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United Arab Emirates Road Trip

Dubai - Jazirat Al Hamra - Al Aqah - Fujairah - Al Ain - Al Sheiba - Liwa - Al Dhannah - Abu Dhabi

Expect on your itinerary

Beach Beach
Urban life Urban life
Comfort Comfort
Road conditions Road conditions
Security Security
Landscape Landscape
Benefit-stress ratio Benefit-stress ratio
Wildlife Wildlife
United Arab Emirates Road Trip ACTIVATE MAP Stages9 km1,409 h/stage2.1

Best months to drive

I II III IV V VI
VII VIII IX X XI XII

Road Trip Costs

How much does it cost to go on a United Arab Emirates Road Trip in United Arab Emirates?

Economy
Low budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 315EUR drive & more 188EUR sleep & more 319EUR eat & more 504EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 1,011EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 1,326EUR
Standard
Mid budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 378EUR drive & more 250EUR sleep & more 462EUR eat & more 756EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 1,468EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 1,846EUR
Premium
High budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 756EUR drive & more 338EUR sleep & more 1,012EUR eat & more 1,008EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 2,358EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 3,114EUR
Camper
On the road in RV, overnight at camp grounds with self-catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 1,575EUR drive & more 375EUR sleep & more 385EUR eat & more 504EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 1,264EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 2,839EUR
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United Arab Emirates Road Trip Itinerary

Embark on a journey of discovery through the United Arab Emirates with a 7-day road trip from Dubai to Dubai. Spanning a distance of 1,428km, this road trip is the perfect way to explore the beauty of the UAE. The best time to drive is from November to April, when the weather is pleasant. The route takes you through Jazirat Al Hamra, Al Aqah, Fujairah, Al Sheiba, and Liwa, with plenty of attractions and UNESCO Heritage Monuments along the way. You can also enjoy the many beaches along the route and the excellent road conditions. This road trip is suitable for all drivers, and you can manage it on a moderate budget. So, get ready to enjoy a memorable experience of the United Arab Emirates!
number of days 7 number of days
route length 1,409 km route length
budget fair budget
good for family good for
traffic direction on the right traffic direction
accident level moderate accident level

START Dubai

Distance 1,409 km Driving time 18.8 h Pace: fast 422.6 kWh Airports DXB
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Dubai is the perfect starting point for the United Arab Emirates Road Trip. Situated in the Persian Gulf, the city of Dubai is a modern and vibrant city with plenty of attractions to explore. From the stunning architecture of the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, to the exotic souks, or traditional markets, of the old city, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. The closest international airport is Dubai International Airport (DXB). From here, travelers can rent cars to start their United Arab Emirates Road Trip. There are numerous car rental companies at the airport, including Avis, Europcar, Hertz, and Budget, so visitors can easily find a car that suits their needs. When in Dubai, travelers should definitely explore the famous landmarks, such as the Burj Al Arab, the world’s only seven-star hotel, the Palm Jumeirah, the world’s largest man-made island, and the Dubai Marina. In addition, visitors should visit the historic Deira District, which is home to the Dubai Creek, where traditional wooden boats called abra transport passengers from one side of the creek to the other. For a unique experience, adventurers can head to the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, where they can go on a safari, explore the desert on a 4x4, and enjoy a delicious dinner while watching the sun set over the dunes. With so much to offer, Dubai is the perfect starting point for the United Arab Emirates Road Trip.

1 Dubai - Jazirat Al Hamra

Distance 135 km Driving time 1.5 h Pace: fast 40.4 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips interesting  historic site accommodation options
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Embark on a road trip from Dubai to Jazirat Al Hamra and discover the hidden gems of the United Arab Emirates! This 133 km long journey will take you less than two hours and will be full of surprises. Start your journey in Dubai and drive through the desert, admiring the rugged beauty of the landscape. Make sure to stop at the historical sites along the way, as they are a must-see. When you arrive in Jazirat Al Hamra, you will be in for a treat. This small fishing village is full of fascinating culture and local attractions. Take a stroll along the beach and explore the old ruins of the old fort. From there, you can take a boat ride to the nearby islands and explore the hidden gems of the area. Don't forget to try the local seafood restaurants, as the cuisine here is amazing. For a more adventurous experience, you can camp out in the desert and watch the stars. Make sure to check the itinerary of this stage for more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites. Enjoy your journey!

