The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a country of stunning contrasts, where modern cities meet vast desert landscapes, rugged mountains, and serene coastlines. For travelers looking to explore the beauty of this country, renting a car offers the freedom and flexibility to embark on a scenic road trip at your own pace. Whether you’re a nature lover, a photography enthusiast, or simply seeking adventure, the UAE has plenty of breathtaking routes that promise unforgettable experiences.
In this guide, we’ll explore the most scenic drives in the UAE, perfect for those who plan to Rent A Car Dubai and discover the country’s diverse landscapes. From coastal roads to desert highways and mountain passes, these routes will show you the UAE’s beauty beyond the skyscrapers of Dubai.
1. Jebel Jais Mountain Road
Route Overview:
- Distance: Approximately 55 km (from Ras Al Khaimah city to the peak)
- Driving Time: Around 1 hour
The Jebel Jais Mountain Road in Ras Al Khaimah is arguably the most scenic and thrilling drive in the UAE. Jebel Jais, part of the Hajar Mountain range, is the highest peak in the UAE, standing at 1,934 meters above sea level. The winding mountain road takes you through stunning rock formations, steep cliffs, and expansive views of the valleys below.
The drive is popular for its panoramic vistas, especially at sunrise or sunset, when the sky takes on beautiful hues of pink, orange, and purple. The Jebel Jais road is well-maintained and offers numerous viewpoints where you can stop, take photos, and admire the scenery. At the top, you can experience Jebel Jais’s various activities, such as the world’s longest zipline and hiking trails.
Why It’s Scenic:
- Majestic mountain views with dramatic rocky landscapes.
- Clear skies and cool weather, especially at the higher altitudes, make this a refreshing break from Dubai’s heat.
- Perfect for those who enjoy outdoor adventure activities such as hiking and ziplining.
Driving Tip: Ensure your vehicle has enough power for the steep climbs. If you’re planning to stay at the top for a while, bring snacks, water, and warm clothing as temperatures drop significantly in the mountains.
2. Dubai to Hatta
Route Overview:
- Distance: Approximately 130 km (from Dubai to Hatta)
- Driving Time: Around 1.5 to 2 hours
The Dubai to Hatta route offers a scenic transition from the modern urban environment of Dubai to the traditional, rugged beauty of Hatta, a mountainous exclave of Dubai nestled near the Omani border. The drive takes you through vast desert plains dotted with sand dunes before giving way to the mountainous terrain of the Hajar Mountains.
Hatta is famous for its natural attractions, including the Hatta Dam, which offers turquoise waters surrounded by rocky mountains. Visitors can also explore the Hatta Heritage Village, showcasing traditional Emirati culture and history. The drive itself is peaceful and picturesque, providing a unique glimpse of the UAE’s diverse landscapes.
Why It’s Scenic:
- Experience the contrast between Dubai’s urban landscape and the peaceful desert environment.
- The beautiful views of Hatta Dam and its surrounding mountains are perfect for photography and outdoor activities like kayaking and hiking.
- Explore the Hatta Heritage Village for a cultural experience.
Driving Tip: Rent a 4×4 vehicle if you plan to explore the off-road tracks near Hatta, as some of the best sights are accessible via dirt roads.
3. Fujairah Coastal Road
Route Overview:
- Distance: Approximately 120 km (from Dubai to Fujairah)
- Driving Time: Around 1.5 hours
For those who enjoy coastal drives, the route from Dubai to Fujairah offers an incredible seaside journey. The drive takes you along the Fujairah Coastal Road, where the dramatic cliffs of the Hajar Mountains meet the sparkling waters of the Gulf of Oman. This scenic route is perfect for a relaxing drive, with plenty of opportunities to stop and admire the view or take a swim at one of the quiet beaches along the way.
Fujairah itself is a peaceful emirate known for its beautiful beaches, ancient forts, and diving spots. The famous Al Aqah Beach and Snoopy Island are popular destinations for snorkeling and diving, with colorful coral reefs and abundant marine life. The coastal road offers a perfect blend of mountain and sea views, making it a favorite among nature lovers.
Why It’s Scenic:
- Breathtaking coastal views of the Gulf of Oman and the surrounding mountains.
- Opportunity to visit beaches and snorkeling spots such as Al Aqah Beach and Snoopy Island.
- Experience the quiet charm of Fujairah, a less-visited but incredibly scenic part of the UAE.
Driving Tip: Pack beach essentials like towels, swimwear, and snorkeling gear if you plan to stop and enjoy the coastal attractions.
4. Al Ain to Jebel Hafeet
Route Overview:
- Distance: Approximately 25 km (from Al Ain city to the top of Jebel Hafeet)
- Driving Time: Around 30 minutes
The drive from Al Ain to Jebel Hafeet is one of the UAE’s most iconic and scenic routes. Jebel Hafeet, located on the border between the UAE and Oman, is the second-highest mountain in the UAE. The road to the summit is well-paved and offers an exhilarating driving experience, with over 20 hairpin turns and breathtaking views of the desert plains stretching out below.
At the summit, visitors are treated to panoramic views of Al Ain, known as the Garden City, and the surrounding desert. The area around Jebel Hafeet also offers attractions such as the Green Mubazzarah Park, known for its hot springs, and the ancient Jebel Hafeet Tombs, which are over 5,000 years old.
Why It’s Scenic:
- Thrilling mountain drive with numerous sharp curves and dramatic elevation changes.
- Panoramic views from the top of Jebel Hafeet overlooking Al Ain and the desert.
- Explore the Green Mubazzarah and its natural hot springs for a relaxing stop.
Driving Tip: If you’re driving during the day, be prepared for high temperatures in the desert. Evening and early morning drives offer cooler weather and more dramatic views at sunset or sunrise.
5. Dubai to Liwa Oasis
Route Overview:
- Distance: Approximately 300 km (from Dubai to Liwa)
- Driving Time: Around 3.5 to 4 hours
For those looking to explore the heart of the desert, the drive from Dubai to Liwa Oasis is an epic road trip that takes you deep into the Empty Quarter (Rub’ al Khali), the largest continuous sand desert in the world. The journey through the desert is a visual spectacle of towering dunes, shifting sands, and vast open spaces.
Liwa Oasis itself is a tranquil desert oasis, offering a glimpse into the UAE’s Bedouin heritage. The area is known for its date palm plantations and the famous Moreeb Dune, one of the tallest sand dunes in the world, standing at 300 meters high. The desert landscapes along this route are awe-inspiring, making it perfect for adventurers and those seeking solitude.
Why It’s Scenic:
- Vast desert landscapes with endless sand dunes and open skies.
- The chance to see Moreeb Dune, one of the world’s tallest sand dunes.
- Experience the traditional desert culture at Liwa Oasis.
Driving Tip: Rent a 4×4 vehicle, as the desert terrain near Liwa can be challenging. Ensure you carry extra water, fuel, and supplies, as services are limited in the remote areas.
Conclusion
The UAE is a country filled with diverse landscapes, from the dramatic peaks of Jebel Jais to the serene shores of Fujairah and the vast dunes of the Empty Quarter. By choosing to Rent A Car in Dubai, you can enjoy the flexibility and freedom to explore these scenic routes at your own pace. Whether you’re seeking a thrilling mountain drive, a relaxing coastal journey, or an unforgettable desert adventure, the UAE’s roadways offer some of the most stunning views in the region. Pack your camera, plan your route, and get ready for an epic road trip through one of the most beautiful countries in the Middle East.