The Ultimate 7-Day UAE Road Trip Itinerary
Give the UAE a week and one comfortable car and you can drive from the world's tallest tower to the country's highest peak, across the Empty Quarter's dunes, over the Hajar Mountains and down to the Gulf of Oman — all on one loop. Here is how to string it together.
This itinerary is a loop, so you keep the same car all week and never backtrack far. Distances are approximate and every leg is comfortably doable in a morning, leaving afternoons free. Rebook nothing, unpack rarely, and let the country unspool through the windscreen. Each day below links to a full guide if you want to go deeper.
Day 1 — Dubai to Abu Dhabi (~140 km)
Start with the easy motorway run down Sheikh Zayed Road. Spend the day at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Qasr Al Watan and the Louvre Abu Dhabi, then unwind on the Corniche. If you have kids, swap in a Yas Island theme park. Overnight in Abu Dhabi. Full route: Dubai to Abu Dhabi Road Trip.
Day 2 — Abu Dhabi to Liwa and the Empty Quarter (~200 km)
Head south into the Rub' al Khali, the largest sand desert on Earth. The dunes grow taller as you go, culminating near the towering Moreeb Dune. This is serious 4x4 country — stay on graded tracks unless you are experienced, and consider a night at a desert resort under enormous skies. Full guide: Abu Dhabi to Liwa: Into the Empty Quarter.
Day 3 — Liwa to Al Ain, the Garden City (~250 km)
Cut across to Al Ain, the UAE's greenest city and a UNESCO oasis. Wander the falaj-fed date gardens, visit Al Jahili Fort, then finish with the drive of the day: the switchback climb up Jebel Hafeet at sunset, 60 bends to a summit above the city. Overnight in Al Ain. See Dubai to Al Ain and the dedicated Jebel Hafeet driving road guide.
Day 4 — Al Ain to Hatta (~200 km)
Loop north-east into the Hajar Mountains and the Dubai exclave of Hatta. Kayak the turquoise Hatta Dam, try the Wadi Hub activities, and explore the restored Heritage Village. The air is noticeably cooler up here. Carry passports — the route skirts the Oman border — and overnight in the mountains. Full guide: Dubai to Hatta.
For public paved roads, choose a comfortable car for your group and luggage. A 4x4 badge does not authorise driving on sand or unsealed tracks. Obtain the rental company’s explicit written approval and suitable cover for that exact activity, with qualified training and support; otherwise book a specialist excursion and keep your hire car on permitted paved roads.
Browse SUVs for the trip →Day 5 — Hatta to Ras Al Khaimah and Jebel Jais (~200 km)
Swing north to Ras Al Khaimah and climb the country's highest mountain, Jebel Jais (about 1,934 m). The road up is a masterpiece of engineering, and at the top you will find viewpoints, the Jais Sledder toboggan and the world's longest zipline. Overnight in RAK. See Dubai to Ras Al Khaimah & Jebel Jais, and for a fuller stay our perfect weekend in RAK.
Day 6 — RAK to the east coast: Khor Fakkan and Fujairah (~150 km)
Cross the mountains to the Gulf of Oman. The tunnelled Sharjah road delivers you to Khor Fakkan's crescent beach and waterfall; carry on to Fujairah for Al Bidyah Mosque, the oldest in the UAE, and snorkelling near Snoopy Island. Trade dunes and peaks for warm coastal water. Overnight on the coast. See Khor Fakkan & Kalba and Dubai to Fujairah.
Day 7 — East coast back to Dubai via Masafi (~150 km)
Close the loop through the mountains, stopping at the Friday Market at Masafi for fruit, carpets and pottery, then descend to Dubai. If you have energy left, the classic mountain-to-coast circuit makes a fine final flourish — see our UAE mountain-to-coast loop. Home by afternoon, having driven the length and breadth of the country.
Planning notes
- One car, one booking. An SUV keeps you comfortable on motorways and capable on desert and mountain roads. Keep it for the full week for the best rate.
- Season matters. Run this loop October to April — summer heat makes the desert and mountain days punishing. Read the season-by-season guide first.
- Your chosen route may pass automatic Salik gates. Rates vary by travel time and day rather than being a flat AED 4 for every crossing. Check the official tariff and gate information and confirm the rental company’s toll billing and disclosed administration charges.
- Documents. Carry passports for the Hatta leg. Tourists drive on a home licence plus an International Driving Permit; residents need a UAE licence.
- Water and early starts. Always carry water, and set off in the cool of the morning to bank the best hours.
Want to slow it down? Any single day here works as a standalone trip, and you can bolt on a golden-hour city loop — see the best sunset drives around Dubai — on your first or last evening.
FAQ
Can I really do this in a week?
Yes. Each driving leg is a morning at most, leaving afternoons for sights. If you prefer a gentler pace, drop Liwa or the east coast and add a rest day.
What kind of car do I need?
For public paved roads, choose a comfortable car for your group and luggage. A 4x4 badge does not authorise driving on sand or unsealed tracks. Obtain the rental company’s explicit written approval and suitable cover for that exact activity, with qualified training and support; otherwise book a specialist excursion and keep your hire car on permitted paved roads.
Which direction should I drive the loop?
Either works. Going clockwise (Abu Dhabi first) means the long desert legs come while you are freshest and the coast relaxes you at the end.
Do I need to book hotels in advance?
In peak winter and on weekends, yes — Hatta, RAK and the east coast fill up. Midweek in shoulder season you have more flexibility.
Choose a car for the permitted paved part of the trip. Off-road use needs separate written approval and appropriate cover, or a specialist excursion. Confirm delivery availability and charges, insurance cover and excess, deposit and mileage allowance with the rental company before booking.
Browse all cars →Keep reading: Dubai to Abu Dhabi · Abu Dhabi to Liwa · Dubai to Al Ain · Dubai to Hatta · Ras Al Khaimah & Jebel Jais · Khor Fakkan & Kalba · Dubai to Fujairah · Jebel Hafeet · When to Drive in the UAE
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