Why choose a fifteen-day roadtrip in Dubai and Abu Dhabi ?
A Dubai roadtrip offers incomparable freedom to explore the United Arab Emirates according to your desires. Unlike classic tours, this formula lets you discover both futuristic metropolises and authentic desert landscapes, adjusting your pace at each leg of your journey.
Fifteen days is the ideal duration for a complete roadtrip in the region. This period allows you ample time to enjoy each destination without hurry: stroll through the traditional souks of Al Ain, admire the sunset over the sand dunes, or be amazed by the architecture of the Burj Khalifa. Our Travel Planners design your itinerary taking into account your interests, whether you're passionate about modern architecture, a fan of local culture, or in search of adventures in the desert.
The United Arab Emirates are perfectly suited for a roadtrip thanks to their exceptional road infrastructure. Modern highways easily connect Dubai to Abu Dhabi in 1h30, while scenic routes lead you to hidden oases like Al Ain or preserved beach resorts. This accessibility, combined with the diversity of landscapes within short distances, makes your roadtrip a series of surprising discoveries.
Two weeks in Dubai and the neighboring emirates also allow you to alternate between relaxation moments and dynamic activities. You can spend a morning exploring the Louvre Abu Dhabi, lunch by the seaside in Ras Al Khaimah, then end your day with a nighttime stroll in Dubai Mall. This flexibility is the essence of the custom trip that we design with you.
Essential itineraries for your Dubai roadtrip
Your Dubai roadtrip can follow several emblematic routes, each revealing a different face of the United Arab Emirates. Our Travel Planners select the most suitable itineraries based on your expectations and the season of your trip.
The urban route: from Dubai to Abu Dhabi by the coast
The coastal road between Dubai and Abu Dhabi is one of the most spectacular journeys of your roadtrip. This modern highway follows the Persian Gulf over 150 kilometers, offering breathtaking views of the turquoise waters and sparkling skyscrapers. Several stops punctuate this route: the beaches of Jumeirah for a refreshing break, the Madinat Jumeirah complex with its Venetian canals, or the luxurious gardens of the Emirates Palace.
This route naturally leads you towards Abu Dhabi, where the grand Sheikh Zayed Mosque awaits you with its pristine white domes and slender minarets. The architecture of this religious monument, visible for miles around, majestically marks the entrance to the capital of the United Arab Emirates.
The desert adventure: towards Al Ain and the Hajar mountains
For authenticity lovers, the route towards Al Ain reveals the ancestral heritage of the United Arab Emirates. This 160-kilometer route gradually transitions from urban landscapes to green oases and spectacular rock formations of the Hajar Mountains. Al Ain, nicknamed the "garden city," hosts archaeological sites dating back 4,000 years and palm groves that are part of the UNESCO world heritage.
The journey continues towards Jebel Hafeet, where an 11-kilometer winding road climbs to the summit at 1,249 meters altitude. From up there, your gaze stretches over a 360-degree panorama embracing the desert, the oases, and the mountains. This highest point of the United Arab Emirates offers unforgettable sunsets, particularly cherished by photographers and lovers of vast landscapes.
The circuit of the northern emirates: Sharjah, Ajman, and Ras Al Khaimah
Less frequented but equally fascinating, the route towards the northern emirates unveils a more traditional side of the country. Sharjah, the cultural capital of the United Arab Emirates, houses numerous museums and art galleries. Ajman charms with its tranquil beaches and maritime heritage, while Ras Al Khaimah combines spectacular mountains and refined beach resorts.
This loop of 300 kilometers can be covered in two to three days, with stops in charming accommodations selected by our Travel Planners. Each emirate has its own personality, creating a cultural mosaic that enriches your roadtrip.
Organizing your Dubai roadtrip: practical tips and car rental
The success of your Dubai roadtrip relies on careful planning, which our Travel Planners orchestrate according to your specific needs. Several practical aspects deserve particular attention to ensure the smoothness of your journey.
Choosing the right vehicle for your roadtrip
Car rental in the United Arab Emirates offers a wide array of options suited to all travel styles. For an urban roadtrip focused on Dubai and Abu Dhabi, a comfortable sedan is more than enough. These air-conditioned, well-equipped vehicles allow you to travel the modern highways in excellent conditions.
