1-Week UAE Road Trip: Complete Route Guide

The UAE is one of the most road-trip-friendly countries in the region. The highway network is modern, well-maintained and clearly signposted in both Arabic and English. Fuel is affordable by global standards, currently averaging AED 2.80 to 3.20 per litre for Super 98 petrol. Distances between emirates are short enough to cover comfortably in one to three hours of driving, which means you spend more time exploring and less time behind the wheel. In seven days, you can experience the full breadth of what the UAE offers: the vertical ambition of Dubai, the cultural sophistication of Abu Dhabi, the mountain grandeur of Ras Al Khaimah, the east-coast beaches of Fujairah, the oasis calm of Al Ain, and the quieter charm of Sharjah, Ajman and Umm Al Quwain. This itinerary takes you on a loop that starts and ends in Dubai, covering approximately 1,400 kilometres with overnight stops in four different cities.

Road Trip Essentials: What You Need Before Departure

Rental Car and Documentation

Rent a reliable SUV or mid-size sedan from agencies in Dubai. Budget options like Nissan Sunny or Toyota Yaris sedans start at AED 80 to 120 per day, while SUVs like Toyota RAV4 or Nissan X-Trail run AED 180 to 280 per day. For desert side roads and mountain routes, an SUV is recommended though not strictly necessary if you stick to paved highways. You will need an international driving permit alongside your home country licence if your licence is not from a GCC country, the EU, USA, Canada, Australia or certain other recognised nations. Salik (road toll) charges of AED 4 per gate apply on Dubai highways, and the rental agency will either provide a Salik tag or charge to your deposit. Confirm insurance coverage includes all emirates and verify the excess amount on your policy.

Packing and Preparation

Pack a cooler box with water, snacks and cold drinks. Fill your tank before leaving each city. Download offline Google Maps for the UAE in case of patchy mobile signal in mountain areas. Bring sunscreen, hats, comfortable walking shoes, swimwear for beaches and pools, and a light jacket or sweater for air-conditioned spaces and cooler evenings in the mountains. A phone mount for navigation is essential. Emergency contacts: 999 for police, 998 for ambulance, 800-4900 for the AAA equivalent roadside assistance.

Day 1: Dubai — The Starting Point

Morning: Pick Up Your Rental and Explore Dubai Marina (9:00 AM - 12:30 PM)

Collect your rental car from a Dubai Marina or Downtown location to avoid airport surcharges. Spend the morning walking the Marina Walk promenade, a seven-kilometre waterfront path lined with cafes and restaurants. The Marina itself is an engineering marvel, a man-made canal city bordered by some of the tallest residential towers in the world. Grab breakfast at one of the waterfront cafes — a full breakfast at places like Tribes or Shakespeare and Co costs AED 45 to 75 per person. Park in the JBR public parking areas where first two hours are often free.

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Afternoon: Miracle Garden and Global Village (1:00 PM - 6:00 PM)

If visiting between November and April, drive to Dubai Miracle Garden in Dubailand, the world's largest natural flower garden with over 150 million flowers arranged in elaborate displays. Entry costs AED 75 per person. The garden is fully outdoors so visit earlier in the season for comfortable temperatures. From there, head to Global Village, a massive seasonal cultural entertainment destination open from October to April. Entry costs AED 25 per person, with food, shopping and entertainment from over 75 countries. Budget AED 100 to 200 for food and activities inside. If visiting outside these seasons, substitute with Dubai Frame (AED 50 per person) and the surrounding Zabeel Park.

Evening: Dinner at La Mer and Route Planning (7:00 PM - 10:00 PM)

Drive to La Mer in Jumeirah for dinner at the beachfront dining and entertainment district. Options range from fast casual at AED 40 per person to sit-down restaurants at AED 120 to 180. The illuminated beach area, outdoor cinema and carnival rides make this a lively spot for your first evening. Return to your hotel and prepare for the early departure to Abu Dhabi the next morning. Check your car's fuel level and tyre pressure.

Day 2: Dubai to Abu Dhabi (Drive Time: 1.5 hours, 140 km)

Morning: Drive and Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (7:30 AM - 12:00 PM)

Depart Dubai by 7:30 AM via the E11 Sheikh Zayed Road heading towards Abu Dhabi. The highway is a smooth dual carriageway with a speed limit of 140 km/h on most stretches. Fuel cost for this leg is approximately AED 25 to 35. Your first stop is the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, one of the most beautiful religious buildings in the world. Entry is free. The mosque is open to visitors from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM (Friday from 4:30 PM). Free guided tours run at set times. The mosque can hold 40,000 worshippers and features the world's largest hand-knotted carpet, elaborate marble inlay work and 82 domes. Dress modestly — abayas and kanduras are available to borrow at the entrance free of charge. Photography is encouraged. Allow 90 minutes to two hours for a thorough visit.