2 Jazirat Al Hamra - Al Aqah

Distance 93 km Driving time 1.3 h Pace: fast 28.0 kWh View map Itinerary
attractive landscape accommodation options interesting  historic site
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Ready for an adventure? Get set for a road trip from Jazirat Al Hamra to Al Aqah - a 93 km drive that will take you fewer than two hours! On your way, get ready to be mesmerized by the picturesque landscapes. This journey is part of a larger tour, so it's best to pay attention to the road signs and stay focused. You will be able to explore the attractions and attractions of the region and make the most of your stay. You will be able to visit the beautiful Jazirat Al Hamra beach, the beautiful Al Aqah beach, and the stunning Fujairah Fort. Make sure you take some time to enjoy the stunning views of the Arabian Sea. You can also explore the nearby city of Dibba, where you will find restaurants, shops, and other attractions. At the end of your journey, make sure to take some time to explore the beautiful Al Aqah beach. Enjoy a relaxing swim and take in the breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea. There are plenty of accommodation options available in the area, so you can stay for the night if you wish. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your journey and have a wonderful time!

3 Al Aqah - Fujairah

Distance 45 km Driving time 0.7 h Pace: fast 13.6 kWh View map Itinerary
attractive landscape accommodation options junction of road trips
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Are you ready for a thrilling road trip from Al Aqah to Fujairah? Get ready to explore the 45km route in less than 1 hour and take in the picturesque landscapes of the United Arab Emirates along the way. The first stop is the peaceful beach of Al Aqah, where you can take a dip in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean and admire the surrounding mountains. From there, you will move on to the city of Fujairah, where you can visit the impressive Fujairah Fort and the Sheikh Zayed Mosque. As you drive along the route, make sure to take advantage of the many scenic spots to take memorable photos. If you're looking for a place to stay, there are plenty of accommodation options available in both Al Aqah and Fujairah. This is just one of the stages of a larger tour. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. Let the adventure begin!

4 Fujairah - Al Ain

Distance 199 km Driving time 2.4 h Pace: fast 59.7 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips UNESCO World Heritage Site interesting  historic site accommodation options
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Are you ready for an exciting road trip from Fujairah to Al Ain? This 205 km drive will take you less than three hours, but you'll be sure to see some incredible sights along the way! From the beautiful beaches of Fujairah to the historical sites of Al Ain, you'll be sure to have a great time. On your way, you'll have the chance to visit some amazing UNESCO Heritage sites, including the Al Ain Oasis and the Al Jahili Fort. You can also explore the beautiful Hili Archaeological Park, where you'll find ancient tombs and artefacts. Make sure to take some time to relax and enjoy the stunning views of the Hajar Mountains. And don't forget to visit the Al Ain National Museum, where you can learn more about the history and culture of the region. This is just one stage of your road trip, and more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants and campsites along the route can be found in the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, get ready to explore the beauty of the United Arab Emirates!

5 Al Ain - Al Sheiba

Distance 106 km Driving time 1.8 h Pace: modest 27.6 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips interesting cultural site interesting  historic site attractive landscape UNESCO World Heritage Site accommodation options
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Welcome to the Al Ain - Al Sheiba road trip stage! This is one of the stages of a larger tour, and it is 109 km long and takes less than two hours to drive. Start your journey in Al Ain, the Garden City of the United Arab Emirates. Admire the greenery and the majestic forts of the city, including the Al Jahili Fort and the Hili Archaeological Park. Don’t forget to visit the Al Ain Oasis, the largest oasis in the city, and take a stroll around the Al Ain Zoo. The next stop is Al Sheiba, a small town in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. Here, you can visit the Sheiba Palace, a former residence of the ruling Al Nahyan family, and the Sheiba Fort. If you’re looking for a cultural experience, visit the Sheiba Heritage Village, where you can learn about the culture and traditions of the area. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the “Itinerary” of this stage. Enjoy your journey!

