Destination
Musandam (Dibba)
Journey time from Abu Dhabi: Four to five hours
Why: If you’re the adventurous and sporty type, or if you just love the great outdoors, then this is the trip for you. First of all, to get there (if you opt for the longer, more scenic route) you get to travel along classic mountain roads that give you soul-soothing views of rugged peaks and picturesque stretches of desert land. Once you arrive at your destination however, you’ll find yourself plunged into a watersports-lover’s paradise. The region offers fantastic diving, boat trips, kayaking and many more activities, all of which will give you the chance to inhale the fresh air and soak up the scenery. You’ll return to work on Sunday morning refreshed and feeling like you’ve managed to squeeze a fortnight’s worth of activities into just a few days.
Best for: City-weary folk who need to recharge their batteries
Directions: Take the Abu Dhabi-Dubai road, then turn on to Emirates Road (311). Follow this until you reach the Dubai bypass road (611) then take Al Dhaid road (88) and stay on it until you reach Masafi. Turn left on to road 89 and follow it all the way to Dibba. The Omani-based Sheesa Beach Travel and Tourism is a friendly, well-run company that arranges Dhow cruises, diving and camping for reasonable prices. Contact them on (+968) 2 683 6551 or visit www.sheesabeach.com
TIP Don’t forget your passport, because you need it to cross the UAE-Oman border. And if you need a visa, make sure to arrange it in advance.
Destination
Al Ain
Journey time from Abu Dhabi: An hour and a half to two hours
Why: For the drive to the top of Jebel Hafeet. At 1,240m above sea level, it might only be the third tallest mountain in the UAE, but, because it stands by itself, it’s probably the most impressive. In fact, the winding road to the summit is arguably one of the best road trips in the world. The route through Jebel Hafeet offers sweeping views across both the Oman and UAE borders – a word of warning: the car park at the top gets very crowded at the weekend. Make sure you also pop into Green Mubazarrah, a lush area at the base of the mountain that boasts hot springs, earning Al Ain its nickname ‘the Garden City’. These begin beneath the mountain and, over thousands of years, have developed into pools in which you can bathe. The nearby Ain Al Faydah picnic resort has a boating lake, gardens and chalets. Also, pay a visit to the nearby Al Ain Wildlife Park and Resort (www.awpr.ae), which is undoubtedly the best zoo in the country and is home to rhinos, giraffes, a pair of white tigers and many more animals besides. Meanwhile, those with a penchant for history would do well to visit Al Jahili Fort in the centre of the city.
Best for: Those who are fans of great views and exotic animals
Directions: From Abu Dhabi, take the Al Ain Road (Route 22). Head in the direction of Al Ain’s town centre, towards Sanaiya, Sanaiya West and Meziad, then follow the signs to Jebel Hafeet. The road continues up the mountain for 12km. At the top you’ll find the Mercure Hotel (+9713 783 8888, www.mercure.com). For the zoo, once in Al Ain City, follow the signs to Al Ain Wildlife Park & Resort, aka AWPR (www.awpr.ae).
TIP Get there before 5pm, or it will be dark before you reach the top.
Destination
Khasab, Oman
Journey time from Abu Dhabi: About five hours
Why: A vastly different country, culture and landscape lies just a few hours’ drive from Abu Dhabi. The region will give you a true taste of old-style Arabia, with quiet villages, secluded beaches and dusty, mountainous landscapes. Make sure you visit Bukha Fort for some fantastic mountain views, while Khasab is known as ‘The Norway of Arabia’ because of its spectacular fjords. While there’s little chance you’d want to take a dip in a Scandinavian lake sans wetsuit, the crystal clear seas at Khasab are crying for you to dive in. Grab your scuba kit or snorkel and hit the water – you might even spot the dolphins and whale sharks that live here.
Best for: Nature lovers
Getting there: Head to Dubai and take the Sheikh Zayed Road north through the city all the way to Ras Al Khaimah. From there, take the Al Rams Road and follow signs to the cement factory. Once you’ve made it into Oman, there’s an amazing beach that’s just perfect to pitch your tent and take a dip in. From here, the scenery is spectacular – think S-bends, sheer drops, towering cliffs and great views of the Arabian Gulf to your left.
TIP Be prepared to wait at the border crossing into Oman, and remember your passport and visa. How long it’ll take depends very much on how many people are crossing the border at the time – expect 15 minutes on a good day; 45 minutes if they’re taking their time.
