Fancy a road trip across the GCC?
If you haven’t managed to book that trip abroad, or organise something further afield for the upcoming UAE National Day holiday, why not do a Thelma and Louise and get a road trip in the books?
From Dubai to Al Ain (one for the beginners) or Oman to Saudi Arabia, a GCC road trip is one for your bucket list.
Whether you’re looking to embark on a multi-day tour, fancy putting your driving skills to the test on a rocky mountain road or sandy dune, want to stay put in your home country or are up for travelling across three countries, these are some of the finest road trips across the GCC.
Driving across the border? What you need to know
If you’re planning on taking a cross-country road trip, it’s important to research the rules and regulations so you can cruise over the border smoothly.
This all depends on the country you’re visiting. For example, if you’re driving to Oman, UAE residents can obtain a 14-day visitor visa online for around Dhs47. This is similar in Qatar, where UAE residents can obtain a visa on arrival, with the duration varying on nationality.
However, if you are a UAE resident planning to drive into Saudi Arabia, you will need to fill out an online visa application form before your trip.
Next up, the rules around your car. If you’re driving a rental or are paying for your car on finance, you will need a letter of no objection from your rental company or financer if you want to drive it out of the country.
As well as your passport, remember to also bring your drivers license, car registration card and car insurance information too.
Road trips from Dubai
Dubai to Al Ain
Driving time: 2 hours (173km)
As soon as you hit the Al Ain Road, you’ll find the mood changes; city life gives way to a sense of scenic tranquillity and everything becomes that bit greener. Well deserving of its ‘Garden City’ moniker, Al Ain boasts an abundance of natural springs and oases, palm groves and majestic mountains that not only makes this a wonderful destination for a road trip, but quite unlike anywhere else in the UAE.
From exploring historical sites (UNESCO World Heritage Site Al Ain Oasis included) to experiencing the thrills that Wadi Adventure has to offer, there’s plenty to do.
If driving is your bag though, you’ll be wanting to fill up the petrol tank and snake your way around the wide bends and tight hairpins that take you some 1,249-metres up to the top of Jebel Hafeet (the route is renowned by experts as being one of the greatest driving roads in the world).
Dubai to Al Gharbia
Driving time: 3 hours (312km)
Fancy yourself as a skilled driver and keen for a thrilling off-road experience? This is the expedition for you.
The route out to the western municipal region of Abu Dhabi is as impressive as they come, with towering sand dunes, vast stretches of unspoiled coastline dotted with pristine beaches and islands, numerous ancient forts and some of the rarest wildlife in the region.
Dubai to Doha
Driving time: 7 hours 30 minutes (710km)
A lengthy expedition this one, but well worth it if you’ve got time on your hands and a desire to embark on a road trip of pretty epic proportions. The route, which involves a 100km stint through Saudi Arabia, serves up sublime views, tumultuous changing landscape and plenty of culture, as well as opportunities for exploring pretty coastal towns, vibrant cities and remote desert expanses. In short, it’s one for the bucket list.
Once you’ve arrived, take a wander round the Katara Cultural Village, browse the exhibitions at the Museum of Islamic Art or go hunting for a bargain in the streets of Souq Waqif.
Dubai to Jebel Jais
Driving time: 2 hours (160km)
The mountain in the North-Western Hajar range is more than worth the two-hour drive, and you’ll be spoilt with things to do when you get there. If you’re a fan of an adrenaline rush, book a slot for the Jais Flight (the longest zipline in the world), fly around on the low-slung track that is the Jais Sledder and if you’ve still got energy to burn, then try Via Ferreta, the first ‘iron path’ in the Middle East.
For those who want to make it an overnight stay, drive down to a glamping tent at the Longbeach Campground, watch the sunset on the beach and end the day roasting marshmallows by the fire.
visitjebeljais.com, bmhotelsresorts.com.
Dubai to Musandam
Driving time: 2-3 hours (200km)
Clocking in at around 3 hours long (border crossing time factored in), the journey from Dubai to Musandam is just far enough to feel like an adventure, without being offputtingly lengthy – perfect for a weekend adventure with the kids, you could say.
Once you arrive in Musandam, prepare to be enthralled by the utterly diverse, entirely picturesque scenery (craggy Hajar mountains to one side, twinkling turquoise sea on the other).
Khasab isn’t known as the Norway of the Middle East for nothing and no visit would be complete without setting sail on a traditional dhow and enjoying a spot of swimming, snorkeling and dolphin spotting.
