre stretch near Al Usayli, this drive is best suited to confident drivers and photography enthusiasts. Wildlife sightings and dramatic rock formations are common, especially in cooler months.
Location
It’s located in Wadi Kub, Ras Al Khaimah
9. Salalah
This longer, multi-day journey is often planned during the Autumn season when Salalah turns green. The road trip from Dubai to Salalah includes wadis, waterfalls, and cliffside views. This road trip offers a unique chance to combine an epic desert-to-green escape with mountain viewpoints, coastal attractions, and relaxed city exploration.
It is important to note that visa requirements apply and should be checked in advance.
Location
It’s located in Salalah, Oman
10. Nizwa and Jebel Akhdar
Around five to six hours from Dubai, this drive combines heritage and high-altitude scenery. Nizwa Fort, traditional souks, and rose gardens in Jebel Akhdar define the experience, especially during the spring harvest season.
Location
It’s located in Nizwa, northern Oman
It’s located in Jebal Akhdar, Oman
11. Bahrain via Qatar and Saudi Arabia
This 11 to 13-hour journey crosses multiple borders and links Mesaieed, Dhahran, and Al Khobar before reaching Manama. It is best suited to experienced road trippers familiar with visa and insurance requirements.
Location
Bahrain
12. Yas Island
Less than 90 minutes away, this drive connects Dubai to the capital’s cultural district, white-sand beaches, and Yas Island attractions. It is one of the easiest road trips from Dubai for families and short stays.
Location
It’s located on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
13. Wahiba Sands
Located in the Muscat region, Wahiba Sands offers classic desert scenery with rolling dunes and Bedouin camps. Many travellers combine this with coastal stops for a balanced itinerary.
Location
It’s located in the Wahiba Sands, Oman
14. Bimmah Sinkhole and Sur
This scenic coastal drive features limestone sinkholes, turquoise pools, and historic ports. Stops like Bimmah Sinkhole are popular swimming spots, while Sur adds maritime heritage to the route.
Location
It’s located in Bimmah Sinkhole, Dibab, Oman
It’s located in Sur, Oman
15. Jebel Shams
Often called Oman’s Grand Canyon, Jebel Shams delivers dramatic cliff views and hiking trails. It is about 90 minutes from Nizwa and rewards careful driving with some of the region’s most striking scenery.
Location
It’s located in Jebel Shams, Oman
Planning your road trip: Essential tips
Careful planning makes road trips from Dubai smoother and safer, especially when crossing borders or heading into remote areas.
- Best time: October to April remains the most comfortable period, especially for desert and mountain routes.
- Visas: UAE residents enjoy visa-free travel within the UAE, while Oman offers a visa-on-arrival for many nationalities. Longer routes, such as Salalah or Bahrain, require advance checks.
- Rental cars: Not all rentals allow cross-border travel. Some travellers prefer organised options for Musandam, while others confirm permissions in advance.
- Packing: Carry sufficient water, snacks, and fuel, particularly for desert and mountain routes. The weather can change quickly at altitude, so checking forecasts before heading out is essential.
Key stops in your road trip
Here are the key stops along the route, featuring a mix of coastal scenery, canyons, and mountain landscapes.
| Attraction | Type | Nearest city | Drive time |
| Wadi Ash Shab | Canyon | Sur | 40 min |
| Bimmah Sinkhole | Sinkhole | Sur | 55 min |
| Jebel Akhdar | Mountains | Nizwa | 1h 50m |
| Jebel Shams | Canyon | Nizwa | 1h 30m |
Key takeaways
The city’s location makes it a strong base for road trips from Dubai, ranging from one-hour getaways to full-day drives across borders. UAE-only routes such as Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Al Ain, and Liwa offer varied scenery without visa concerns. Longer journeys into Oman add fjords, canyons, and mountain villages, while careful planning around weather, vehicle rentals, and border requirements ensures a smooth experience.
FAQs
Many nationalities qualify for a visa on arrival, and UAE residents often have simplified entry, but requirements vary by passport.
The drive to Ras Al Khaimah and Jebel Jais offers mountain views and historic stops in under two hours.
Yes, but the journey involves multiple borders and visas through Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
Winter months provide cooler temperatures and safer conditions.
Some are, but permissions vary. Many drivers confirm coverage in advance or choose guided options for border regions.
