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Idyllic road trip destinations in the UAE for Eid Al Etihad span beaches, mountains and desert oases—all within a few hours’ drive. Below, you’ll find the most scenic places to visit, smart route tips and quick answers to common National Day questions so you can set off with confidence.
Tired of the usual city routine? National Day weekend is the perfect excuse to hit the open road. From dramatic mountains to serene beaches, these UAE road trip destinations promise adventure, scenic stops and stories worth sharing—whether it’s a family escape, a solo adventure or a friends’ outing.
Road Trip Destinations in the UAE for National Day Weekend
With luxury resorts, historical sites and natural wonders, there’s no shortage of National Day weekend getaways to explore. Here are the top picks for Eid Al Etihad road trips—each offering a different mood, landscape and set of activities.
LIWA OASIS, ABU DHABI
Looking for destinations that make the drive worth it? Liwa Oasis is it. As you roll into the Rub’ al Khali (Empty Quarter), green palm groves rise from the sand and centuries-old forts punctuate the horizon, recalling the Bani Yas tribe’s heritage and the oasis’s role as a lifeline in the desert. The sheer scale of the dunes and the silence of the sands make Liwa a soul-stirring escape.
Don’t miss Tal Moreeb, among the tallest dunes in the world, where steep slopes attract skilled dune drivers and spectators. Book a guided desert experience if you’re new to off-roading, and time your visit for sunrise or sunset when the sands glow gold.
- Drive time: Dubai to Liwa ~ 3.5–4.5 hours; Abu Dhabi City to Liwa ~ 2.5–3 hours
- Best for: Iconic dunes, heritage forts, stargazing
- Top experiences: Tal Moreeb viewpoints, heritage forts, desert picnics
- Good to know: Stick to paved roads unless you’re experienced in off-roading; carry water and fuel up before you enter the Empty Quarter.
ADDRESS BEACH RESORT, FUJAIRAH
Trace the UAE’s east coast to Al Aqah and roll into Address Beach Resort Fujairah, where the Hajar Mountains meet the sea. Sandy beaches lure paddleboarders and snorkellers, while nearby wadis and mountain trails invite exploration. Around every bend, the sea and rugged peaks frame a striking coastal panorama—perfect for a relaxed stop on an east-coast drive.
- Location: Al Aqah, Fujairah
- Contact: +971-9-204-7777 | +971-9-204-7666
- Best for: Beach downtime with mountain views, family-friendly stays
- Tip: Pack water shoes for rocky sections and plan a sunrise walk along the shore for calm seas and cooler temps.
JEBEL HAFEET MOUNTAIN, AL AIN
Jebel Hafeet is Abu Dhabi’s highest peak and the UAE’s second tallest—famous for its sweeping switchbacks and cinematic viewpoints. Start early for sunrise or linger for sunset to watch the rock faces blaze with color. The geology here tells a story millions of years old, with fossils bearing witness to an ancient seabed.
At the base, Jebel Hafeet Desert Park offers hiking, mountain biking, camel and horse rides, plus camping and glamping for all comfort levels—ideal if you want to extend your Al Ain escape overnight.
- Drive time: Dubai to Al Ain ~ 1.5–2 hours; Abu Dhabi City to Al Ain ~ 1.5–2 hours
- Best for: Scenic driving, sunrise/sunset photography, easy hikes
- Top experiences: Summit viewpoints, desert park activities, Al Ain oasis and forts
- Good to know: The ascent is paved and well-maintained; bring a light jacket—summit winds can be breezy.
DOUBLETREE BY HILTON, RAS AL KHAIMAH
Detour to Marjan Island and arrive at DoubleTree by Hilton, where a large private beachfront and resort vibes await. Between laps in the pool, a game of padel and time in the spa, there’s ample action for adults—while the little ones will love the kids’ club, Pirate Boat Aqua Zone and playground. Don’t forget the warm signature cookie on arrival.
- Location: Jazeerat Al Marjan, Ras Al Khaimah
- Contact: +971-7-203-0000
- Best for: Family-friendly beach time, resort facilities mid-road trip
- Tip: Book in advance over National Day—rooms and beach cabanas sell out quickly.
KHORFAKKAN
Nestled on the Fujairah coast, Khorfakkan blends sun, sea and mountains in one compact, photogenic stop. Enjoy a relaxed beach stroll or try kayaking along the shore. Then move inland to the Roman-inspired amphitheatre and the adjacent waterfall—an impressive cultural-meets-natural landmark that begs for golden-hour photos.
- Drive time: Dubai to Khorfakkan ~ 1.5–2 hours (via Sharjah’s Khorfakkan Road)
- Best for: Coastal walks, easy water sports, amphitheatre and waterfall views
- Top experiences: Corniche, beach day, scenic viewpoints
- Good to know: Arrive early on holidays for parking near the beach promenade.
HATTA CAMPING SITE, DUBAI
For a quick mountain reset, a Hatta road trip from Dubai delivers cool air, jagged peaks and dark, starry skies. Pitch a tent or bring a caravan—Hatta Camping offers designated spots with fire pits, barbecues and outdoor seating. Nearby, Hatta Wadi Hub serves up bites and adrenaline activities, while Hatta Dam is a favorite for serene kayaking.