Road trips across the GCC
Al Batha to Haradh, Saudi Arabia
Driving time: 3 hours (256km)
Perhaps not the most enthralling of journeys, but a noteworthy one none the less. Highway 10 connects the town of Haradh with Al Batha close to the UAE border and is regarded as the world’s longest stretch of entirely straight road (not a turn or bend in sight).
The unswerving route is for the most part a barren one, so you’ll want to ensure you’re well stocked with road trip snacks and that your fellow passengers bring their best banter.
Bahrain to Kuwait City
Driving time: 4 hours 45 minutes (494km)
From a seriously spectacular Arabian sea view start heading out along the King Fahd Causeway to the smooth and sprawling desert roads that follow, this is a wonderfully calming, not-too-taxing drive; plan your playlist and prepare to enjoy.
Make sure you bring your appetite on this adventure for a culinary odyssey awaits in Kuwait City, where you’ll find everything from traditional hole-in-the-wall spots (local fish speciality fried zubaidy is a must-try) to funky modern cafés.
If you’re in the mood for a spot of shopping, a jaunt around Souk Al-Mubarakiya, one of the oldest markets in the country, is always interesting and no road trip to Kuwait would be complete without snapping a selfie in front of the Kuwait Towers.
Doha to Al Zubarah Fort
Driving time: 1 hour 15 minutes (105km)
A relatively short trip this, but one not to be missed. Drive an hour or so north of Doha and you’ll come to the well-preserved Al Zubarah Fort, which sits adjacent to the ancient ruins of the town of Al Zubarah and is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The impressive building (we’re talking Game of Thrones vibes) was occupied by the armed forces until around 30-years ago and is now a thriving museum with pottery and archaeology exhibits.
Doha to Bir Zekreet
Driving time: 1 hour (80km)
For a brilliant day out and one that feels a world away from the hustle and bustle of the city, a road trip to view the prehistoric sights and stunning sand sculptures of Bir Zekreet (aka the Qatari Grand Canyon) will impress and delight in equal measure.
These unique limescale escarpments have always been stirring and the appeal of visiting has only increased in recent years following the unveiling of artist Richard Serra’s East-West/West-East sculptures, which rise out of the desert landscape to breath-taking effect.
Doha to the Inland Sea
Driving time: 1 hour 30 minutes (100km)
Leaving Doha’s futuristic skyline well behind, a road trip to the Inland Sea is memorable for many reasons: the rolling dunes are brilliant for a spot of dune bashing (providing you’re in a 4×4, of course), the salty turquoise water is fabulous for swimming (or more likely floating) and the area teams with all manner of wildlife, from turtles to migratory birds.
Ibri, Oman to Al Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
Driving time: 8 hours (720km)
Thanks to the recent opening of the Empty Quarter Road (the 720km motorway connecting Oman and KSA), the journey between these two countries is no longer as lengthy as it once was (the new route is around 16 hours shorter than the original which runs across the UAE).
That said, any drive that cuts through the largest sand desert in the world should be regarded as pretty epic and requires a certain amount of pre-planning and commitment. All this will be rewarded in spades though, thanks to the sublime views, changing landscape and opportunities for exploring previously difficult to reach villages and archaeological sites.
Riyadh to AlUla, Saudi Arabia
Driving time: 10 hours 30 minutes (1041km)
The lengthy yet hugely rewarding journey from cosmopolitan Riyadh to culturally rich AlUla is one for the memory bank, offering travellers an amazing opportunity to immerse themselves in layers of history and staggering natural beauty.
Careful planning is key for this trip and you’ll want to make at least one overnight stop off along the way. The historic city of Hail, with its famous A’Arif fort, traditional souks and selection of hotels and restaurants, is a good place for doing so. From Hail it’s a five-and-a-half-hour onward journey to AlUla along pretty remote roads, so fill up with petrol before you leave.
Once you arrive, prepare to be seriously impressed: The World’s Masterpiece boasts wonder after wonder, from Elephant Rock to the Hidden Valley, not forgetting the Nabatean site of Hegra.
Making plans for UAE National Day?
35 brilliant outdoor brunches in Dubai
Terraces, rooftops and more, here are the best al fresco feasts
What can you do in Dubai for 10 Dirhams (or less)?
How to have fun on a budget in Dubai
50 absolutely brilliant outdoor activities to try in Dubai
Let’s take this outside
