10 Road Trips in UAE that will leave you trippin’ for more

The Middle East is an enchanting place known for its culture, the dreaminess of the sand dunes and the intriguing past, still present in the clothing, architecture and food. The UAE, as we know is made of 7 Emirate brother states. Apart from Dubai and Abu Dhabi, there are also a lot of other epic places you can discover.

It may not be a magic carpet, but a rental car will give you the same experience if you can take the journey.

Fujairah: One with nature

One of the seven Emirates, Fujairah, is a place that is easily overshadowed by more “happening” places like Dubai and Abu Dhabi but there is more to it than meets the eye. Only 75 min away from the great Dubai, Fujairah makes for the ultimate road trip, away from the city’s tall buildings.

The entire Emirate is lined by beaches and mountains along the road. The place is also relatively cheaper and the rental cars are the best way to travel through. If you have time for snorkeling and shopping, a visit to the Snoopy Island is a must.

Khasa: Norway of Arabia

A small fisherman town which is the last outpost of civilisation on the Strait of Hormuz, Khasab makes for an interesting road-trip on the weekend.

Also known as the ‘Norway of Arabia’, it is a beautiful, scarcely populated and a very quiet place. While driving through, try not to get distracted by the gorgeous cliffs and scenery that are perpetually present in front of you. Mountains, Sea, Fjord and Dolphins, this visit is full of joyful experiences.

Liwa: Live the true emirate life

A trip to the Arabian land is not complete without some adventures involving sand dunes and camels, and Liwa gives you just that. This oasis town is 3-4hrs drive from Dubai. The entire stretch is laiden with magnificent sand dunes as far as the eye can and can’t see. Renting a 4WD might be the best choice, given that there may be sandy roads along the way.

Liwa will undoubtedly impress you with it’s simplicity and the rootedness in the Emirati culture. If you encounter small shacks along the way, make sure you stop and meet with the locals who are super hospitable while being strongly accustomed to camel breeding and growing dates.

Ras Al Khaimah: The perfect weekend getaway

The forgotten Emirate brother, Ras Al Khaimah is a place that deserves a visit, irrespective of the schedule you are on. Loaded with unbelievable natural views, this place will leave you spellbound. Quiet and pristine beaches, and mountains on the side, it is a natural wonder and you have to see it to believe it.

Relatively unknown, RAK is the perfect peaceful getaway. Driving around in a car, at your own pace is probably the best way to experience this magical place. Only 1hr 30 min away from the bustling city of Dubai, it is the perfect road trip for tourists and locals alike.

Jebel hafeet / Al Ain /: Adventures of a lifetime

The great driving road, Jebel hafeet is without a doubt a must-do. At par with Italy’s Stelvio Pass and the Australian Great Ocean Road, this smooth stretch of tar is loaded with rough terrain as you go up the mountain. Renting a special car for meandering through this path is money and time well spent.

Jebel Jais: Scale the heights

The highest peak in the UAE, Jebel Jais is not as commercialized, giving you long stretch of free land and peaceful scenery. Perfectly safe to drive alone as well, this area is marked by the top of the hill, that promises the most gorgeous sunset. Rent a car with friends or a spouse or even alone, and this road trip will satiate your thirst for nature, peace and landscape.

Jebel Akhdar: Grand Canyon of the middle east

Literally translating to ‘green mountain’ Jebel Akhdar is a beautiful place for a road trip. Oman’s Nizwa is the base to this up-hill drive. If you are traveling from Abu Dhabi or Dubai, the place is 4-5 hrs away.

Make sure you have the required documents to leave UAE, enter Oman and re-enter UAE. Hire a 4WD for this terrain and you are good to go. Once you start driving up from the antique town of Nizwa, you will discover the wonder of what is referred to as ‘ Grand Canyon of the Middle East’.

Hatta: The most instagrammed place on earth

The road trip to Hatta is great if you are looking to squeeze in a few water activities and boat rides at the end of it. The trip will have you scurrying through mountains. It is better to carry your own picnic food and water, to make up for the lack of supplies in the region.

The place has enough parking for the hordes of tourists visiting the area. You can also walk around and explore the area by foot. Taking pictures is a must when you are visiting the world’s highest Instagrammed place.

Sir bani yas island: Exotic, beautiful & serene

The 4-5 hours journey from Abu Dhabi is worth making when driving to this beautiful island. Situated at the Saudi Border in Abu Dhabi, the island is a UN-protected reserve. Housing 10,000 species of protected animals and plants. Aside from animal life, there are natural salt domes in the center of the island. Once there, you can engage in mountain biking, nature walking, etc. There are a lot of resorts that you can house in.

Ajman: The tiny emirate brother

The smallest Emirate, Ajman is a real gem of UAE when it comes to undiscovered jewels. The way will have you staring out the window throughout. The entire trip becomes even more worth it when you reach this suburban hit spot. The chill beaches and calm environment will have you unwinding in no time. There are old-time cafes and restaurants for you to refuel in.

This trip is one you will not regret taking, because you will have the time of your life.

Once you have it all, just load up and hit the road. These places will have you trippin’ for more.