The best day trips from Dubai by car are Hatta, Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Ras Al Khaimah’s Jebel Jais, Fujairah and Sharjah, all within about two hours on good highways. A rental car lets you leave early, stop where you like and fit two or three sights into one day, which tours and public transport rarely allow. Here is where to go, how long it takes and which car suits each drive.
Day trips from Dubai at a glance
| Destination | Drive time (approx.) | Distance (approx.) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharjah | 30–45 min | ~30 km | Museums, souqs, heritage area |
| Abu Dhabi | 75–90 min | ~140 km | Grand Mosque, Louvre, theme parks |
| Hatta | ~90 min | ~130 km | Mountains, kayaking, hiking |
| Fujairah | 90–120 min | ~130 km | Beaches, snorkelling, old forts |
| Al Ain | 90–120 min | ~150 km | Oasis, history, Jebel Hafeet drive |
| Jebel Jais (Ras Al Khaimah) | ~2 hours | ~160 km | UAE’s highest peak, cooler air, zipline |
1. Hatta: mountains and lakes
Hatta sits in the Hajar Mountains, about 90 minutes from Dubai along the E44. The drive moves from city to red dunes to rocky peaks, and the town itself is cooler and quieter than the coast.
- What to do: kayak or paddleboard on Hatta Dam, walk the mountain trails, and visit Hatta Heritage Village.
- Driving tip: leave Dubai by 7am in the cooler months to get on the water before the crowds; mountain roads are well paved but winding.
2. Abu Dhabi: culture and landmarks
The UAE capital is a straight run down the E11. Its main sights are spread out across the city and Saadiyat and Yas islands, so a car saves a lot of time compared with taxis.
- What to do: Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (modest dress required), Louvre Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat, and Ferrari World or Yas Marina on Yas Island.
- Driving tip: Abu Dhabi has its own Darb toll gates in the city, separate from Dubai’s Salik. Tolls are charged to the renter, so ask us how they are billed before you go.
3. Al Ain: the garden city
Al Ain is a green oasis city on the Oman border and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The highlight for drivers is the climb up Jebel Hafeet, one of the best driving roads in the region.
- What to do: walk the shaded Al Ain Oasis, visit Al Jahili Fort, and drive to the Jebel Hafeet summit for sunset.
- Driving tip: rental cars must stay inside the UAE, so do not follow signs for the Oman border crossings in Al Ain.
4. Jebel Jais, Ras Al Khaimah: the UAE’s highest peak
Jebel Jais is the highest mountain in the UAE, and the road to the top is a long series of sweeping bends with viewpoints along the way. Temperatures at the summit are usually several degrees cooler than in Dubai.
- What to do: stop at the viewing decks, ride the Jais Flight zipline (book ahead), and have lunch in Ras Al Khaimah on the way back.
- Driving tip: fill up before the climb and use a lower gear on the way down to save your brakes.
5. Fujairah: the east coast
Fujairah is the UAE’s only emirate fully on the Gulf of Oman. The cross-country drive takes you from desert into the mountains and down to a quieter coastline with clear water.
- What to do: snorkel at Snoopy Island, see Al Bidya Mosque, the oldest in the UAE, and visit Fujairah Fort.
- Driving tip: combine Fujairah with Khor Fakkan’s beach and waterfront on the same loop.
6. Sharjah: the cultural capital
Sharjah is the closest and easiest trip, but traffic between Dubai and Sharjah is heavy at rush hour, so go mid-morning or at the weekend.
- What to do: Museum of Islamic Civilization, the Heart of Sharjah heritage quarter, the Central Souq and Al Noor Island.
Which rental car suits each trip?
| Trip type | Good choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| City trips (Sharjah, Abu Dhabi) | Suzuki Baleno or Hyundai Elantra | Economical on fuel, easy to park |
| Mountain drives (Hatta, Jebel Jais, Jebel Hafeet) | Hyundai Creta or Exeed LX | More power and comfort on long climbs |
| Family or group trips | Kia Carens | Seven seats and room for bags |
See our weekly car rental deals if you plan several day trips in one stay; a weekly rate usually costs less than six or seven separate daily rentals.
Tips for driving outside Dubai
- Stay in the UAE: Next Ride cars can be driven to every emirate, but not across the border into Oman.
- Tolls: Salik in Dubai and Darb in Abu Dhabi are charged after the rental based on actual use.
- Speed cameras: limits change between emirates and are strictly enforced; follow the signs, not the flow of traffic.
- Heat: from May to September, carry plenty of water and avoid long hikes in the middle of the day.
- Documents: keep your licence, passport or Emirates ID and the rental agreement in the car. See the documents required to rent a car in Dubai.
Planning a road trip? Message Next Ride with your dates and route and we will suggest the right car, delivered free to your hotel or home in Dubai.