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Afternoon: Louvre Abu Dhabi and Saadiyat Island (12:30 PM - 5:00 PM)

Drive 20 minutes to Saadiyat Island for the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the museum designed by Jean Nouvel with its iconic dome that filters sunlight into a rain of light pattern. Entry costs AED 63 per adult, free for children under 13. The collection spans civilisations and centuries with masterworks from both Eastern and Western traditions. Allow two to three hours for a meaningful visit. After the museum, cross to Saadiyat Beach for a swim. Public beach access costs AED 25 on weekdays, AED 50 on weekends, with sunbed rental from AED 50. The beach is pristine white sand with clear turquoise water and natural dune preservation.

Evening: Corniche and Dinner (5:30 PM - 10:00 PM)

Drive along the Abu Dhabi Corniche, an eight-kilometre waterfront promenade with manicured gardens, cycling tracks, play areas and beach access. Park near the Corniche Beach area where free public beach sections are available alongside AED 10 paid areas with better facilities. Walk the Corniche as the sun sets for views of the city skyline and Lulu Island. Dinner in the Al Maryah Island dining district offers choices from casual to upscale. The Galleria mall food court provides quick meals at AED 30 to 50, while restaurants along the waterfront serve at AED 80 to 180 per person. Stay overnight in Abu Dhabi — hotels on the Corniche or Saadiyat Island range from AED 300 to 800 per night.

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Day 3: Abu Dhabi to Al Ain (Drive Time: 1.5 hours, 160 km)

Morning: Qasr Al Watan and Emirates Palace Area (8:00 AM - 11:30 AM)

Before leaving Abu Dhabi, visit Qasr Al Watan, the Presidential Palace that is open to the public. Entry costs AED 65 per adult. The palace's Great Hall, library, banquet hall and exhibitions on Arabian governance and heritage are genuinely impressive. The architecture alone justifies the visit. Allow 90 minutes. Drive past the Emirates Palace hotel next door for exterior photographs — the gold-and-marble facade is one of Abu Dhabi's most recognisable landmarks.

Afternoon: Al Ain Oasis and Jebel Hafeet (12:30 PM - 6:00 PM)

Drive to Al Ain via the E22 highway. Al Ain, known as the Garden City, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the birthplace of the UAE's founding father. The Al Ain Oasis is a 3,000-year-old palm plantation with over 147,000 date palms. Entry is free and the shaded walkways offer a peaceful contrast to the city outside. The Al Ain National Museum adjacent to the oasis costs AED 5 and covers the region's archaeological and ethnographic history. In the afternoon, drive the 12-kilometre winding road up Jebel Hafeet, the UAE's second-highest peak at 1,249 metres. The road is one of the most scenic drives in the country, with sweeping views of the desert plains below. At the summit, the Mercure Grand Jebel Hafeet hotel has a cafe where you can enjoy coffee with the panoramic view. The drive up is free.

Evening: Al Ain Zoo and Green Mubazzarah (6:00 PM - 9:30 PM)

If time permits, Al Ain Zoo houses over 4,000 animals across a spacious natural environment. Entry costs AED 30 for adults. Alternatively, descend the back side of Jebel Hafeet to Green Mubazzarah, a park at the base of the mountain with hot springs, green lawns and barbecue facilities. The hot springs are natural and free to access. Dinner in Al Ain's city centre is affordable, with local restaurants serving full meals for AED 25 to 50 per person. Stay overnight in Al Ain — the Radisson Blu, Hili Rayhaan by Rotana and local hotels offer rooms from AED 200 to 500 per night.

Day 4: Al Ain to Fujairah via Hatta (Drive Time: 3 hours, 200 km)

Morning: Hatta Dam and Heritage Village (7:30 AM - 12:30 PM)

This is the most scenic driving day of the trip. Head north from Al Ain towards Hatta, a mountain exclave of Dubai nestled in the Hajar range. The route crosses through Oman briefly — have your passport ready as there are informal checkpoints, though UAE and GCC residents typically wave through. Hatta Dam is a stunning turquoise lake surrounded by rust-coloured mountains. Kayak and pedal boat rentals cost AED 60 to 120 per hour. The Hatta Heritage Village is a restored mountain settlement showing traditional Emirati life in the mountains, with entry at AED 5. Hatta Wadi Hub offers adventure activities including mountain biking (AED 25 per hour), axe throwing (AED 40) and an obstacle course.

