Dubai’s well-connected road network and central location put a wide range of scenic natural spots within a short drive. From coastal stretches and sandy dunes to rocky valleys, there are plenty of options for a weekend road trip from the city. With so many options to choose from, a few stand out for their picturesque routes and driving experience.
Places for a Weekend Road Trip From Dubai
These are some of the places for a weekend road trip from Dubai. Preparing your car for a road trip in advance is essential to ensure a smooth, hassle-free journey.
Jebel Jais
Located around 152 km from Dubai, it takes around 1 hour and 35 minutes to reach Jebel Jais via Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road and the Yellow Route of RAK. Winding through the Hajar Mountains, the route delivers striking views of rugged peaks along the way. Visitors can choose from a wide range of activities at Jebel Jais, including mountain cycling, hiking, climbing and camping.
Wadi Shawka
Wadi Shawka is a mountainous region located around 100 km from Dubai, with an average drive time of 1 hour and 7 minutes via Sharjah–Kalba Road. The route follows a smooth, paved highway framed by rugged peaks and sharp bends, delivering striking views along the way. Home to the Shawka Mountain Bike Track, Wadi Shawka offers plenty of thrilling options for outdoor activities.
Hatta
Located around 130 km southeast of Dubai, Hatta is typically 1 hour and 36 minutes away by road. While driving through Sharjah–Kalba Road, travellers can enjoy scenic views of the Hajar foothills, pockets of greenery and picturesque water reservoirs along the route. Once there, Hatta offers plenty to do, including cycling tracks, camping spots, hiking trails and a range of other outdoor activities.
Liwa
Liwa is a part of the Empty Quarter (Rub-al-Khali), a vast desert region located 339 km from Dubai, with a drive time of roughly 3 hours and 43 minutes via E11 and E65. The journey is lined with sweeping golden dunes, with the sighting of local fauna such as camels and Arabian oryx. In Liwa, visitors can drive on the towering Moreeb Dune, visit camel farms and enjoy classic desert experiences like sandboarding and dune bashing.
Jebel Hafeet
The limestone peaks of Jebel Hafeet are located around 164 km from Dubai, with an average drive time of 1 hour and 57 minutes via the Dubai–Al Ain Road. The winding mountain road, marked by sharp bends, offers sweeping views across the surrounding landscape. At Jebel Hafeet, visitors can enjoy activities such as hiking, mountain biking and off-roading. The area is also close to key attractions, including Al Jahili Fort, Al Ain Zoo and the Al Ain Classic Car Museum.
Dibba
The next location for a weekend road trip from Dubai is Dibba, located around 144 km, with an estimated drive time of 1 hour and 42 minutes via Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road. The journey features scenic mountain backdrops and pockets of greenery, with occasional sightings of local flora and fauna. Dibba offers plenty of activity options, from exploring historic forts and castles to a range of watersports options.
The Mangrove Beach
Mangrove Beach is located around 70 km from Dubai, with an average drive time of 1 hour. The route is known for its picturesque shift in scenery, moving from skyline views to sandy stretches and coastal landscapes. Visitors can enjoy a range of water activities, including kayaking and snorkelling.
Khor Fakkan
Located around 132 km from Dubai, Khor Fakkan is typically 1 hour and 26 minutes away by road. The drive delivers striking scenery, shifting between towering dunes, rugged mountain backdrops and coastal views. The destination offers a number of watersports activities, including snorkelling and deep-sea diving.
International Road Trip Destinations From Dubai
Beyond weekend getaways within the UAE, travellers can also consider road trips from Dubai to GCC countries.
Dubai to Oman
Oman’s capital, Muscat, is around 453 km from Dubai, with an estimated drive time of 4 hours and 37 minutes. The road trip from Dubai to Musandam takes around 2 hours and 39 minutes to reach. Both routes take travellers through changing scenery, from desert stretches and mountain roads to dramatic coastal views.
Dubai to Saudi Arabia
Neighbouring Saudi Arabia is another option for a weekend road trip from Dubai. The capital, Riyadh, is around 993 km away, with a drive time of roughly 10 hours and 46 minutes. Well-maintained highways also make it possible to travel from the UAE to Saudi Arabia for Umrah by road via E11 and Route 10. Much of the journey is defined by expansive desert scenery, with towering dunes and golden sunsets shaping the drive.
Dubai to Qatar
By travelling through Saudi Arabia, visitors can also reach Doha, Qatar, for a longer weekend road trip, with an estimated drive time of around 7 hours and 12 minutes. The route combines desert stretches with coastal scenery, creating a distinctive mix of landscapes along the way.
FAQs
What are popular weekend road trips from Dubai?
The popular options for weekend getaways near Dubai include Hatta, Jebel Jais, Wadi Shawka, Khor Fakkan, Dibba, Liwa and others.
What is the best time for a weekend road trip from Dubai?
The best time is between October and April, when the temperature is optimal, making driving and outdoor activities more comfortable.
Where can I go for a nature road trip near Dubai?
Nature-focused road trips near Dubai include Wadi Shawka, Hatta, Liwa and Jebel Jais, offering mountains, deserts and natural reservoirs.
These are some of the options for a weekend road trip from Dubai, offering a chance to experience the UAE’s diverse landscapes, as well as its local flora and fauna, in a short span of time. With well-paved roads connecting key destinations across the country and into neighbouring nations, travelling beyond the city is generally convenient. For occasional trips, a conventional vehicle works well, but for frequent travellers, buying an RV or motorhome in the UAE can be a more practical choice for a comfortable, hassle-free journey.
Stay tuned to dubizzle’s auto blog to learn about more roads and highways of the UAE.
Related Posts