6 Al Sheiba - Liwa

Distance 282 km Driving time 4.5 h Pace: fast 84.7 kWh View map Itinerary
accommodation options interesting cultural site interesting  historic site attractive landscape camping sites
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Welcome to the road trip stage from Al Sheiba to Liwa! This stage is 292km long and will take you fewer than 6 hours to complete. The journey begins in Al Sheiba, a small oasis town that is home to the historic Al Sheiba Fort. This fort dates back to the 18th century and is a great place to explore and learn about the region’s history. As you drive through the desert, you will pass through the city of Madinat Zayed, which is home to the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, a spectacular building with a beautiful courtyard. The next stop is the city of Mirfa, which is known for its beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters. Here you can relax on the beach or take a boat trip to explore the nearby islands. Finally, you will reach the city of Liwa, which is home to some of the most stunning desert landscapes in the UAE. Here you can visit the iconic Liwa Oasis, take a camel ride through the sand dunes, and explore the local Bedouin villages. At the end of this stage, you will have experienced some of the most beautiful places in the UAE. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your journey!

7 Liwa - Al Dhannah

Distance 204 km Driving time 3.3 h Pace: fast 61.3 kWh View map Itinerary
accommodation options
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Are you ready for an amazing road trip? Start your journey in Liwa, United Arab Emirates, and travel 205km to Al Ruwais. This stage of your road trip will take you less than 3 hours and you will be able to visit some of the most interesting places in the region. In Liwa, you can explore the Liwa Oasis, a beautiful area with lush plantations and a wide variety of wildlife. You can also visit the Moreeb Dune, one of the highest sand dunes in the world. After that, make your way to Al Ruwais. Here, you can visit the Ruwais Mall, one of the largest shopping malls in the country. You can also explore the Ruwais Park, a popular recreational spot with a pool, playgrounds, and a variety of activities for everyone. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!

8 Al Dhannah - Abu Dhabi

Distance 235 km Driving time 2.0 h Pace: fast 70.6 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips interesting  historic site interesting cultural site accommodation options attractive landscape
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Are you ready for an unforgettable road trip from Al Ruwais to Abu Dhabi? This 238 km journey will take you less than 3 hours and you will get to explore some of the most interesting places in the United Arab Emirates. Start your journey in Al Ruwais and make sure to stop at the city’s charming fishing harbor, where you can see the traditional boats of the local fishermen. Then, take a stroll through the old town and explore its narrow streets and traditional architecture. As you drive through the desert, take a moment to admire the unique beauty of the desert landscape. Make sure to look out for historical sites, such as the remains of ancient fortifications, along the way. Finally, arrive in Abu Dhabi and visit the city’s impressive landmarks, such as the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the Emirates Palace. Don't forget to explore the city’s traditional souks, where you can find some unique souvenirs. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the Itinerary of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and hit the road!

9 Abu Dhabi - Dubai

Distance 108 km Driving time 1.2 h Pace: fast 32.5 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips interesting  historic site accommodation options interesting cultural site attractive landscape
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Are you ready for a road trip from Abu Dhabi to Dubai? This 108 km journey will take you less than an hour to complete and is the perfect way to explore the United Arab Emirates. Along the way, you'll have plenty of opportunities to take in the historical sites and other attractions. Make sure to take some time to explore the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, the largest mosque in the UAE, before heading out. As you travel through the desert, you'll be able to spot the iconic Burj Khalifa in the distance. When you arrive in Dubai, don't forget to check out the Dubai Mall, the world's largest shopping mall. There's also the Dubai Miracle Garden, the world's largest natural flower garden. Don't forget to take some time to relax on the beach or take a boat ride along the Dubai Creek. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please consult the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your road trip from Abu Dhabi to Dubai!