- Drive time: Dubai to Hatta ~ 1.5–2 hours
- Best for: Camping, mountain biking, kayaking
- Top experiences: Hatta Wadi Hub activities, Hatta Dam, hiking trails
- Good to know: Nights get cooler than the city—pack warm layers. Book popular activities ahead on peak weekends.
JEBEL JAIS MOUNTAINS, RAS AL KHAIMAH
Jebel Jais offers the UAE’s highest peaks and a dramatic mountain drive that feels tailor-made for road-trippers. Between photo stops at viewpoints, grab coffee at summit cafés, or kick the adrenaline up a notch on the famed zipline. Hikers can tackle rocky trails, while families can enjoy gentler experiences and playgrounds near the viewing decks.
- Drive time: Dubai to Jebel Jais ~ 2–2.5 hours; RAK City to Jais ~ 1 hour
- Best for: Viewpoints, ziplines, mountain cafés
- Top experiences: Jais viewpoints, ziplines and alpine coaster-style rides, sunrise above the clouds
- Good to know: Parking areas can fill on holidays—arrive early. Mountain weather can shift quickly; bring layers.
SNOOPY ISLAND, FUJAIRAH
This playful, Snoopy-shaped islet just offshore from Al Aqah is a snorkelling favorite. Clear waters teem with colorful fish; if you’re lucky, you might spot turtles or rays. Paddle along the coastline, relax on the beachside rocks or find a shaded nook for a picnic with mountain-to-sea views.
- Drive time: Dubai to Al Aqah ~ 1.75–2.5 hours
- Best for: Snorkelling, paddleboarding, sunbathing
- Top experiences: Reef snorkels, coastal paddles, beach picnics
- Good to know: Respect coral and marine life, check conditions before entering the water and use reef-safe sunscreen.
Smart planning tips for Eid Al Etihad road trips
- Beat the rush: Start early (pre-8 a.m.) on holiday mornings and return after sunset to avoid peak flows.
- Choose safer routes: Major highways like E11 (Sheikh Zayed Road), E311 (Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road) and E611 (Emirates Road) offer multiple lanes, clearer signage and service stations.
- Mind the weather: Winter fog is common—use fog lights, keep generous following distances and avoid sudden braking.
- Know your tolls: Dubai’s Salik and Abu Dhabi’s Darb toll systems operate year-round; ensure your account is active to avoid fines.
- Stay within limits: Speed limits vary by road and can change in mountain sections; watch for signage and speed cameras.
- Pack smart: Bring IDs, car registration, water, snacks, phone chargers, a first-aid kit and a tyre inflator—especially for desert and mountain routes.
- EV drivers: Plan charging stops in advance; many stations are on E11/E311 corridors and within major malls and service areas.
FAQs about National Day road trip destinations
What are the safest road trip routes during busy National Day holidays?
Major multilane highways—E11 (Sheikh Zayed Road), E311 (Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road) and E611 (Emirates Road)—are generally the safest thanks to better lighting, frequent patrols and ample services. Depart early, avoid abrupt lane changes and build in extra time for checkpoints or festive convoys.
Are there any permits required for road trips during National Day weekend?
No special inter-emirate permits are typically required for private vehicles. For camping or barbecuing, use designated areas and follow local rules; some protected sites or private lands may require prior permission or bookings. Drone use requires permits—avoid flying in restricted zones.
Which UAE emirates offer the most scenic road trip routes?
Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah lead for coastal and mountain drives (Al Aqah, Khorfakkan, Jebel Jais). Dubai’s Hatta is excellent for camping and kayaking, while Abu Dhabi’s Liwa Oasis delivers epic desert scenery and heritage forts. Al Ain’s Jebel Hafeet is a classic switchback drive made for sunrise or sunset.
What should I pack for a National Day road trip?
Carry Emirates ID/passport, driving licence, car registration, water (at least 2–3 litres per person for day trips), snacks, sunscreen, hats, power banks, a basic first-aid kit and a spare tyre with jack. For desert or mountain stops, add a headlamp, warm layers and sturdy shoes.
When is the best time to depart and return?
Leave before 8 a.m. for clearer roads and cooler conditions, especially for hikes or snorkelling. Plan your return after sunset or later in the evening to miss peak inbound traffic. Check fog forecasts if heading to mountains or interior routes.
Can I drive a rental car across emirates?
Yes. Rental cars can be driven across all seven emirates. Confirm toll handling, daily mileage limits, insurance coverage and any additional fees for mountain or desert routes before you set off.
Is mobile coverage reliable on these routes?
Coverage is strong on major highways and coastal areas. Expect occasional weak spots in wadis and higher mountain sections. Download offline maps and share your itinerary with a friend or family member if heading off the beaten path.
And that’s a wrap on your Eid Al Etihad road trip planner. From towering mountains to serene beaches and hidden desert oases, the UAE is ready to be explored—safely, scenically and at your pace. Happy National Day, and safe travels!
