Dubai, Mountains and the Northern Emirates

Approximate driving distance: 80 miles / 130 kilometres

Approximate driving time: 1 hour 40 minutes without stops

Collect your rental car and begin your journey beyond Dubai.

Leave the city and watch the modern skyline gradually give way to open desert and the rocky peaks of the Hajar Mountains.

Continue to Hatta and check in to your selected hotel or mountain accommodation.

Visit Hatta Dam, where turquoise water contrasts with the surrounding mountains. Depending on current operating conditions, kayaking and other outdoor activities may be available.

You can also visit Hatta Heritage Village, explore the surrounding area or spend the afternoon relaxing among the mountain scenery.

Some outdoor attractions operate seasonally and may have reduced schedules during the hottest summer months.

Overnight in Hatta.

Approximate driving time: 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours without stops

Leave Hatta and continue through the Hajar Mountains toward the UAE’s east coast.

The journey passes changing mountain formations, small settlements and desert scenery. A stop around Masafi provides an opportunity to visit the local market and experience a quieter side of the Emirates.

Continue toward Fujairah, the only emirate located entirely along the country’s eastern coastline. Depending on your selected hotel, stay in Fujairah city or continue north to one of the beach resorts around Al Aqah.

If time permits, visit Fujairah Fort and the surrounding heritage area or relax beside the Gulf of Oman.

Overnight in Fujairah or Al Aqah.

Approximate driving distance: 75–100 miles / 120–160 kilometres

Approximate driving time: 2 to 2 hours 30 minutes without sightseeing stops

Travel north along the UAE’s scenic east coast.

You may stop at Al Bidya Mosque, one of the country’s oldest surviving mosques. Visitors should dress respectfully, and access may be restricted during prayer times or religious occasions.

Continue toward Khor Fakkan, a coastal enclave of Sharjah surrounded by mountains. Enjoy the beachfront or stop at one of the elevated viewpoints overlooking the coast.

Travel inland through the mountains and stop at Al Rafisah Dam, where a reservoir, walking paths and mountain scenery provide an attractive break in the journey.

Continue across the northern Emirates to Ras Al Khaimah and check in to your selected hotel.

Overnight in Ras Al Khaimah.

Today brings one of the greatest highlights of your UAE self-drive vacation.

Drive from the coast into the mountains and follow the winding road toward Jebel Jais, the highest mountain in the United Arab Emirates.

The well-engineered mountain road climbs through rugged landscapes, deep valleys and dramatic rock formations. Stop at the designated viewpoints and continue toward Jais Viewing Deck Park, approximately 4,100 feet / 1,250 metres above sea level.

Allow plenty of time for the journey and scenic stops. Temperatures at the higher elevations can be noticeably cooler than on the coast.

Adventure activities, including the Jais Flight zipline and other mountain experiences, may be available but should be reserved in advance. Operating schedules depend on weather and seasonal conditions.

Return to Ras Al Khaimah and spend the remainder of the day relaxing at your hotel or beside the beach.

Suggested driving: approximately 75–95 miles / 120–150 kilometres for the round trip, depending on your hotel.

Overnight in Ras Al Khaimah.

Approximate driving distance: 75 miles / 120 kilometres

Approximate driving time: 1 hour 30 minutes without stops

Enjoy a relaxed morning in Ras Al Khaimah before travelling south toward Dubai.

Depending on your interests, visit the historic village of Al Jazirah Al Hamra before departure or stop in another northern emirate along the way.

Continue to Dubai and check in for your final night.

Spend the evening returning to a favourite part of the city, enjoying dinner beside the water or experiencing Dubai’s illuminated skyline.

Overnight in Dubai.