  Dubai

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End your United Arab Emirates Road Trip in the city of Dubai – the largest and most populous city in the United Arab Emirates. From its breathtaking skyline to its glistening beaches, Dubai has something for everyone. Spend a day at the Dubai Mall, the largest shopping mall in the world. With over 1,200 stores, it’s the perfect place to shop for souvenirs, designer clothes, and even gold. After a day of shopping, take a stroll down the Dubai Fountain, the world’s largest choreographed fountain show. Visit the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building. Take in the stunning views of the city from the observation deck, or take a ride on the world’s fastest elevator. You can also explore the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, with its thousands of sea creatures and underwater tunnels. Head out to the desert for some adventure. Go on a camel safari or take a 4x4 dune bashing tour. You can even go sand-boarding or sky-diving for a truly unique experience. Finally, don’t forget to take a dip in the Persian Gulf. Relax on the beach or head out on the water for some exciting activities like scuba diving, snorkeling, and fishing. Dubai is the perfect place to end your United Arab Emirates Road Trip. The closest international airport is Dubai International Airport (DXB). So, pack your bags and get ready for the trip of a lifetime!

United Arab Emirates Road Trip at a glance

Before you set off

Embarking on a week-long journey that spans approximately 1,428 kilometers, this Road Trip takes you from the cosmopolitan vibrancy of Dubai, through the United Arab Emirates' contrasting landscapes, and back again. This circuit offers travelers a chance to dive deep into a country that is a nexus of ancient heritage and cutting-edge innovation.

Key Destinations and Top Sights:

  • Jazirat Al Hamra: Often referred to as the 'Ghost Town', this abandoned village provides a hauntingly beautiful glimpse into the past with its well-preserved ruins and traditional coral-block structures, a testament to pre-oil life in the UAE.
  • Al Aqah: Nestled between the pristine waters of the Gulf of Oman and the scenic Hajar Mountains, Al Aqah is a beach haven for sunbathers and a gateway to world-class diving spots teeming with marine life.
  • Fujairah: The oldest mosque in the UAE, Al Bidiyah Mosque, sits here, alongside the Fujairah Fort which has stood guard over the town for centuries. The fort's unique position against the mountain backdrop makes it a photographer's delight.
  • Al Sheiba: A desert landscape that can be both serene and thrilling, Al Sheiba is the spot for those seeking adventure in the dunes, whether it's sandboarding or a 4x4 desert Safari.
  • Liwa: Envelop yourself in the vastness of the Rub' al Khali, also known as the Empty Quarter, the largest uninterrupted sand desert in the world. The Moreeb Dune, one of the tallest sand dunes on the planet, is a must-visit for panoramic desert views.

Best Time to Go:

Travel between November and April to avoid the intense heat of the desert summer and to make the most of outdoor activities in a pleasant climate.

Potential Risks:

  • The summer months can bring scorching temperatures, making outdoor excursions uncomfortable and potentially dangerous.
  • Desert driving can be challenging and should only be undertaken with proper preparation, supplies, and ideally, a guide.
  • The UAE has specific customs and legal frameworks, so it's important to familiarize yourself with these to ensure a respectful and trouble-free Trip.

Interesting Facts for Roadtrippers:

  • The UAE's Roads are renowned for their quality, often ranked among the best globally, ensuring a smooth driving experience.
  • While luxury options are abundant, a Road Trip through the UAE can be quite economical with moderate spending.
  • Facilities including petrol stations, eateries, and rest areas are frequently encountered, providing convenient breaks on your voyage.
  • The UAE's blend of heritage and modernity is evident in its cultural offerings, from the Louvre Abu Dhabi's architectural splendor to the traditional Bedouin crafts.

A good choice for:

This Road Trip presents an extraordinary chance to witness the UAE's full spectrum—from the remnants of ancient civilizations to the heights of contemporary luxury, and from tranquil coastal retreats to the awe-inspiring expanses of the desert.

Facts for safer driving in United Arab Emirates

drink drive limit drink drive limit 0
max speed urban max speed urban 60 km/h
max speed rural max speed rural 120 km/h
max speed highway max speed highway 160 km/h
headlights at daytime headlights at daytime off
fire extinguisher fire extinguisher no
tolls tolls yes
seat belts seat belts yes

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