5 Easy Weekend Dubai Road Trips
5 Weekend Road Trips While Traveling in Dubai
Going on a desert safari is one of the most thrilling and adventurous driving experiences you should try when in Dubai. But there’s another kind of adventure that you can experience that doesn’t require any tricky maneuvering skills over a sandy and wild terrain: a road trip.
Dubai offers a great starting point for anyone going on a road trip. The weekend, of course, is the best time to go on such an adventure. If you plan on spending your weekends out on the roads in your own vehicle or a rental car from Dubai, here are the best routes to take and places you must visit:
1. Abu Dhabi
If you haven’t been to the capital of the UAE, schedule a weekend road trip to this Emirate. Being just 139.4 km or 1 hour and 27 minutes from Dubai, the drive to Abu Dhabi may be short, but it doesn’t mean you won’t enjoy all the views you’ll pass by. By managing your time well, a two-day stay here will be enough to take in all the amazing sights and engage in some fun activities.
Start by visiting the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque with its 82 amazing domes and the world’s largest Persian carpet. A visit to Abu Dhabi won’t be complete without dropping by the Ferrari World, Yas Marina, Heritage Village, and the Emirate’s own but incomparable Corniche.
2. Al Ain
Approximately 152.7 km from Dubai or around 1 hour and 38 minutes (and just near Abu Dhabi), going to this emirate is one of the shortest road trips you can take. To reach Al Ain, you’ll go through a picturesque route and once you’re in the Garden City, you won’t run out of remarkable places of interest to see and visit sa well as things to do.
Spend some time at the Al Ain Oasis, Al Ain Zoo, and the Al Jahili Fort. If you want to learn a bit of this Emirate’s history, check out the Al Ain National Museum and the Sheikh Zayed Palace Museum. A trip to this place won’t be complete without spending a day at the Wadi Adventure Park – the UAE’s largest water park.
3. Hatta
Hatta is an enclave located in Dubai. A 1 hour and 29 minute (132.4 km) drive from Dubai via the Sharjah-Kalba road will take you to this majestic area which sits atop the Hajar Mountains.
The Hatta Water Dam and Hatta Green Lake are the biggest tourist attractions of Hatta. You can also have a picnic or even a barbecue at the Hatta Hill Park. While in the area, don’t forget to drop by the Hatta Heritage Village. You can spend the night here at a hotel or even under a tent if you want to enjoy the great outdoors in the dark.
4. Fujairah
You can reach Fujairah by going on the typical route, which is through the Sharjah-Kalba road. This will take about 2 hours and 37 minutes (166.9 km). However, you can take the new (and faster) route via Dubai-Fujairah Highway and you will reach the Emirate in just 40 minutes.
Fujairah is located on the beautiful east coast of the UAE and is known for its splendid beaches. One area worth going to is the Snoopy Island, named for its shape. You’ll get to swim alongside fishes and turtles. It is also the ideal place for scuba diving and snorkeling. The Fujairah Castle and Museum are also places of interest you should visit. If you want to try a bit of mountain climbing, drop by the Hajjar Mountains and the Canyon for a bit of sightseeing.
5. Musandam
A 2 hour and 33-minute drive (191.2 km) from Dubai, Musandam, a beautiful peninsula in Oman, is one of the best side trips you can make while you’re in the UAE. The time you spend driving here will be worth your while since you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the sea and mountains. Musandam is also one of the best places to go to for scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing, or simply enjoying a day near its clear, cool waters.
Going to Musandam means entering another country, which then also means that you need to bring some important documentation (including Passports and IDs) with you. Familiarize yourself with the local laws and regulations as well.
The UAE is made up of 7 Emirates and you won’t go wrong with visiting the other ones not mentioned here. Aside from having fun while on the roads, you will have a memorable experience when visiting the other Emirates as well.
If you don’t have your own vehicle, you can always rent one in Dubai. Leasing in Dubai is easy, affordable, and practical and you will have a variety of brands and models to choose from depending on the adventure you choose. As long as you are well prepared for your road trip, your rental car can take you to all of these fantastic places while you’re in the UAE.
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About The Author: Sajjad Akhtar is the Director of Sales and Marketing at Quick Lease Car Rentals, a one-stop shop for all vehicle rental requirements, including short-term rentals and long-term leasing. Sajjad specializes in vehicle leasing, vehicle hire & limousine businesses in the Middle East.
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Image Sources: #1, 2, 3, Pixabay, #4 Wikimedia Commons by CultureArts, #5 Pixabay, #6 Banja-Frans Mulder via Wikimedia Commons
