10 Unforgettable UAE Road Trips: From Towering Dunes to Hidden Mountain Dams

The UAE is one of the few countries where you can leave skyscrapers in the morning, have lunch by a lake between mountains, then end the day under open desert skies or on a remote island. Driving here is not just a means of transport, but a way to discover a small country with big geographic variety and perfect distances for short escapes.

When highways become adventure lines

The modern road network between the Emirates has turned road trips into a lifestyle choice. A weekend drive from Dubai to the mountains, or from Abu Dhabi to the desert oases, can be planned in just a few hours. This guide gathers 10 of the most enjoyable road‑trip destinations in and around the UAE, with a look at landscape type, possible activities, and what kind of car each trip really needs.

1) Al Rafisah Dam: A blue stop in the Hajar Mountains

Al Rafisah Dam near Khorfakkan in the Emirate of Sharjah has become a classic stop for those heading toward the east coast. Once you leave the city, the mountains start to rise on both sides, and as you approach the dam the landscape opens up to water surrounded by rock and walking paths.

Why it’s worth visiting:

• Perfect for a half‑day or full‑day trip from Dubai or Sharjah.

• Family seating areas overlooking the water, with boat rentals and calm water activities.

• Easy to combine with a visit to Khorfakkan or Fujairah beaches in the same itinerary.

Best for:
Families, photographers, and anyone wanting a light mountain escape without long distances or big climate changes.

2) Liwa Oasis: Entering the Empty Quarter

Liwa in the south of Abu Dhabi is a true gateway to the Rub’ al Khali, where sand dunes stretch almost endlessly. The further south you drive, the fewer buildings you see and the more the dunes start to dominate, until it feels like it’s just you and the car in a sea of sand.

Highlights of the Liwa trip:

• A real sense of leaving the city behind, while staying inside the country.

• Activities such as organized camping, sandboarding, and visiting famous dunes like Moreeb.

• Desert resorts that offer a full “five‑star safari” experience in the middle of the sands.

Key tips:

• An SUV is enough for the paved road, but going off into the dunes requires a proper 4×4 and some basic experience.

• The ideal season is from October to April, avoiding midday heat.

3) Hatta: A mountain escape just a few hours from Dubai

Hatta belongs to the Emirate of Dubai but looks nothing like the city. The road winds through rocky mountains and, as you arrive, Hatta Dam’s turquoise water and rows of glamping cabins and ready‑to‑use camps appear.

Must‑do activities:

• Kayaking or paddle‑boating in Hatta Dam among the mountains.

• Staying in modern cabins, glamping tents, or valley‑view resorts.

• Visiting the heritage village plus hiking and mountain‑biking trails.

Best for:
Groups of friends and families seeking fresh air, outdoor activities, and cooler evenings without going far from Dubai.

4) Shawka: Playground for off‑road and trail lovers

Shawka, between Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah, is one of the most popular areas for off‑road motorbikes and 4×4 trails. The terrain is a mix of rocky wadis and small sand sections, creating a natural playground for those who enjoy technical driving and exploration.

What makes Shawka special:

• A wide network of routes with varying difficulty levels.

• The option to camp in quiet spots far from city lights.

• Ideal for testing your modified 4×4 or dual‑sport/enduro bike in real conditions.

Important note:
This is not a destination for unprepared city cars. Basic off‑road experience, safety gear, and travelling with at least one other vehicle are highly recommended.

5) Dibba and the Fujairah coast: Where mountains meet the sea

On the east coast, Dibba and the surrounding areas offer unforgettable views: mountains dropping straight into the sea, and small towns that have lived off fishing for generations. Driving north after Fujairah means enjoying a twisting coastal road and uninterrupted sea views.

What you can do there:

• Boat trips for diving and snorkeling around islands and coral reefs.

• Relax on quieter beaches than those in Dubai.

• Visit traditional fishing communities and see wooden dhows up close.

Best for:
A relaxed, sea‑focused weekend, with softer vibes and water activities suitable for adults and children alike.

6) Jebel Jais: The UAE’s most famous driver’s road

Jebel Jais in Ras Al Khaimah is the highest peak in the UAE, but its real fame comes from the paved road that leads to the top. With its sequence of bends and elevation changes, the road has become a magnet for car enthusiasts, sports‑car owners, and motorcyclists.

Why drivers love it:

• Continuous corners and a steady climb make it very different from the straight highways.

• Multiple viewing platforms to stop, take pictures, or grab a light snack.

• Extra activities like one of the world’s longest ziplines and marked hiking routes.

Practical note:
The road is fully paved and any car can make it, but sensible speed and careful cornering are essential due to gradients and curves.

7) Wadi Shees: Quiet wadi escape away from city noise

Wadi Shees, in a mountainous part of Sharjah, offers a different kind of day out: modest but real greenery among rocks, with short walking paths that families can manage without too much effort.

Why it’s a good choice:

• The access road combines paved stretches with light wadi driving, close to nature but not extreme.

• Shaded sitting areas and simple facilities suitable for one‑day picnics.

• Cooler winter weather and the chance to see flowing water after rainfall.

This trip is ideal for those who want an easy “wadis and rocks” feel without heavy camping gear or serious off‑roading.

8) Jebel Hafeet and Al Ain: Green oases plus a driving road

Al Ain, the “Garden City,” offers a softer, greener side of the UAE. On its edge rises Jebel Hafeet, with a mountain road that many consider one of the best driving routes in the region.

What this route offers:

• A steady climb with dozens of bends and wide views over the city and its oases.

• At the base of the mountain is Green Mubazzarah, with parks, pools, and hot springs.

• Easy to combine with visits to Al Ain’s oases, museums, and zoo.

This trip suits families wanting a mix of kids’ activities, enjoyable driving, and greenery in one package.

9) Sir Bani Yas Island: Safari and wildlife without leaving the country

Sir Bani Yas Island off the coast of Abu Dhabi combines a road drive to the ferry terminal with a short boat crossing, then a completely different world on the island. There, the experience shifts to wildlife, sea, and upscale or eco‑style stays.

Why Sir Bani Yas stands out:

• A nature reserve where you can join safari drives and see animals such as Arabian oryx and various antelope species, depending on the program.

• Beachfront or nature‑immersed resorts for a quiet romantic or family break.

• The feeling of leaving the city’s rhythm behind, while still traveling by car and ferry rather than plane.

10) Musandam, Oman: The fjord coast that draws UAE residents

Although Musandam lies in Oman, its proximity to the UAE has made it a fixed item on many residents’ road‑trip lists. The coastal road after the border takes you into a landscape of steep mountains dropping into deep blue water.

Unmissable experiences there:

• Traditional dhow cruises with seafood meals and stops for swimming and snorkeling.

• Dolphin‑watching in specific areas, followed by a chance to swim in clear water around the boats.

• Calm anchorages and an almost fjord‑like coastline that explains the “Norway of Arabia” nickname.

Logistics:
Check passports, car insurance coverage for border crossing, and current entry requirements before setting off, and plan at least a full day or an overnight stay.

Practical quick tips for drivers

• Within a relatively small area, the UAE offers mountains, deserts, wadis, islands, and coasts, all reachable by road from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah.

• Most mountain and coastal destinations are accessible by regular sedans, while pure desert trips and serious trails need an SUV or 4×4.

• Autumn and winter are the best seasons for most of these routes, with midday in open desert best avoided in summer.

• Basic prep for any road trip: enough water, snacks, a first‑aid kit, phone car charger, and a tyre‑pressure check before departure.

Trip type by destination