Afternoon: East Coast Drive to Fujairah (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM)

Continue east towards Fujairah through the Hajar Mountains. The road descends from mountain terrain to the Gulf of Oman coastline, a dramatic transition from rocky peaks to blue ocean in under an hour. Stop at Masafi for fresh fruit from the roadside stalls and at the Fujairah Fort, one of the oldest forts in the UAE dating back to 1670. Entry to the fort grounds is free. The east coast of the UAE has a distinctly different character from the Arabian Gulf side — the water is clearer, the waves are slightly bigger, the landscape is more rugged, and the pace is noticeably slower.

Evening: Fujairah Beach and Seafood Dinner (5:00 PM - 9:30 PM)

Check into a beach hotel in Fujairah or nearby Khor Fakkan. Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort and Sandy Beach Hotel are popular options at AED 350 to 700 per night. The sunset from the east coast beaches, with the Hajar Mountains as a backdrop, is among the most beautiful in the UAE. Dinner at a local fish restaurant along the corniche costs AED 40 to 80 per person for fresh catch. The Friday fish market in Fujairah and the daily Dibba fish market are worth visiting for the atmosphere alone.

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Day 5: Fujairah to Ras Al Khaimah (Drive Time: 2 hours, 150 km)

Morning: Snorkelling at Snoopy Island (8:00 AM - 11:30 AM)

Start the morning at Snoopy Island, a small rocky island just offshore from Sandy Beach that is one of the best snorkelling spots in the UAE. The island is accessible by swimming or kayak from the beach. The water is clear and teeming with reef fish, small sharks, rays and sea turtles. Snorkelling gear rental costs AED 30 to 50 from beach vendors. The swimming distance is approximately 100 metres from shore. Alternatively, Al Aqah Beach offers equally good snorkelling along its rocky outcrops.

Afternoon: Drive to RAK via Northern Emirates (12:00 PM - 5:00 PM)

Drive north along the coast road through Dibba, past the Omani enclave of Madha, through Khor Fakkan and up to the northern stretches of the UAE. Turn west at Ras Al Khaimah, passing through Umm Al Quwain and its quiet mangrove waterways. If time permits, stop at the UAQ National Museum (AED 5 entry) or the Dreamland Aqua Park water park (AED 195 entry). RAK itself stretches from beach flats to the foothills of the Hajar Mountains, and the drive into the emirate reveals dramatic elevation changes within a short distance.

Evening: RAK Corniche and Old Town (5:30 PM - 9:30 PM)

Explore the RAK Old Town area around the National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah, housed in a former fort. Entry costs AED 5 and the exhibits cover the emirate's maritime and trading history. The old souk area nearby has a genuine market atmosphere with fewer tourists than Dubai or Abu Dhabi. Walk the RAK Corniche as the sun sets over the Gulf. Dinner at one of the corniche restaurants costs AED 40 to 80 per person. Check into a hotel or resort — the Hilton RAK Beach Resort and Waldorf Astoria RAK are popular options at AED 400 to 1,000 per night, while budget options start at AED 150.

Day 6: Ras Al Khaimah — Mountains and Adventure

Morning: Jebel Jais and the World's Longest Zipline (7:00 AM - 12:00 PM)

Drive 45 minutes from RAK city to Jebel Jais, the UAE's highest peak at 1,934 metres. The road to the summit is a masterpiece of engineering with observation decks at multiple points offering mountain panoramas. At the top, the Jebel Jais Flight is the world's longest zipline at 2.83 kilometres, reaching speeds of up to 150 km/h. Tickets cost AED 450 per person and the experience lasts approximately two to three minutes of flight time plus preparation. Book in advance as slots fill quickly. For a less adrenaline-intensive experience, the Jebel Jais Viewing Deck is free and the Jebel Jais Via Ferrata offers a guided mountain climbing experience at AED 350 per person. The Bear Grylls Explorers Camp at the base of the mountain offers rope courses and hiking experiences from AED 150.

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Afternoon: Dhayah Fort and Mangrove Kayaking (1:00 PM - 5:30 PM)

Descend from Jebel Jais and visit Dhayah Fort, the only hilltop fort remaining in the UAE. The climb to the top takes 10 minutes and rewards with views across the palm groves and the Gulf. Entry is free. In the afternoon, drive to the RAK mangrove area near Al Rams for a kayaking experience through the mangrove channels. Guided kayak tours cost AED 100 to 180 per person for a two-hour paddle through the ecosystem. The mangroves are home to herons, flamingos, crabs and small reef fish.