Destination
Big Red
Journey time from Abu Dhabi: About two and a half hours
Why: Should you require a real shot of adrenaline, take a thrilling safari into the desert. Dune-bashing through the distinctive scenery will give you chills as the car leaps over ridges and hangs at 45-degree angles, and you’ll feel like you’re going to roll right down the sheer faces. The dunes are one of the Middle East’s premier tourist attractions, so don’t expect to be all alone in the peaceful desert – you’ll undoubtedly be surrounded by hurtling Jeeps revving across the landscape. This is also a chance to watch the sunset and, if you’re lucky, you might even spot a desert fox, snake or scorpion.
Best for: Adrenaline junkies
Directions: Head along to Dubai and then take the Dubai-Hatta Road (E44) or the Oman Road (E66) as the landscape changes shape and colour from yellow to red. Along the Hatta Road you’ll see 4×4 drivers pulling into the nearby row of shops to deflate their tyres before hitting the dunes. There are a few dirt track entry points but they are hard to spot, so keep your eyes peeled.
TIP Dune-bashing is incredibly hazardous and is for experienced desert drivers. Most rental companies won’t allow you to take their motors out to the desert, so, if you don’t own a 4×4, book a professional tour.
Destination
Moreeb Dune
Journey time from Abu Dhabi: Two and a half hours
Why: Big Red might attract more tourists, but the 300m-high Moreeb Dune in the middle of the Empty Quarter not only sounds like it’s from a Frank Herbert novel, it’s far more impressive. Huge piles of sand may not immediately seem like reason enough to drive hours across the UAE, but these gargantuan shifting mounds are awe-inspiring. While the peaceful sands are the draw, there are other points to visit before you head off-road. Liwa’s 180km crescent of oases is dotted with freshwater pools and date plantations, and was the traditional home of the Bani Yas tribe; the Bedouin ancestors of Abu Dhabi’s ruling family. Visit the villages along the crescent, and the fort and oases as you get near to Moreeb Dune.
Directions: Head towards Musaffah Industrial Estate, then follow the E11 signs to Tarif. Keep on this road for about an hour, until you get to an Adnoc gas station. Soon after, turn left towards Madinat Zayed, then keep driving through the town until you reach another town called Mezaaira. Here, you’ll need to keep an eye out for the signposts, one of which will point you down a winding road that zig zags its way through the desert to the dune. Should you have a GPS, its location is 22°58’34.94”N, 53°47’14.70”E, and it isn’t more than 30 seconds from a road.
TIP Don’t forget to stock up on everything you need for the drive, you could be out there for while; take water, snacks and maybe even a first aid kit.
Destination
Sur, Oman
Journey time from Abu Dhabi: Eight hours, worth spending a weekend
Why: For the excellent scenery – think dramatic rocky mountains and famed dhow yards, as well as the lush wadis just south of Sur, which are well worth a 4×4 frolic. There’s also a great motorway drive
between Muscat and Sur, which winds around the mountains and makes for a smooth ride. Head a further 61km south and you’ll reach the Turtle Beach Resort on the Ras-al-Jinz. If you’re lucky, you might see one of the 30,000 turtles that hatch here annually; if not, you still get to stay on a gorgeous beach and enjoy some watersports. Between Sur and Muscat you can also stop over at the fishing village of Quriyat.
Best for: Those in need of a seriously sleepy and relaxing weekend
Directions: Head to Dubai, then out on E44 (that’s the Dragon Mart/Al Waqqa road) and keep following the signs to Hatta. From the Hatta border, follow signs to Muscat, heading up to the coast. In Muscat, go to the ‘Wadi Adai’ roundabout then follow the signs towards Quriyat. Continue following the signs for 100km-150km and you’ll see a Shell petrol pump on your right-hand side immediately after crossing a winding road across a mountain range. A few metres after the petrol pump, you’ll find a roundabout with a big blue Sur sign that points to the right. Turn right, then right at the next roundabout and left at the one after that, and you’ll find yourself on the new motorway. Go straight for 100km or so. Sur is at the end of this road.
TIP Make sure your car is properly insured for use in Oman. The rules have changed so that only certain hire companies can offer Omani insurance – Avis (www.avis.com) and Budget (www.budget uae.com) both offer the correct coverage.
Destination
Khor Fakkan
Journey time from Abu Dhabi: About four hours
Why: This is one of the most picturesque locations in the UAE, resting between the mountains and the untouched coastline. Make sure you go diving or snorkelling around Shark Island. Don’t be put off, the blacktip reef sharks are very timid and rarely attack.
