The Best Driving Routes in Dubai
Dubai is one of the world’s most exciting cities, a metropolis where some of the highest skyscrapers on the globe meet a land of old civilizations, vast deserts and green oases. A unique experience is exploring Dubai and its surroundings by prestige car https://trinityrental.com/rent-ferrari (Dubai is synonymous with the Ferrari brand).
However you do it, here are some of the best routes to explore as well as some useful tips for driving in Dubai.
Sheikh Zayed Road
Sheikh Zayed Road is a part of the largest, longest, and most important highway in the UAE. It connects the 7 emirates. It also passes through Dubai’s most famous landmarks.
Driving Sheikh Zayed Road takes you past Zabeel Park with the Dubai Frame, through the Dubai World Trade Center Roundabout, past the luxurious Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Dubai International Financial Centre, Downtown Dubai, and the incredible Burj Khalifa (the highest skyscraper in the world at 828 meters). You’ll also pass Dubai Mall with the musical fountain show, Business Bay, Jumeirah, City Walk, Dubai Internet City, Palm Jumeirah and Dubai Marina. There’s much more.
Sheikh Zayed Road is part of the E11, a 558 km highway that runs from the Saudi – UAE border in the south to the UAE – Oman border in the north. It should be your starting point when planning driving routes in Dubai.
Palm Jumeirah Crescent
Palm Jumeirah is the first and most famous artificial island in the UAE. Many call it the symbol of Dubai, because it is made in the form of a palm tree which has been associated with this country since ancient times. Tourists come here to see the main attraction — the 5-star Atlantis Hotel. On its territory, there is a huge aquarium, one of the best water parks in the world, and a contact dolphinarium.
On the “palm leaves” there are villas with a road in the center, with private entrance to the sea on the edges. There you have majestic views of the skyline of Dubai.
Ras Al Khor Road
Not far from the center of Dubai, in the wetlands, is the Ras Al Khor Nature Reserve. Besides views of the Dubai skyline, this is the best place for bird watching (particularly flamingos) in Dubai.
Ras Al Khor is located in a remote area and is easily accessible by car. There is free parking at each entrance. Entrance No. 1 (Mangrove Lookout) is located on the main highway from Dubai to Hatta (E44). Take the D71 highway towards Al Ain, then continue towards Hatta. Turn around towards Dubai and follow the signs to the exit of the highway. Entrance №2 (Flamingo Lookout) — the route is the same as Entrance №1. Continue along the E66 highway and follow the sign for the entrance.
Hatta Mountain Road
A trip to Hatta is essential for anyone looking to catch a glimpse of nature. The Hatta Mountain Drive, which is about 130 kilometers from the downtown area of Dubai, offers visitors a mesmerizing view of the wadis, rocks, and mountainous terrain. Hatta is located in the Hajar mountains, about 20 kilometers from the border with Oman. Its landscapes are beautiful and unique, much different than the desert landscapes closer to Dubai. Highlights include Hatta Dam and Hatta Green Lake.
Al Qudra Road
If you want to escape Dubai’s hustle and bustle, take a scenic drive along Al Qudra Road towards the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. This drive is all about the beauty of the desert, with endless sand dunes stretching on both sides of the road. The reserve itself is home to various wildlife, including the Arabian oryx and gazelles. As the sun sets, the landscape transforms into an orange and golden wonderland that’s perfect for a peaceful drive.
Note: Stop at the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve. A unique spot to witness the beauty of the desert.
Dubai – Fujairah Highway
A 125 KM drive that takes you through dramatic coastal cliffs, past small fishing villages, and offers views of the Indian Ocean on one side and the Hajar Mountains on the other. It’s a beautiful route for a road trip. Once in Fujairah, you can explore beaches, historic forts, and natural reserves.
Dubai Creek and Al Seef District
This is a short (7 km) but scenic drive along Dubai Creek, one of the city’s most historic locations. This road will take you through the Al Seef district where you’ll see wooden dhows and markets. You’ll pass through Al Fahidi, Dubai’s oldest neighborhood. It’s full of atmospheric little lanes and is known for its wind towers (also called “windcatchers”).
Useful tips for traveling by car in Dubai
Beyond the routes mentioned above, Dubai and its surrounding areas offer plenty of stunning drives.
I’ve mentioned Dubai being synonymous with the Ferrari brand; this is the home of Ferrari World, the only Ferrari theme park in the world. So what better experience than to cruise Dubai’s streets in a Ferrari?
There are various options to renting a Ferrari but Trinity Rental is the best. With them, you can rent a Ferrari without a deposit and with toll roads, an extended mileage limit of up to 300 km per day, VAT, and a comprehensive insurance package all included in the price. Plus they deliver the car to you wherever you want it.
Here are a few important things to keep in mind to ensure a smooth and seamless car rental experience.
- Renting a premium car in Dubai is easy, with both international and local rental companies available. An international driving license is required (if your national license is not accepted). Check the insurance and rental conditions, including mileage limits and fuel policies.
- Use Google Maps or Waze to see real-time traffic. Familiarize yourself with toll roads and check in advance for payment systems such as Salik.
- Traffic rules are strictly enforced in the UAE, with fines for violations being high. The maximum speed limit is on most highways. 120-140 km/h (check road signs). It is prohibited to use a phone while driving without a hands-free device, and seat belts are mandatory for all passengers.
- In the city center, parking is mostly paid. Use special applications such as RTA Dubai or SMS parking. Free parking is available in shopping malls and some public places.
- Dubai’s streets are well-marked, but be prepared for a complex system of interchanges. Always have enough fuel when leaving the city.
- During rush hour (morning and evening), traffic can be heavy, especially on the Sheikh Zayed Road.
- Petrol is inexpensive in Dubai, and petrol stations are located everywhere.
- In summer, the car gets very hot, so park in the shade or use sunscreens. Turn on the air conditioning in advance to cool the interior of your Ferrari rental car.
- Rescue numbers: police — 999, ambulance — 998, fire — 997. In the event of an accident, call the police to draw up a report. Also, don’t forget to call your dedicated rental manager, who is always ready to help.
Dubai and its surroundings are a great place to do a road trip. Rent car, choose your route, and set off for new experiences!
Related: UAE Bucket List: The Top Things to Do
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