There’s no doubt about it: Dubai is an incredible place. Whether it’s the iconic skyline, great shopping, amazing restaurants, or the beach life, there are lots of things to keep you here.
However, not too far away, in some lesser-visited corners of the UAE, there are some hidden gems well worth a visit. Don’t miss them!
Whether you are in Dubai for a week, month or even longer, definitely take some time out to explore all that the UAE has to offer. Here we’ve listed our five favorite places for an out-of-town trip on four wheels.
Getting around the UAE
First, the practicalities. By far the easiest way to explore the UAE is by car. If you don’t own one, then hiring one is easy and driving in the UAE is usually a pleasure. Many of the roads that’ll take you out to these five places are quiet once you are out of Dubai, and are easy to navigate.
To hire a car, you just need to show the car hire company your passport, either a tourist visa stamp or a residence visa (plus Emirates ID), and a driving license. This can either be your UAE license if you have one, an international driving license, or your home country driving license providing you are from one of the permitted countries (all GCC countries, plus the US, UK, Canada, and several others).
There are a great many choices to hire cars in all shapes and sizes. We recommend choosing an SUV, such as the Chevrolet Trailblazer, in Dubai. Not only will this allow you lots of space for your friends and family to join you, and your luggage, but it’ll be able to handle more rugged, mountainous terrain in the more remote corners of the UAE.
Where to go
There are so many directions you could head, but we recommend trying out at least one of these destinations for an awesome UAE experience.
Hatta
If you’ve only got a day, the rocky mountains of Hatta are the place for you. It’s just 130 kilometers away from Dubai and an easy 90-minute drive from the city. Hatta is very popular with many Dubai residents who use its oasis qualities to escape from the heat and the buzz of city life.
Highlights of Hatta include the teal waters of the stunning lakes here, the Heritage Village, and the striking mountain crags jutting skyward. Hatta is an adventure sports paradise: kayaking, mountain biking, hiking, and more are possible here. But there are quieter, more leisurely pursuits here, too, like spending time at the Hatta Honey Bee Garden.
If you’ve got more than a day, consider camping under the stars for a very special experience. Or, if you prefer more comfortable lodgings, hire a mountain cabin or book a hotel stay for a night or two.
Liwa
There are two things that have put Liwa on the map. First is its annual date festival, which is a great opportunity to learn about local traditions and customs. Second is its illustrious past. Liwa is a former home to both Dubai and Abu Dhabi’s ruling families.
Liwa is a remote desert settlement of around 50 houses in a part of the country known as The Empty Quarter. There are a number of desert forts in the local area and there is also the magnificent Moreeb Dune to see. But many of Liwa’s visitors come to soak up the incredible scenery and the feeling of space.
Liwa is around 160 kilometers south-west of Dubai, so it is not too far at all for a weekend truly getting away from it all.
Al Ain
This true oasis is a green paradise and a UNESCO world heritage site. Think picturesque palm groves and many fascinating forts; this place is known as the UAE’s ‘garden city’ for good reason. Al Ain is home to a 3000-year-old irrigation system that has kept the city looking luscious for much of its history.
It’s also a great place to head to soak up some local culture. Al Qattara Fort holds an excellent gallery and arts center and there are several museums around the city. Al Ain National Museum holds an unmissable collection of local artifacts.
And, when you need to let off steam, make your way to Wadi Adventure, one of the UAE’s best-loved waterparks.
Al Ain is around 150 kilometers south-east of Dubai and less than a two-hour drive from the city.
Ajman
Ajman is the UAE’s smallest emirate but still packs a punch in terms of visitor experience. It’s known for its particularly warm Arabian hospitality. Many UAE residents believe it’s home to the nation’s prettiest beaches, too, with wide expanses of soft sand to enjoy.
Drive through the incredible dunes alongside the Emirates highway and be at an idyllic coastal hideaway in less than an hour from Dubai. That means more time enjoying the relaxed beach vibe they have going on in Ajman.
Dibba Beach
Dibba Beach is on the eastern coast of the Emirates, around 160 kilometers away and a two-hour drive from Dubai. To reach it, you’ll enjoy a stunning drive through the desert and over the Hajar Mountains.
Dibba is a haven for watersports enthusiasts, with a multitude of specialist companies offering boat trips, diving, parasailing and many other water-based pursuits. We think taking a paddleboard safari out to the majestic Dibba Rock is an unmissable experience.
Staying overnight is a worthwhile option. You can stay at a luxury resort or take a tent and pitch up beachside at the Dibba Camping Area.
Good times in every direction
These are just five options for a road trip from Dubai. The UAE’s scenery is surprisingly varied, and there are plenty of other beautiful mountain destinations, stunning beaches, mangroves, wetlands, and desert forts. The country has a wealth of natural wildlife habitats that you’ll only see if you leave the city for a day or two.
Most of the UAE is within two hours’ drive of Dubai, which means it’s easy to explore. All you need to do is hire a car, gather some companions, get plenty of snacks and cool drinks in, and get the classic road tunes playing. Wherever you choose to go, it’ll be a road trip you’ll never forget.
Love traveling.
