Explore the top winter road trips in the UAE, desert dunes, mountain peaks and coastal drives from Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Get drive times, activities and car tips.
Explore the top winter road trips in the UAE, desert dunes, mountain peaks and coastal drives from Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Get drive times, activities and car tips.
Last updated: 29 October 2026
From Dubai, the drive to Hatta takes about 1.5‑2 hours via E611. The route passes through the Hajar foothills, offering scenic views before you reach the desert plateau.
Once there, you can walk around the historic Hatta Fort, cycle on the Hatta Heritage Village paths or enjoy a camel ride across the dunes. A short detour to the Hatta Dam gives a refreshing break.
**Car tip:** Keep the cabin fan on and carry extra water. The desert can be hot even in winter, and a small spare tyre is essential for the rocky roads.
The drive from Abu Dhabi to Jebel Jais via E44 and E77 takes around 2.5‑3 hours. The winding mountain road offers panoramic views of the surrounding valleys.
At the summit you can visit the Jebel Jais Flight of the Giants, enjoy a coffee at the viewpoint café or try the world's longest zip‑line. The area also hosts a wildlife safari during the day.
**Car tip:** Check that your brakes are in good condition before climbing the steep grades. The road can be narrow, so allow extra time for slower traffic.
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From Dubai, a 3‑hour drive via E611 and E11 leads to Fujairah, then a 30‑minute detour to Khor Fakkan. The route hugs the eastern coast, passing through the Hajar foothills.
At Fujairah, explore the old fort and the beach, then head to the nearby Wadi Wurayah for a short hike. Khor Fakkan offers a quiet beach and a chance to taste fresh seafood.
**Car tip:** Keep the headlights on during the early morning drive; coastal roads can be damp after rainfall. A spare bulb is useful for the occasional flicker.
The drive from Abu Dhabi to Liwa takes about 4‑5 hours via E55 and the Al Khaleej Highway. The road cuts through the vast Liwa Oasis, with its long, flat dunes.
Highlights include the Liwa Camel Race Track, the ancient Al Qudra Desert Camp and the famous Jebel Hafeet viewpoint. Sunset over the dunes is a must‑see.
**Car tip:** Ensure your vehicle is fitted with a high‑visibility warning triangle for desert driving. The area is remote, so plan your fuel stops carefully.
From Dubai, the drive to Al Ain takes roughly 1.5 hours via E66. From Al Ain, Jebel Hafeet is a short 15‑minute climb.
Al Ain offers the Al Ain Zoo, the Al Jahili Fort and the Al Ain Oasis. The summit of Jebel Hafeet hosts an observation deck, a heritage centre and a popular food stall.
**Car tip:** The mountain road has several hair‑pin turns; drive slowly and keep a safe distance from other vehicles. A recent tyre rotation can help maintain grip on the winding path.
Before any long drive, check your tyres, brakes and fluid levels. A quick service can prevent unexpected breakdowns and keep you safe on winding roads.
For a detailed maintenance checklist, visit MotorCar car maintenance guide.
Q1: Do I need a special permit to drive in the desert?
A1: No, a standard UAE driving licence is sufficient for all roads mentioned.
Q2: Are there any tolls on the routes?
A2: The E44, E55 and E66 roads have electronic tolls. Check the latest rates on the RTA website.
Q3: What is the best time of day to visit Jebel Jais?
A3: Early morning or late afternoon offers cooler temperatures and softer lighting for photos.
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