Evening: Seafood by the Beach (6:00 PM - 9:30 PM)

Return to the RAK beachfront for your final evening outside Dubai. The stretch of restaurants along Al Marjan Island offers waterfront dining from AED 60 to 150 per person. The sunset from Al Marjan Island, a man-made archipelago that is RAK's answer to Palm Jumeirah, is spectacular. Pack your bags and prepare for the return drive to Dubai the next morning.

Day 7: RAK to Sharjah to Dubai (Drive Time: 2 hours, 130 km)

Morning: Sharjah Arts and Heritage (8:00 AM - 12:30 PM)

Drive south from RAK to Sharjah, stopping in Ajman briefly if time allows. Ajman's compact corniche and the Ajman Museum (AED 5 entry) inside an 18th-century fort are worth a quick 45-minute visit. In Sharjah, head to the Heart of Sharjah heritage area, a restored historical district with museums, art galleries, traditional houses and the Sharjah Souk Al Arsa, one of the oldest marketplaces in the UAE. The Sharjah Art Museum is free and houses an impressive collection of contemporary Arab art. The Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization in a beautifully restored souk building costs AED 10 and covers Islamic art, science and culture across centuries. Allow two to three hours for Sharjah's heritage area.

Afternoon: Return to Dubai and Final Exploration (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM)

Drive the short distance from Sharjah back to Dubai. Return your rental car or keep it for a final afternoon of exploration. Visit any attractions you missed earlier in the trip. The Dubai Frame in Zabeel Park (AED 50 entry) offers a unique view that frames old and new Dubai through a 150-metre-tall golden frame. Alternatively, spend the afternoon at one of Dubai's mega malls — Mall of the Emirates with its indoor ski slope (spectating is free, ski sessions from AED 220) or Ibn Battuta Mall themed after the famous explorer's journeys.

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Evening: Farewell Dinner (6:00 PM - 10:00 PM)

End your road trip with a special dinner. For a memorable experience with a view, try At.mosphere at Burj Khalifa (minimum spend AED 500 per person for dinner), Pierchic on a pier extending into the Arabian Gulf (mains from AED 180), or the more accessible Pai Thai at Al Qasr hotel (mains from AED 90 to 180). For a local farewell, head to Al Dhiyafah Road in Satwa for shawarma, manakish and mixed grills at AED 15 to 40 per person among the resident community. Return your rental car and reflect on seven days that covered every emirate, every type of landscape, and every dimension of the UAE experience.

Total Road Trip Budget

Cost Summary Per Person (Based on Two Sharing)

Rental car for 7 days at AED 150 per day average comes to AED 1,050 total, or AED 525 per person sharing. Fuel for approximately 1,400 km at an average consumption of 10 litres per 100 km and AED 3.00 per litre totals approximately AED 420, or AED 210 per person. Salik tolls in Dubai average AED 40 to 60 for the trip. Accommodation for 6 nights at an average of AED 350 per night totals AED 2,100, or AED 1,050 per person sharing. Entry fees and activities total approximately AED 600 to 900 per person depending on selections. Food at an average of AED 150 per day totals AED 1,050 per person. The all-in per-person budget sharing a car and room comes to approximately AED 3,500 to 4,800 for the full seven days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an international driving permit to drive in the UAE?

If you hold a licence from a GCC country, the EU, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong or China, your home licence is accepted alongside an international driving permit. For other nationalities, an IDP is mandatory. Rental agencies vary in their requirements so confirm before booking. The IDP must be obtained in your home country before arrival.

Is it safe to drive between emirates?

Yes. The UAE highway network is modern, well-lit and well-signposted. Speed cameras are fixed and clearly marked. The main risk is other drivers exceeding speed limits, so maintain lane discipline and use mirrors frequently. Avoid driving in fog (rare but occurs in winter mornings) and reduce speed in rain as roads can become slippery. Fuel stations are plentiful along all major routes.

Can I cross into Oman during the road trip?

Several UAE routes pass through Omani territory, particularly around Hatta and the Musandam peninsula. For transit routes, you typically need your passport but may not require a separate Omani visa. However, rules change periodically so carry your passport at all times and check current transit requirements. If you want to stop and explore in Oman, a visa is required for most nationalities and can be obtained on arrival for approximately OMR 20.

What is the best time of year for a UAE road trip?

October through April offers the best weather for a road trip, with comfortable temperatures for outdoor exploration, beach swimming and mountain hiking. December and January can be chilly in the mountains with temperatures dropping to 5 to 10 degrees Celsius at Jebel Jais summit, so pack layers. Summer road trips are feasible but limit outdoor activities to early morning and evening and ensure your car's air conditioning is functioning well.