Best Road Trips from UAE: Oman, Saudi & Beyond
Best Road Trips from UAE: Oman, Saudi & Beyond
There's something freeing about hitting the road with nothing but a packed bag, a full tank, and a route to adventure. UAE residents have the unique advantage of always being road-trip ready. Great roads connect to mountains, beaches, deserts, and heritage towns across Oman and Saudi Arabia. According to Khaleej Times, road travel across the GCC saw a spike of over 40% in 2023. And with border crossings open and fuel affordable, now's the time to take that long weekend drive.
Here are three of the best road trips you can take from the UAE, including food, fuel, and activity stops. And yes, your regular car insurance may not cover personal or medical emergencies abroad. That's why GIG Gulf travel insurance bridges the gap with medical, roadside assistance, and cross-border protection.
1. Dubai to Salalah, Oman (Khareef Season)
- Route Options: Take the Dubai-Al Ain-Nizwa-Salalah route (approx. 1,300 km) with a night stop in Nizwa. Cross at the Hafeet border.
- Food Options: Try shawarma at Bin Ateeq in Nizwa or local Omani rice at Udupi Salalah.
- Service Stations: ADNOC fuel stations are frequent until the Oman border. From there, Omanoil and Shell cover most of the route.
- Where to Stay: Stay mid-route at Intercity Hotel Nizwa or in Salalah at Salalah Rotana Resort.
- What to Do: See waterfalls at Wadi Darbat, Mughsail Beach blowholes, and Salalah's Khareef mist. Explore more at Experience Oman.
2. UAE to Riyadh or AlUla, Saudi Arabia
- Route Options: Exit UAE via Ghuwaifat. Drive to Riyadh or AlUla. Visa-on-arrival available for UAE residents.
- Food Options: Try kabsa and grilled chicken at Al Romansiah in Riyadh or dine outdoors in AlUla.
- Service Stations: Plenty of pumps along the way. Use Google Maps or Waze for detours.
- Where to Stay: Stay at The Ritz-Carlton Riyadh or Habitas AlUla.
- What to Do: Visit Hegra in AlUla or historic Diriyah. See details at Visit Saudi.
3. Ras Al Khaimah to Musandam, Oman
- Route Options: Drive from Ras Al Khaimah to Khasab via Al Dara border (approx. 160 km). Use a 4x4 for mountain passes.
- Food Options: Eat at Wadi Qada in Khasab or enjoy seafood at Golden Tulip Dibba.
- Service Stations: Fuel up before the border. Limited options inside Musandam, carry extra if needed.
- Where to Stay: Book at Atana Musandam Hotel or cliffside Six Senses Zighy Bay.
- What to Do: Dhow cruises, hiking trails, and snorkeling spots await. Plan your trip with Experience Oman.
Essential Safety & Navigation Tips
- Check tyres, brakes, and fluids before departure
- Use Maps.me or Google Maps for offline navigation
- Carry printed car registration, passport, and visa
- Check latest road updates on RTA Dubai and TAMM Abu Dhabi
Roadside Help with GIG Gulf
Don't let a flat tyre or engine fault cut your road trip short. GIG Gulf offers 24/7 roadside assistance as part of your travel protection plan, especially useful on cross-border drives. Medical help, towing, and breakdown cover are available with GIG Gulf travel insurance.