Best for: Underwater adventurers
Directions: Head north towards Dubai and keep going on the Sheikh Zayed Road until you reach Sharjah. Keep an eye out for signs towards Dhaid on the E88. Keep going straight, passing the Masafi factory and the Friday Market. Once you reach Masafi, turn right towards Fujairah, but when you arrive at the coast, take a left. Keep heading straight for about 20 minutes, whereupon you’ll find yourself in the centre of Khor Fakkan.
TIP When you reach Masafi, stop for a few snacks at one of the many roadside cafés. Some of the spots serve amazing shawarmas.
But wait, there’s more…
Sharjah’s Corniche: See the Blue Souk, wander the galleries and museums of the Qanat Al Qasba quarter and ride the Eye of the Emirates – the 60m-high big wheel.
Wadi Wurayah: The UAE’s first protected mountain area, Wadi Wurayah is home to the country’s rare Arabian leopard, as well as bats and desert foxes. It’s the richest natural environment in the UAE – every reason to respect your surrounds and not leave any litter. For information, call the Emirates Wildlife Society on 02 634 7117.
Wadi Sharm and Khadra Pools: Sharm is one of the biggest wadis in the region, typically full of water from the Hajar
Mountains – creating the Khadra pools. There are also villages and oases in the area. www.offroaduae.com
Fossil Rock: This offers one of the steepest drives in the UAE, and is a great spot for desert driving (though always with two cars). www.offroad-zone.com
Ras Al Khaimah: The peaceful Arabian city might not be the liveliest place in the UAE, but it does have some decadent hotels. The Cove Rotana Resort (+971 7 206 6000) and Banyan Tree Al Wadi Resort (+971 7 206 7777) are probably the most luxurious of the lot.
Firsthand experience of dune driving
Our Action & Adventure Editor, Scott Snowden, took a course in off-road driving with the Offroad Zone. This is someone, who until recently, thought ‘Old Man Emu’ was an eccentric Australian mechanic in a garage somewhere in Mussaffah. It is in fact a brand of shock absorbers…
“Our guide explained the difference between dunes that are ‘coming’ and ‘going’ – just like a wave approaching or receding – and how each one should be attempted. Dunes that are ‘coming’ are more or less surfed. The idea is that you basically race as high and as fast as you can in an arc up the curve of the dune. As soon as you feel you’re losing power on the climb you have to really quickly turn back down into the descent. The thing is, if you don’t do it quick enough, you will roll.
There were a few instances where insufficient power or a slightly misjudged angle meant my Jeep began to slide sideways back down the descent of a dune. The first time this happened I could actually feel it beginning to tip over. Thankfully, terror gave way to remembering what I’d learnt that day and by hurriedly turning back into the descent, disaster was averted. Just about. I’ve now been three or four times, but always in groups; that’s very important. Plus you will always learn from others drivers, even if it’s what not to do.”
The Offroad Zone, www.offroad-zone.com, +971 4 339 2449
Top Time Out road trip tracks
One vital element of a successful road trip is a well-thought out playlist. The value cannot be overstated; it can make or break friendships and spark heated discussion, yet it adds a vital atmosphere as the sun sets and the scenery hurtles past. The staff at Time Out Abu Dhabi have each offered their top choice of road trip tracks, head over to www.timeoutabudhabi.com and contribute your own list.
1. Beach Boys – I Get Around
2. Jet – Do You Wanna Be My Girl
3. The Rolling Stones – Miss You
4. The Killers – When You Were Young
5. Pink Floyd – Coming Back To Life
Ten top tips for the trip
The first thing you should pack is your emergency kit, which should include a fully stocked first-aid pack, a flashlight and an extra gallon of water. Besides that, here are a few tips for the road.
1. Get the oil changed and checkyour fluids and tyres before you leave.
2. Go with someone you love. Or like. A lot.
3. Take turns driving.
4. Bring your own music.
5. Bring sunglasses and sunscreen.
6. Bring garbage bags. Also takepaper towels and sanitiser; carsickness and spills can ruin a road trip very quickly.
7. Get gas before you’re on E.
8. Use the bathroom every time you stop.
9. Bring a real paper map, the kind that doesn’t talk to you.
10. Pack games for the kids. ‘Are we there yet?’ is only funny the first 600 times.
