Life in Dubai, like in any other metropolis, is quite busy for the residents. With weekdays spent engrossed in work, weekends are the time to unwind with family, friends or in solitude. One way to relax after a long tiring week is to hit the road and get away from the bustling city for the weekend. It is a time and cost effective way to relax and refresh your mind.
If you think you need a short break from the routine and are getting ready for a road trip, here are a few amazing spots that can serve as a perfect weekend road trip from Dubai.
1. Jebel Hafeet
Planning a road trip to Jebel Hafeet? One of the highest points of the UAE, Jebel Hafeet is on the top on our list of weekend day trips from Dubai. With an amazing driving route, the spot itself offers various scenic views including the city of Al Ain, Oman and the adjacent desert.
Al Ain Zoo is another notable attraction in its vicinity and makes one of the best picnic places near Dubai. This Jebel is a solid 1240-metre climb with a rocky limestone composition preserved for a million years. You can access the second-highest peak of the Emirate from this spot as well.
A word to the wise, take breaks at different points to take in the stunning mountain views. However, make sure your car is in good enough condition to go on without breaking down.
Distance from Dubai: 159 km
Driving Distance: 1 hr 53 min
Activities: Hiking, mountain climbing, photography
2. Ras Al Khaimah
Ras Al Khaimah is one of the best places to go for a weekend near Dubai. It is comparatively more peaceful than the busy big city of Dubai, and there are many attraction points to explore. The emirate spreads across 2500 sq kilometres and is packed with places offering fun and adventurous activities. Some of the most sought-after spots in the emirate are:
- Jebel Jais – Offering what some consider to be the highest peak of the UAE at 1892 metres, the mountain offers mesmerizing views of beautiful mountains and magical valleys. It is a popular tourist attraction of Ras Al Khaimah.
- Dhayah Fort – The bay of Dahyah comes with its fertile oasis and gardens. However, the main attraction of the spot is the 19th century fortress built on a conical hill top. Located in the backdrop of steep mountains and palm gardens, the unique fort makes for a must-stop spot.
- Flamingo Beach – Another spot to cover on your road trip to Ras Al Khaimah is the Flamingo Beach. It is easy to access and apart from the breath-taking ocean views, the spot is surrounded by various cafes and restaurants serving delicious food.
- RAK Track – If you are a karting fanatic, you should definitely visit the new karting track at Ras Al Khaimah.
Other major destination points to add to your RAK itinerary are Saqr Park, Al Jazirah Al Hamra, Bedouin Oasis Camp, Al Mairid Beach and Fish Market, Al Wadi Equestrian Adventure Club, various corniches and more.
Distance from Dubai: 114 km
Drive from Dubai: 1 hr 17 min
Activities: architecture, paragliding, golf, water sports, horse riding and fishing, five-star hotels and beach resorts.
3. Fujairah
One of the major emirates of the UAE, Fujairah is also the ultimate scuba-diving destination of the Emirate. The road trip to Fujairah from Dubai makes for some memorable sightseeing options. From exploring the Wadi Wurayah in the Hajar Mountains to witnessing spectacular views from the UAE’s Grand Canyon, you can enjoy an adventurous route.
Once in Fujairah, you will find numerous activity options and attractions making it another excellent day trip options around Dubai. From parasailing on the Khorfakkan Beach – Fujairah’s most popular beachfront to deep sea fishing at Dibba, scuba diving at Shark Island, kayaking between the Al Rafisah Dam mountains, snorkeling around Snoopy Island, hiking through Wadi Wurayah, the emirate offers a variety of activities to indulge in.
Distance from Dubai: 127 km
Drive from Dubai: 1 hr 27 min
Activities: scuba diving, snorkeling, beaches, climbing, kayaking, hotels, restaurants and cafes.
4. Liwa
Liwa aka the Empty Quarter’ is a desert settlement and is a spot best-suited for those interested in exploring the endless roads in a desert. There are numerous amazing roads in the UAE and roads in the Empty Quarter is certainly among them. While the vast desert offers scenic views and a calming environment, the route to Liwa is also a beautiful one. The golden sand mountains alone would tempt you to make stops every now and then.
However, the roads may sometimes be subjected to sandstorm and are covered with dust so you better drive carefully. Other major attractions for adventure lovers and explorers are the heritage sites, forts, Tal Mireb – a 300-meter high sand dune and Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort in Al Dhafra, renowned for its beautiful sun rise and sun sets.
Furthermore, the Liwa Oasis is another attraction with villages appearing as dots. Fun Fact: Star Wars: The Force Awakens was shot here so if you are a fan too, may the force of sand be with you!
Distance from Dubai: 332 km
Drive from Dubai: 3 hr 28 min
Activities: Sightseeing, forts, oasis, hiking through the desert, architecture and culture
5. Hatta
Hatta, near the Oman border, is a perfect spot to relax on a weekend and makes for an ideal weekend road trip from Dubai. The place is rife with such spectacular vistas as striking natural pools, striking mountains, beautiful picnic spots, kayaking trips and exotic resorts and hotels. Moreover, people can take the Dubai to Hatta bus to reach the majestic location.
You can also explore the surrounding areas of Hatta and go on an off-roading adventure. A sturdy 4×4 SUV is recommended for such a journey as it will ensure better grip, more ground clearance and a smooth driving on the rocky or loose gravel road surfaces.
Distance from Dubai: 137 km
Drive from Dubai: 1 hr 30 min
Activities: Off-roading, scenic mountains, pools, hotels, kayak, picnic spots and more.
If you don’t have one already, check out these used SUVs for sale:
These are all the major options for a weekend trip from Dubai. Make sure that you have all the essential tools like flares, flashlights and jumper cables and tick all the boxes of the road trip preparation checklist.
For most of these trips, you are recommended to opt for a reliable off-roading car. If you don’t have a car good enough for that purpose, you can rent one or explore these used off road vehicles for sale on dubizzle. If your plans just revolve around exploring other emirates with your family, these used cars for sale in Dubai make for a reasonable option.
Moreover, check out these places to visit in Dubai through car to explore the Emirate in your vehicle.
Stay tuned to the UAE’s top blog for more information on driving tips, vehicle trends in the market, car parts and more.
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