The 7 Best Driving Roads in Dubai & the UAE
Published 1 February 2026
Jebel Jais Mountain Road, Ras Al Khaimah
The crown jewel of UAE driving roads. Jebel Jais is the highest peak in the UAE at 1,934 metres, and the road to the summit is a masterpiece of modern engineering — 30 kilometres of smooth, perfectly banked switchbacks carved into the Hajar Mountains.
The route climbs from sea level through dramatic limestone gorges with hairpin turns that beg for a responsive steering wheel. Pull over at the designated viewpoints to take in vistas stretching to the Arabian Gulf. The road is well-maintained with clear signage and guardrails throughout. Best driven early morning when the air is cool and the light catches the rock faces. About 90 minutes from Dubai.
Sheikh Zayed Road (E11)
The backbone of Dubai and arguably the most famous road in the Middle East. This 12-lane highway cuts through the heart of the city, flanked by the world’s most dramatic skyline — Burj Khalifa, Emirates Towers, and the Museum of the Future all tower above you as you cruise.
At night, the road transforms into a river of light with the illuminated skyscrapers creating an unforgettable backdrop. The speed limit is 120 km/h and the road surface is immaculate. For the full experience, drive the stretch between Dubai Marina and Downtown Dubai after 10 PM when traffic thins out. Just watch for the Salik toll gates.
Al Qudra Road (D63)
A 75-kilometre stretch of arrow-straight desert highway that runs from Dubai’s southern suburbs deep into the golden dunes. Al Qudra is the road where Dubai’s supercar owners come to stretch their legs — the surface is glass-smooth, traffic is minimal, and the desert landscape is hypnotic.
The road passes Al Qudra Lakes, an unexpected oasis in the desert where you can spot flamingos and other wildlife. Further along, you will reach the Love Lakes — two interconnected heart-shaped lakes visible from the air. The speed limit is 100–120 km/h. Best enjoyed during golden hour when the dunes glow amber on either side.
Hatta Mountain Road (E44)
The drive to Hatta takes you from the flat coastal plains of Dubai into the rugged Hajar Mountains over about 130 kilometres. The road winds through rocky wadis, past honey-coloured villages, and alongside the stunning turquoise waters of the Hatta Dam.
The final approach into Hatta features a beautiful series of curves through mountain valleys with almost zero traffic. Hatta itself is a charming heritage village with kayaking on the dam, mountain biking trails, and the Hatta Wadi Hub for adventure activities. Allow a full day and combine the drive with a stop at the Hatta Heritage Village. The road is well-paved throughout.
Jebel Hafeet, Al Ain
Often called one of the greatest driving roads in the world. The 12-kilometre ascent of Jebel Hafeet rises 1,240 metres above the desert floor through 60 corners of beautifully engineered tarmac. The road was built to European mountain pass standards with wide lanes, perfect camber, and smooth transitions.
From the summit, the 360-degree panorama over the empty desert and the oasis city of Al Ain below is breathtaking. The road is a favourite of the UAE’s supercar community and you will often see Ferraris, Lamborghinis, and Porsches making the climb. About 90 minutes from Dubai. The best time is late afternoon — drive up for sunset, then descend as the city lights flicker on below.
Kalba Coastal Road (E99)
The drive from Fujairah to Kalba along the E99 hugs the Gulf of Oman coastline for roughly 40 kilometres of pure coastal bliss. Rocky cliffs drop into turquoise water on one side while the Hajar Mountains rise on the other.
This is the UAE’s answer to a Mediterranean corniche — sweeping ocean-view curves, fishing villages, and empty beaches where you can pull over and have the sand to yourself. The road is two lanes in places, so overtaking opportunities are limited, but the pace suits the scenery. Combine it with a visit to Kalba’s mangrove reserve or the Shark Island snorkelling spot. About two hours from Dubai.
Dubai to Liwa Oasis via the E45
The ultimate desert road trip. The E45 runs south from Abu Dhabi into the Rub al Khali — the Empty Quarter — ending at the Liwa Oasis, a crescent of date palm villages on the edge of the largest sand desert on Earth.
The drive covers about 300 kilometres from Dubai and the landscape shifts dramatically as you go — from urban sprawl to flat gravel plains to towering orange sand dunes that can reach 300 metres high. The road itself is beautifully maintained, a thin ribbon of tarmac cutting through an ocean of sand. Stop at Moreeb Dune, one of the tallest sand dunes in the world, for photos. Allow a full day or stay overnight at the Qasr Al Sarab resort for the full Lawrence of Arabia experience.
Ready to hit the road?
Browse our curated fleet of luxury and sports cars available for rent in Dubai.
View our fleet