Fog heralds the arrival of winter in the UAE. The temperature drop and occasional rain results in perfect road trip weather. The ideal location of the Emirates provides residents with numerous options for road trips. Whether it is mountainous regions, sandy beaches, or a cross-border trip, the options are endless. To explore the diverse landscape on wheels, all you need is a well-maintained vehicle and a valid driving licence.
For your convenience, here we have listed some options for winter road trips in the UAE that you can consider.
Winter Road Trip Destinations in the UAE
Road trips in the UAE are ideal to witness mesmerising natural scenes of diverse landscapes. That said, all the major highways in the UAE are well-maintained, secured and inter-connected, providing maximum comfort while travelling.
Here are some of the top destinations for winter road trips in the UAE.
Al Marjan Island
Al Marjan is a man-made island located at the border of Ras Al Khaimah and Umm Al Quwain. The island features 4 islets and spans over an area of 115 acres. Beach resorts, cafes and restaurants in Al Marjan make it an ideal holiday destination. It takes around 1 hour and 10 minutes to reach Al Marjan Island from Dubai via E311.
Hajar Mountains
Hajar Mountains spread from UAE to Oman, covering an area of 700 km. The mountain ranges feature several peaks, canyons and valleys offering breathtaking views to the visitors. The roads leading to the Hajar Mountains are carved inside the ranges, making it an awe-inspiring destination. The drive from Abu Dhabi and Dubai to the Hajar Mountains is around 5 hours and 30 minutes.
Visitors can avail multiple activities at the Hajar Mountains depending on the area of ranges they choose. Canyoneering, camping, hiking and climbing are common activities available at the Hajar Mountains.
Wadi Shawka
Next on the list of places for road trips in the UAE is Wadi Shawka located in Hajar Mountains. The Wadi is home to many archaeological sites, dams, natural pools and trails. Wadi Shawka offers a wide range of activities ranging from mountain climbing to sightseeing. Additionally, it is one of the most popular cycling tracks in Ras Al Khaimah. It takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes to reach Wadi Shawka from Abu Dhabi and approximately 1 hour from Dubai.
Jebel Jais
Jebel Jais is one of the highest peaks in the UAE, standing at 2,000 metres. The mountains region is a must-visit place for adventure seekers.
Here are some activities available at Jebel Jais.
- 2.8 km long ziplining above the canyons at a speed of 150km.
- Sightseeing with the Jais Zipline Sky Tour that can reach up to a top speed of 60 km/h.
- Become part of Bear Grylls Explorer camp.
- Hiking, mountain climbing and camping.
It is a 2-hour drive from Dubai to Jebel Jais through the E611 road. Whereas, it is a 3-hour drive from Abu Dhabi.
Mleiha
Mleiha is an Iron Age settlement located in Sharjah. The archaeological site features a wide range of fossils and caves depicting a Mars-like landscape surrounded by sandy dunes. The visitors are allowed to climb and hike on the mountains and caves across the archaeological site. The site is located at a drive of 50 minutes from Dubai and 2 hours from Abu Dhabi.
Sir Bani Yas Island
Sir Bani is one of the largest wildlife parks in the Emirate, located on the island of Al Dhafra. The desert island is home to more than 17,000 animals, including several endangered animals. Aside from the adventure park, the Island also has a Christian Monastery that dates back to 600AD. The Island is directly connected to Dubai and Abu Dhabi through the E11 highway, making it one of the most popular destinations for day trips in the UAE for winters.
Cross-Border Road Trips
Aside from the weekend road trips in the Emirates, you can also opt for cross-border road trips to the nearby countries connected to the UAE through a widespread road network.
However, if it’s your first cross-border trip, here are some things to check in your car before a road trip.
Buraimi
Al Buraimi is a border governorate of Oman located next to Al Ain and near the Al Hajar Mountain Ranges. The geographical location of the city enriches it with breathtaking natural scenes. Ranging from castles to fossil valleys and Rub Al Khali, visitors can find everything in one place.
Wadi Kitnah, Wadi Al Qahi, Al Buraimi Park, Wadi Sharm, Jebel Qatar, Al Khandaq Castle, Al Hillah Castle and Buraimi Souq are the most-visited places in the city. Furthermore, visitors can also take a pitstop at the Garden City of Al Ain during the road trip. It’s approximately a 2-hour drive from Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Musandam
Musandam is another tourist favourite spot that makes it to the list of destinations for winter road trips in the UAE. The governorate of Musandam is located south of the Strait of Hormuz, around 200 km from Dubai city. Therefore, visitors can also plan a one-day trip from Dubai to Musandam.
Visitors can witness breathtaking natural views and leverage from multiple activities, including Dhow cruise, paragliding, camping and off-roading.
Jebel Akhdar
A road trip from UAE to Jebel Akhdar in Oman gives multiple reasons to stop during the journey. Diverse landscapes, including golden sandy dunes and mountain ranges, surround the long stretched roads. Aside from that, travellers can also witness captivating sunsets and sunrises during the journey.
Please remember that an off-roading vehicle is required to reach the mountain peak. That said, if you are driving on an off-road trial for the first time, here is how to drive on different terrains. There are only two restaurants at the top of Jebel Akhdar; therefore, it is recommended to pre-book the rooms. It takes around 5 hours to reach Jebel Akhdar from Dubai to Abu Dhabi.
FAQs
Can I drive with a UAE driving licence in GCC countries?
Yes, UAE residents with a valid licence are allowed to drive in the GCC countries without an international driving licence.
Can I drive from Dubai to Saudi Arabia by car?
Yes, you can drive from Dubai to Saudi Arabia through the border crossing of Al Ghuweifat and Al Batha. That said, you can also opt for Umrah by car from the UAE.
Is it possible to drive from UAE to Qatar?
Yes, you can drive from UAE to Qatar by car. However, you have to cross two borders, first Ghuwaifat (Saudi Arabia – UAE border) and then Salwat (Qatar-Saudi Arabia border).
These were all the destinations for winter road trips in the UAE. Road trips are ideal for exploring the diverse landscape of the UAE and availing of the natural beauty of the country. However, for a hassle-free trip, it is necessary to have a well-maintained vehicle. That said if you are also planning for a road trip but your vehicle malfunctions often, browse through these used cars for sale in the UAE and buy a car that fits your budget.
Opt for the inspection services by dubizzle cars and get a detailed analysis of a car prior to making a purchase decision.
Stay tuned to dubizzle’s auto blog for more information on top tourist destinations in the UAE.
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