UAE Road Trip Guide 2026: Best Routes, Fuel Stops and Car Tips
Oliver Bennett·2 May 2026·12 min read
From the Hajar Mountain loop to the Liwa Crescent, the UAE offers spectacular driving experiences beyond Dubai's highways. We plan five road trips with distances, fuel stops and car recommendations.
Planning a Road Trip in the UAE
The UAE is a more rewarding road trip destination than its compact size suggests. Within a 500 km radius of Dubai, you have the Hajar Mountains, the Empty Quarter's edge at Liwa, the fjords of Musandam (via Oman), and the historic forts of Al Ain. The roads are exceptional — well-maintained, well-lit and heavily signposted.
Route 1: Dubai to Hatta Loop (140 km)
Drive time: 1.5–2 hours each way Road type: UAE Highway (E44) then mountain switchbacks Recommended car: Any — road is sealed throughout
The Hatta route climbs through the Hajar foothills on a road that reveals increasingly dramatic mountain scenery. Stop at the Hatta Heritage Village, the Hatta Dam (kayaking available) and the new Hatta Mountain Conservation Area with its 7 km cycling/walking trail.
Fuel: Fill up before leaving Dubai; next ADNOC is at Hatta town.
Route 2: Abu Dhabi to Liwa Crescent (230 km)
Drive time: 2.5 hours each way Road type: Excellent two-lane highway through the Empty Quarter Recommended car: Toyota Land Cruiser, Nissan Patrol or any 4WD with sand deflectors
The E65 descends from Abu Dhabi through flat desert until the horizon fills with the Rub' al Khali's dunes. The Qasr Al Sarab resort offers overnight stays with dune views. Sunrise and sunset over the Liwa dunes are among the most dramatic sights in the GCC.
Fuel: Fill a full tank in Abu Dhabi. Only one ADNOC station on this route.
Route 3: Dubai to Musandam via Oman (285 km to Khasab)
Drive time: 3.5 hours Note: Requires Oman visa and car insurance valid in Oman Recommended car: Any — road is sealed throughout
This route crosses into Oman via the Tibat border and follows the coast to Khasab, where Arabian Sea fjords (khors) create some of the Gulf region's most dramatic scenery. A half-day dhow trip in Khasab is strongly recommended.
Route 4: Ras Al Khaimah Mountain Circuit (210 km full loop)
Drive time: 3–4 hours with stops Road type: Highway plus mountain roads — sealed but narrow in places Recommended car: Any; higher ground clearance is useful on some sections
Start in RAK city, head to Jebel Jais (UAE's highest peak at 1,934 m), then continue via Wadi Showka and return via the coast road. The Jebel Jais summit road is UAE's most dramatic sealed drive.
Route 5: Al Ain Heritage Loop (160 km from Dubai)
Drive time: 1.5 hours each way Recommended car: Any
Al Ain offers the UAE's most historically concentrated driving route: Al Ain Oasis (UNESCO site), Jahili Fort, Al Ain Zoo (the GCC's largest), the camel market and Jebel Hafeet — a legendary drivers' road to 1,240 m altitude.
Packing for UAE Road Trips
- Water: Minimum 4 litres per person for any trip away from urban areas
- Tyre pressure gauge and portable compressor: Essential for dune driving
- Sunshade for windscreen: Prevents interior damage during stops
- Portable battery jump starter: UAE heat is hard on batteries
- Offline maps: Google Maps UAE offline pack or local SIM with data
Verdict
Best scenic route: Musandam via Oman — the fjord scenery is unique. Best for families: Hatta loop — easy driving, clear destination, multiple activities. Best for car enthusiasts: Jebel Jais — UAE's best mountain driving road.