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Road Trips From Dubai That Are Less Than 3 Hours Away

Fancy being a tourist in your home town? Do something different this weekend, and get your friends together for a road trip! There are soooo many cool UAE destinations to visit, and it’s time to tick them off your bucket list. Here are 5 road trips from Dubai that are worth checking out…

1. Jebel Hafeet Hot Water Springs

Road trips from Dubai - Jebel Hafeet Hot Water Springs
Via Flickr | @AnoopC

Do you know that the UAE is home to hot water springs? You can find it at the Jebel Hafeet mountain in Al Ain – a road trip that’s definitely worth the drive. While you’re there, you can even head to the famous Wadi Adventure water park for white water rafting, ziplining and more!

How long it takes to drive there: Around 2 hours 20 minutes
Where it is: Green Mubazzarah Hot Springs, Jebel Hafeet, in Al Ain, Abu Dhabi

2. Hatta Dam

Road trips from Dubai - Hatta Dam

Well technically this is in Dubai… but you’ll have to go through Sharjah to get there so it definitely counts as a road trip! Just by the border of Oman, Hatta Dam is honestly one of Dubai’s most beautiful landmarks. The entire place is surrounded by mountains, and the best way to explore the area is by renting kayaks or pedal boats.

How long it takes to drive there: Around 2 hours
Where it is: Hatta Dam, in Hatta, Dubai

3. Jebel Jais

Road trips from Dubai - Jebel Jais RAK
Via Instagram | @traffic_jaamm

Ever visited the UAE’s tallest mountain? Peaking at 1,934 metres above sea level, this is definitely a road trip to add to your list! If you’re up for an adrenaline-pumping experience, sign up for the Jebel Jais Via Ferrata, the UAE’s highest zip-line that zips you through the mountains!

How long it takes to drive there: Around 2 hours 30 minutes
Where it is: Jebel Jais mountain, in Ras Al Khaimah

4. Al Qasba Canal

Road trips from Dubai - Al Qasba Sharjah
Via Instagram | @amitabh.photography

We know, Sharjah doesn’t sound like your typical road trip destination – but the city does have quite a few cool things to check out! One of them is Al Qasba, and it’s perfect if you’re road tripping with the family. There’s a huge ferris wheel, a canal that you can boat across, musical fountains and lots more! The best time to take a trip there would be early Feb, when the entire place is lit up for Sharjah’s annual light show.

How long it takes to drive there: Around 1 hour
Where it is: Al Qasba, near Al Majaz, Sharjah

5. The Louvre Abu Dhabi

Road trips from Dubai - Louvre Abu Dhabi
Via Louvre Abu Dhabi

Perched on Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi’s art and culture district, the recently-opened Louvre Abu Dhabi is a sight to behold. The structure is surrounded by water and is a symbolic reflection of the nations’s achievements. Don’t forget to visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque on your way there!

How long it takes to drive there: Around 1 hour 45 minutes
Where it is: Louvre Abu Dhabi, on Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi

If you want to explore Dubai instead, here are 7 non-touristy places to check out, or if you’re up for something a little more adventurous, our Adventure section is filled with awesome Dubai experiences.