If your itinerary includes excursions into the desert or towards the mountains, our Travel Planners rather recommend an SUV. These raised vehicles provide better visibility over the landscapes and safer driving on mountain roads. Some 4x4 models even allow exploring sandy tracks, providing access to remote sites like authentic Bedouin camps.
The following table summarizes the main rental options according to your type of roadtrip:
| Type of vehicle |
Urban roadtrip |
Adventure roadtrip |
Average consumption |
| Economy sedan |
Excellent |
Limited |
6-8L\/100km |
| Standard SUV |
Very good |
Good |
8-10L\/100km |
| Off-road 4x4 |
Good |
Excellent |
10-12L\/100km |
Planning your stops and accommodations
Your personalized travel guide, crafted by our Travel Planners, details each stage of your roadtrip with suggestions for accommodations tailored to your preferences. Dubai offers options for all budgets: luxury hotels with views of the Burj Khalifa, boutique-hotels in historic districts, or seaside resorts for relaxing moments.
Early booking is particularly important during the peak season (November to March), when mild temperatures attract many visitors. Our Travel Planners often negotiate preferential rates and ensure that your accommodations perfectly match the atmosphere sought for each stage.
Practical aspects and formalities
Driving in the United Arab Emirates requires an international driving license, easily obtained before your departure. The roads are excellent and signage clear, making navigation easy even for first-time visitors. Gas stations are plentiful and modern, accepting international credit cards.
Fuel remains affordable compared to European standards, with an average price of 2.50 AED per litre (about €0.60). This substantial saving on transportation costs allows more budget to be allocated to cultural experiences and discoveries.
Two weeks in Dubai: what to see and do during your roadtrip?
Fifteen days in the United Arab Emirates provide precious time to thoroughly explore this multifaceted destination. Your roadtrip can thus alternate between urban discoveries, natural escapades, and moments of relaxation, creating a balanced and memorable journey.
Must-sees in Dubai and Abu Dhabi
Your roadtrip naturally begins in Dubai, a futuristic metropolis where tradition and modernity coexist harmoniously. The Burj Khalifa, the tallest tower in the world at 828 meters, is a must-visit. The climb to the observation decks on the 124th and 148th floors reveals a breathtaking panorama of the city and surrounding desert.
Dubai Mall, one of the largest shopping centers in the world, deserves half a day's visit. Beyond shopping, this complex houses a giant aquarium, an Olympic-sized ice rink, and spectacular dancing fountains. These offer a free show every 30 minutes, particularly magical at sunset when the water displays are bathed in thousands of colors.
Abu Dhabi, accessible in 1h30 by road, unveils exceptional cultural heritage. The grand Sheikh Zayed Mosque impresses with its colossal dimensions and refined architectural details. Its 82 domes, 107-meter minarets, and a courtyard that can accommodate 40,000 faithful make it one of the world's most beautiful mosques. The Louvre Abu Dhabi, with its pierced dome creating a "rain of light," presents international art collections in a revolutionary architectural setting.
Natural getaways and desert adventures
Your roadtrip would not be complete without immersing in the iconic desert landscapes of the United Arab Emirates. The red sand dunes of the Dubai desert stretch as far as the eye can see, creating an exceptional playground for various activities. A 4x4 dune safari provides unforgettable thrills, while camel rides offer a more contemplative approach to these golden expanses.
Al Ain, nicknamed the desert oasis, is located 160 kilometers from Dubai. This garden city hosts ancient palm groves irrigated by a traditional underground canal system (falaj). The Hili archaeological site reveals circular tombs dating back 4,000 years, showcasing the historical richness of the region. The climb to Jebel Hafeet, the highest point in the United Arab Emirates, rewards visitors with spectacular panoramas of the desert and surrounding mountains.
Relaxation and seaside pleasures
The coasts of the United Arab Emirates offer beautiful opportunities for seaside relaxation. The beaches of Jumeirah, with their fine sand and crystal-clear waters, invite swimming and water sports. Numerous beach clubs offer day packages including sun loungers, umbrellas, and dining, creating wellness bubbles facing the Persian Gulf.
Ras Al Khaimah, the northernmost emirate, combines pristine beaches and spectacular mountains. Its seaside resorts feature world-class spas and golf courses facing the ocean. This more confidential destination concludes your roadtrip in a soothing atmosphere, away from the hustle and bustle of large metropolises.
Our Travel Planners customize every aspect of your stay, from restaurant reservations to optional activities, ensuring that your two weeks in Dubai perfectly match your expectations and travel pace.