The United Arab Emirates may be famed for its glitzy cities, but it’s also a paradise for road trippers. In a country where modern highways link deserts, mountains, and coastlines, a driving adventure can reveal breathtaking landscapes and hidden cultural gems.

From serene beaches and rugged peaks to lush oases and historic forts, each journey offers something different. Here are several unforgettable road trip experiences across the UAE. 

1. Ras Al Khaimah to Al Ain: From coastline to oasis

Begin your journey in Ras Al Khaimah (RAK), the UAE’s northernmost emirate known for its beaches and mountain backdrops.

This route leads you south along the Arabian Gulf coastline before turning inland to the garden city of Al Ain. As you drive out of RAK, enjoy views of the turquoise Gulf waters on one side and desert dunes on the other. Passing through the quieter coastal emirates of Umm Al Quwain and Ajman, you’ll catch glimpses of historic forts and fishing harbors that speak to the UAE’s pearl-diving past.

Near Sharjah and Dubai, the highway skirts modern cityscapes, you might even spot iconic skyscrapers in the distance but soon the road veers towards the desert interior. By the time you reach Al Ain, the landscape transforms into a lush oasis town fed by natural springs. This coast-to-oasis trip uniquely lets you experience the UAE’s full diversity in one go, traversing up to six of the seven emirates en route.

Must visit

Enjoy Al Ain Oasis  (a UNESCO World Heritage site) and Jebel Hafeet where you’ll be greeted by palm groves and ancient irrigation channels. For a grand finale, drive up Jebel Hafeet mountain on a twisting 12 km road to catch a panoramic sunset view of the city and surrounding desert, a must-do for any UAE road trip enthusiast.

2. Dibba: Beaches, dive sites, and camping under the stars 

For beach lovers and adventure seekers, a road trip to Dibba on the UAE’s East Coast is ideal. Dibba is a coastal region split between the emirates of Fujairah and Sharjah (and neighbouring Oman), famed for its pristine beaches against the backdrop of the Hajar Mountains.

The drive from Dubai or Sharjah takes you through rocky mountain passes and lush wadis before the landscape opens to the sparkling Gulf of Oman. Upon reaching Dibba, you’ll find a mix of international beach resorts and secluded coves. Many visitors check into a resort to relax by the sea, while others set up camp on the beach to fall asleep to the sound of waves. The unique geography here, mountains meeting the sea, makes Dibba a hotspot for snorkelling, diving, and hiking alike.

Must visit:

Just off the Fujairah coastline near Dibba is Snoopy Island, a small rocky islet famed for its resemblance to the cartoon dog Snoopy lying on his back. It’s a beloved snorkelling site where you can swim with turtles and colourful reef fish. Several beach hotels nearby offer day access, so even road trippers can rent gear and take a dip.

3. Khorfakkan: Architectural marvels and mountainous coast

Nestled on the east coast, Khorfakkan offers a blend of cultural sights and natural beauty that will appeal to architecture buffs and nature lovers alike. The drive to Khorfakkan from Sharjah city (via the modern E84 highway) is itself a highlight, you’ll pass through towering Hajar mountain ranges and long tunnels before the road dramatically reveals the blue expanse of the Indian Ocean.

Khorfakkan is an exclave of the Emirate of Sharjah, and it proudly showcases Sharjah’s focus on culture and heritage. The town’s crescent-shaped beach, framed by rugged mountains, is one of the most scenic in the UAE. Meanwhile, Khorfakkan’s newly built and restored landmarks have made it a rising star on the tourism map without losing its small-town charm.

Must visit:

Khorfakkan amphitheatre and waterfall. A stunning open-air amphitheatre greets you on the corniche, an architectural showpiece inspired by Roman design. This structure (opened in 2020) is set into the hillside with 234 arches and can host concerts and events.

Next to it, an artificial 45m high waterfall cascades down the rock face, a perfect spot for photos, especially when illuminated in the evenings. The amphitheatre and waterfall together have become Khorfakkan’s iconic duo, symbolising the town’s blend of natural and man-made beauty.

4. Fujairah City: Mosques, forts, and oceanside serenity

Continuing down the east coast, Fujairah is the emirate where the pace slows and history comes to life amid a tranquil seaside setting. The drive into Fujairah City treats you to views of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque of Fujairah, the second-largest mosque in the UAE. Boasting 65 gleaming domes and six towering minarets, this mosque has become the city’s defining landmark and is open to non-Muslim visitors outside prayer times (modest dress required).

Beyond its modern skyline, Fujairah is steeped in heritage: the silhouette of Fujairah Fort and the adjacent palm oasis serve as a reminder that this area has been a strategic settlement for centuries. This road trip is perfect for travellers seeking a mix of relaxation and exploration, as Fujairah offers calm beaches alongside cultural sites.

Must visit:

Aside from the mosque being a highlight, Fujairah Fort is one of the oldest forts in the UAE, dating back to the late 16th century. It protected the region from invaders and now stands restored with its mud-brick towers overlooking the date palm groves.

Nearby, a small heritage village showcases traditional houses and tools, giving insight into how locals lived off the land and sea in pre-oil days. It’s a short hike up to the fort, and the vantage point offers lovely views of the city and coastline.

5. Hatta: Mountain adventures in Dubai’s backcountry

When the desert heat and city bustle get overwhelming, a drive out to Hatta is the perfect antidote. Hatta is a mountain enclave of Dubai, about 130 km southeast of the city, renowned for its craggy peaks, cool wadis, and adventure activities.

The road trip to Hatta is short enough for a day trip yet packed with rewards. As you leave the skyscrapers behind, you’ll pass undulating dunes (famous for annual desert off-roading events) and then ascend into the Hajar Mountains where Hatta lies. The climate here is a few degrees cooler, and the scenery, terraced farms, palm oases, and rocky outcrops, will have you double-checking that you’re still in Dubai. Hatta has positioned itself as an adventure tourism hub in recent years, making it ideal for thrill-seekers and nature enthusiasts.

Must visit:

Just below the dam, Hatta Wadi Hub is an adventure centre offering a range of outdoor activities. You can hop on a mountain bike and tackle well-marked trails of varying difficulty (bike rentals available), zoom down a summer toboggan track, try archery or axe throwing, and even zip-line across a canyon.

In the cooler months, the hub is buzzing with visitors camping or glamping (the Hatta Sedr Trailers and Dome Park provide quirky overnight stays). The surrounding hills also have several hiking trails that lead to scenic overlooks, the Hatta Mountain Trail will take you to an old watchtower with 360° views.

Whether you’re seeking coastal relaxation, mountain thrills, or cultural immersion, the UAE offers a road trip tailor-made for you. Each journey described above is a unique experience, not ranked in any particular order, because the “best” road trip depends on what excites you most as a traveller.