Dubai’s dazzling skyline may grab your attention, but there’s a whole country beyond waiting to be explored. With a rental car, you can venture beyond Dubai and discover the unique charms of all seven emirates — from cultural capitals to desert oases. This guide will show why a self-drive journey is one of the best ways to experience the United Arab Emirates, highlight top destinations reachable by car, and share practical tips for driving through this dynamic country.
Why Explore the UAE by Rental Car
Renting a car in Dubai opens up a world of possibilities. Instead of being confined to one city or relying on tour schedules, you’ll have the freedom and flexibility to go where you want, when you want. Here are some key advantages of exploring the Emirates by car:
- Ultimate Flexibility: Create your own schedule and itinerary. Want to leave early to catch a sunrise in the desert or stay late at a museum in Sharjah? With a car, it’s your call.
- Comfort and Convenience: Especially in the UAE’s hot climate, traveling in an air-conditioned car is far more comfortable than waiting for buses or haggling with taxis. You can also keep essentials in the car (water, snacks, a change of clothes) for long drives.
- Cost-Effective for Groups: If you’re traveling with family or friends, renting a car and splitting costs can be cheaper than buying multiple tour tickets. Fuel is also relatively inexpensive in the UAE (around AED 2.57 per liter, or about USD 0.70, as of August 2025), which keeps road trip costs down.
“The UAE is celebrated for its soaring skylines and bustling urban centres, but beyond the glittering towers and manicured boulevards lies a vast landscape ripe for exploration,” as travel writer Simon Wilgress-Pipe of The National (a UAE-based newspaper) notes. With a rental car, you get to experience that vast and varied landscape directly.
Top Destinations to Visit Beyond Dubai
One of the best things about the UAE is that distances are relatively short — you can drive from Dubai to any other emirate in a few hours or less. Each emirate offers a different slice of UAE life, from cultural landmarks to natural wonders. Below is a comparison of popular destinations beyond Dubai and what you can expect when driving to each:
| Destination (Emirate) | Distance from Dubai | Approx. Drive Time | Top Attractions & Highlights |
| Abu Dhabi (Abu Dhabi) | ~140 km southwest | ~1.5 hours | UAE capital city; Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Louvre Abu Dhabi, Yas Island (Ferrari World, F1 circuit) |
| Sharjah (Sharjah) | ~30 km northeast | ~30-45 minutes | Adjacent city known as cultural capital; Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization, art galleries, heritage districts |
| Ajman (Ajman) | ~45 km northeast | ~45 minutes | Smallest emirate; calm beaches, Ajman Fort (Museum), traditional dhow yard |
| Umm Al Quwain (UAQ) | ~60 km northeast | ~1 hour | Quiet emirate with mangroves; UAQ Fort and Museum, Dreamland Aqua Park, desert camping areas |
| Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) | ~115 km northeast | ~1.5 hours | Mountainous emirate; Jebel Jais (UAE’s highest peak), Dhayah Fort, pearl farming tours, adventure sports (hiking, climbing) |
| Fujairah (Fujairah) | ~120 km east | ~1.5–2 hours | East coast on the Gulf of Oman; Al Bidya Mosque (UAE’s oldest mosque), Fujairah Fort, snorkeling at Snoopy Island, Hajar Mountains scenery |
| Al Ain (Abu Dhabi emirate) | ~150 km south | ~1.5–2 hours | Oasis city inland; Al Ain Oasis (UNESCO site), Al Jahili Fort, Jebel Hafeet mountain drive, camel market |
With a car, you can plan multiple day trips or even a week-long circuit to cover all these destinations at your own pace. One day you could be sandboarding on Abu Dhabi’s desert dunes, and the next day wading in the Indian Ocean on Fujairah’s coast. The variety of landscapes and experiences within a few hours’ drive of Dubai is truly remarkable.
Tips for a Smooth Driving Experience in the Emirates
Driving in the UAE is generally a pleasant experience, but it’s important to be prepared and follow local rules. Keep these tips in mind to ensure your road trip is safe and enjoyable:
- Know the Rules of the Road: In the UAE, you drive on the right side. Seat belts are mandatory for all passengers, and using a mobile phone while driving is illegal. There is zero tolerance for drinking and driving (no amount of alcohol is permitted in your system). Also, unlike some countries, you cannot turn right on a red light unless there’s a specific sign permitting it, so always obey traffic signals.
- Tolls and Navigation: Dubai and Abu Dhabi use electronic toll gates (like Salik in Dubai). Rental cars are typically equipped with toll tags, and charges will be billed to you, so no need to stop at booths. A GPS or map app will be very helpful, especially for finding specific exits and avoiding getting lost in city suburbs.
- Parking and City Driving: In city centers, parking is usually metered or in paid lots — pay attention to curb colors and signs (yellow and black painted curb means no parking). In malls and tourist spots, parking is often free or validated. Dubai and Abu Dhabi can have heavy traffic during rush hours (approximately 7-9am and 5-7pm), so plan your departures to avoid being stuck in jams if possible.
- Be Prepared for Conditions: If you plan to drive off the main roads (e.g. into desert dunes or up rough mountain paths), ensure you rent an appropriate vehicle (a 4×4 for off-roading) and carry emergency supplies: water, a spare tire, first aid kit, and a charged phone. Even on paved intercity highways, stay alert — on some remote stretches there may be hazards like unmarked speed bumps or drifting sand, and occasionally even camels wandering near the road.
- Documents to Carry: Always have your driver’s license, passport (or Emirates ID if resident), and rental car papers/insurance in the vehicle. The police can ask for these at routine checkpoints or if you get pulled over. Traffic fines for violations (speeding, etc.) are usually recorded by camera and forwarded to the rental company, but it’s best to follow rules diligently to avoid any issues. In case of any accident, UAE law generally says do not move your car until police arrive and make a report (unless you’re obstructing a major road in Dubai). The emergency number is 999 for police.
By following these tips, you’ll find that driving around the Emirates is quite manageable. The roads connecting the emirates traverse stunning desert landscapes and coastal vistas — it’s not just about the destination, but the journey. Take your time, drive safely, and enjoy the ever-changing scenery outside your window, from skyscrapers to sand dunes.
Start Your Emirates Road Adventure
Exploring the UAE beyond Dubai with a rental car is both exciting and rewarding. In a relatively small area, the United Arab Emirates packs in an incredible array of sights — and having your own wheels is the key to unlocking them all. You can pray in a grand mosque in Abu Dhabi in the morning, wander through a rustic market in Sharjah by afternoon, and be back in your Dubai hotel by nightfall. Or you can venture further, crafting an itinerary that touches all seven emirates at your own pace. This flexibility and depth of experience are hard to achieve without driving. With good roads, stunning destinations, and the freedom of a rental car, the whole Emirates are open for you to explore. So, fuel up, grab your map or GPS, and hit the open road — adventure awaits beyond Dubai.