Dubai, known for its towering skyscrapers and ultra-modern cityscapes, also offers some of the most breathtaking road trips for those looking to explore beyond the urban hustle. When you’re driving along pristine coastlines, winding through rugged mountains, or cruising through endless desert dunes, Dubai and its surrounding regions provide a variety of scenic routes for an unforgettable journey.
I will help you plan the ultimate road trip experience in and around Dubai, ensuring every drive is filled with stunning landscapes, unique attractions, and a perfect balance of adventure and relaxation.
Planning Your Dubai Road Trip Budget
Before setting off on a scenic drive in Dubai, it’s vital to plan a budget that includes fuel costs, vehicle rental (if needed), food, accommodation (if it’s an extended trip), and entry fees for attractions along the way. Here’s how to structure your budget effectively:
Fuel And Vehicle Rental Costs
Driving in Dubai is relatively affordable compared to many global destinations, thanks to its low fuel prices. As of early 2025, petrol prices in the UAE hover around AED 3.00 per liter ($0.82 per liter). Depending on your vehicle's fuel efficiency, a full tank typically costs around AED 150-250 ($41-$68).
Rental Car Costs: If you don’t own a car, rental prices vary based on vehicle type. A standard sedan costs around AED 100-150 ($27-$41) per day, while SUVs and luxury rental cars start from AED 250-500 ($68-$136) per day.
Toll Fees (Salik): Dubai operates an electronic toll system called Salik, with charges of AED 4 ($1.09) per toll gate.
Food And Dining
Eating on the road can be as affordable or luxurious as you prefer.
Casual dining at roadside cafes and fast-food chains costs around AED 25-40 ($7-$11) per meal.
Mid-range restaurants charge between AED 50-100 ($14-$27) per person.
Fine dining or hotel restaurants can cost AED 200+ ($54+) per person.
Accommodation Costs
If your road trip extends overnight, here’s a rough estimate of accommodation prices:
Budget hotels & motels: AED 150-250 ($41-$68) per night.
Mid-range hotels: AED 300-600 ($82-$163) per night.
Luxury resorts: AED 1,000+ ($272+) per night.
Entry Fees & Attractions
Some road trip destinations have entry fees, which can range from AED 5-50 ($1.36-$14) per person for nature reserves and AED 100-300 ($27-$82) for high-end attractions.
Now that we’ve planned the budget, let’s explore the five most breathtaking road trips in Dubai with real-world costs for a seamless travel experience.
Dubai To Jebel Jais – The Highest Mountain In The UAE
For an epic mountain drive, Jebel Jais in Ras Al Khaimah is a must-visit. Known for its winding roads and incredible viewpoints, this trip is perfect for adventure lovers.
Key Attractions:
Jebel Jais Viewing Deck Park – Free entry.
Jebel Jais Zipline (World’s Longest Zipline) – AED 300 ($82).
Camping & Picnic Areas – Free access.
Estimated Costs:
Fuel: AED 80-120 ($22-$33) (Round trip: ~300 km).
Food: AED 50-150 ($14-$41) per person.
Optional Activities: AED 300+ ($82+) for the zipline.
Best Time to Visit: October to April for cooler weather and clear views.
Dubai To Hatta – A Picturesque Mountain Escape
Hatta is an hour-and-a-half drive from Dubai and offers a stunning escape into the Hajar Mountains with scenic reservoirs, wadis, and cultural sites.
Key Attractions:
Hatta Dam Kayaking – AED 60 ($16) per hour.
Hatta Heritage Village – Free entry.
Hatta Hill Park & Hatta Sign Viewpoint – Free access.
Estimated Costs:
Fuel: AED 50-80 ($14-$22) (Round trip: ~250 km).
Food: AED 40-100 ($11-$27) per person.
Kayaking & Activities: AED 60-100 ($16-$27).
Best Time to Visit: November to March for the best outdoor experience.
Dubai To Al Qudra – Desert Lakes And Wildlife Views
For a short yet rewarding drive, head to Al Qudra Lakes, just 30 minutes from Dubai. This off-the-grid desert escape is ideal for camping, picnicking, and wildlife spotting.
Key Attractions:
Love Lake Dubai – Free entry.
Cycling at Al Qudra Cycle Track – AED 50-100 ($14-$27) for bike rental.
Birdwatching & Desert Camping – Free.
Estimated Costs:
Fuel: AED 30-50 ($8-$14) (Round trip: ~100 km).
Food & Picnic Supplies: AED 40-80 ($11-$22).
Cycling: AED 50-100 ($14-$27).
Best Time to Visit: September to May to avoid extreme summer heat.
Dubai To Fujairah – A Scenic Coastal Drive
This east coast road trip takes you from Dubai’s urban landscapes to the pristine beaches of Fujairah, with beautiful mountains along the way.
Key Attractions:
Snoopy Island Snorkeling – AED 120-180 ($33-$49).
Al-Bidyah Mosque (UAE’s Oldest Mosque) – Free entry.
Fujairah Fort & Museum – AED 5 ($1.36)
Estimated Costs:
Fuel: AED 100-150 ($27-$41) (Round trip: ~400 km).
Food: AED 60-150 ($16-$41) per person.
Snorkeling & Activities: AED 120+ ($33+).
Best Time to Visit: October to April for cooler beach weather.
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Dubai To Liwa – A Desert Adventure Through The Empty Quarter
For an extreme desert road trip, Liwa in Abu Dhabi’s Empty Quarter (Rub’ al Khali) is a surreal experience, known for its massive sand dunes and Bedouin culture.
Key Attractions:
Moreeb Dune (Tallest Sand Dune in UAE) – Free.
Liwa Oasis & Forts – Free entry.
Dune Bashing & Camel Riding – AED 200+ ($54+) per activity.
Estimated Costs:
Fuel: AED 150-200 ($41-$54) (Round trip: ~600 km).
Food: AED 70-200 ($19-$54) per person.
Activities: AED 200-400 ($54-$109) for guided desert experiences.
Best Time to Visit: November to March for the best desert weather.
Wrapping Up
Dubai's road trips offer more than just breathtaking scenery—they provide a gateway to experiencing the UAE’s rich cultural heritage, diverse ecosystems, and thrilling adventure activities. Whether you're navigating mountain switchbacks, exploring coastal enclaves, or venturing deep into the desert, each route unveils a unique side of the region that contrasts sharply with the city's futuristic skyline.
With well-maintained roads, modern facilities, and endless opportunities for exploration, Dubai stands as one of the world’s most underrated yet spectacular destinations for scenic driving.