The Best UAE Road Trip Destinations: A Guide to Hidden Gems

Let's be honest – we're pretty lucky here in the UAE when it comes to road trip destinations. But a road trip isn't just about the destination. It's about the journey too. What you see along the way, the driving experience you have, the people you meet and the car you drive all come together to make the ultimate road trip. So, are you ready to go on an adventure?

Weekend wanderings

The nice thing about living in the UAE is that any one of the hundreds of destinations is relatively easy to get to. That means your road trip could be a weekend wander down a wadi, a mountain excursion or a desert trek. And you'd still be home in time for dinner.

Picking the right car

Choosing the right car will depend on the type of journey you’re planning. If it’s smooth tarmac all the way and your road trip is a romantic weekend away for two, a sporty coupe would be just right. There’s enough room in the boot for a couple of weekend bags, then it’s just you, your partner, and the open road.

However, if the kids also want to come, you can't really leave them behind. A family-friendly crossover will be our top pick if you're looking for car subscription ideas that everyone will enjoy. Plenty of room for everyone, tons of space for luggage, and a comfortable, air-conditioned cabin with infotainment that'll keep even the fussiest traveller happy.

Bear in mind that if you’re planning a road trip and you’re subscribing to a car in Dubai, you won’t be allowed to take it off-road. So save the dune bashing for another time.

Our top tip: Look for a deal that gives you unlimited mileage, so you don't end up paying more than you expected.

So where are we going?

It's time to choose, and, in survey after survey, one name keeps coming up: Ras Al-Khaimah. We're heading north to the mountains, around 113km from Dubai and 300km from Abu Dhabi. That makes it easily accessible for a long weekend of adventures. For city dwellers, it's a chance to escape the concrete and steel for a few days and regain a connection with the natural beauty of the Emirates.

Alternating from dramatic dunes to lush oases and, of course, those incredible mountain views from the top of Jebel Jais, it's a breath-taking destination full of family-friendly activities. If you've got room, pack your golf clubs because there are some fabulous greens to explore. If you have the nerve, you can clip yourself onto Jebel Jais Flight, the world's longest zip line, and soar like a bird through the mountains. Or you could hit the spa and get pampered all day long.

The important part of choosing Ras al Khaimah isn't just what's on offer but the drive there too. Long, open desert roads give way to mountain twisties that'll have your heart racing around every hairpin bend. The journey is incredible, and you'll feel a real sense of achievement. But it's not so demanding as to become a chore - after all, this is a trip to be enjoyed, not endured!

After a lot of debate, Ras Al-Khaimah is our top pick. But there are hundreds of other fabulous destinations across the UAE. If you sign up for MOOV's monthly car subscription service, you can go on adventure after adventure in complete comfort.

If you're interested in monthly car subscription that allows you to change your mind whenever you want, check out our FAQs or get in touch with one of our team today. And then? Well, it's time for that road trip you've been promising yourself!

‍