UAE's Most Breathtaking Coastal Drives: Where Mountains Meet The Sea

Explore the UAE's stunning landscapes with scenic drives from Dubai to Fujairah, Abu Dhabi to Al Ain, and more, which should be included in your UAE road trip itinerary. The United Arab Emirates is known for its modern cities and luxurious lifestyle, but beyond the glitz, the country flaunts some stunning landscapes that are best explored on a scenic drive. Whether you're a nature enthusiast or enjoy a good road trip, these routes offer a great and unique experience. Here is a guide to some of the most beautiful stations with travel tips and recommendations for coastal road trips in the UAE. When you discover the top scenic station in the UAE, you can experience the thrill and excitement. The UAE is a global tourist destination. The region is brimming with numerous tourist spots. A road trip is one of the best ways to enjoy the diverse scenery of the country. Public transport can be used to travel around the city. Alternatively, one can rent a vehicle. The new highways are marked roads, and a friendly GPS makes it easy to navigate, even if you're new to the area, when travelling on the East Coast of the UAE.

This blog highlights the top destinations to visit in the UAE when renting a car.

1. Dubai to Fujairah" The E11 Route

The best coastal drive in the UAE, from Dubai to Fujairah along the E11 highway, is one of the most scenic routes in the country. This journey takes you from the cities of Dubai to the fabulous beaches and mountains of Fujairah.

Highlights

• Desert Landscape - When you leave Dubai, you will pass through a fantastic desert area, contrasting with the city's skyscrapers, and also explore Fujairah's tourist attractions.
• Hatta Mountains-Before you reach Fujairah, you will cycle on the back of the sturdy Hatta mountain. The dramatic rock formation and rolling hills form a perfect backdrop.
• Fujairah coast- Whenever you reach Fujairah, enjoy the Indian Ocean scenes with your beautiful beaches and clean water.

Travel Tips

• The best time to travel- Is in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat.
• Duration- 5 hours to 2 hours while you are on one of the best coastal drives in the UAE.
• Shopping point - Consider staying at Hatta Dam for its stunning views and the chance to visit the Hatta Heritage Village.

2. Abu Dhabi to Al Ain: The E22 Route

The drive from Abu Dhabi to Al Ain offers a mix of desert scenery and stunning views. This route takes you to the heart of the UAE's cultural and historical landscape during a coastal road trip along the UAE's coastline.

Highlights

The desert's vast expanse defines many of the UAE's landscapes.

• If you contact Al Ain, you will see a juicy green oasis opposite the desert.
• Jebel Hafeet-The drive up Jebel Hafeet offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding desert and the city below.

Travel Tips

• Best Time to Visit- Early morning or late afternoon for cooler temperatures and better lighting when going for a UAE mountain and beach drive.
• Duration-Around 1.5 hours
• Shopping Points - Be sure to visit the Al Ain Zoo and the Al Ain National Museum.

3. Sharjah to Khor Fakkan: The E84 Route

The drive from Sharjah to Khor Fakan takes you through some of the most beautiful coastal and mountain landscapes in the UAE. This weekend getaway from Dubai route is renowned for its stunning sea views and dramatic cliffside roads.

Highlights

The coastal scenes in Arabia along the coast are fantastic views.

Several nearby mountains, featuring dramatic rock formations and winding roadways, surround the mountain passes.

• KHOR Fakkan Beach- Simply end your journey on Khor Fakkan Beach. Known for his clear water and beautiful surroundings, these East Coast UAE snorkelling locations are a must-visit.

Travel Tips

• Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon for sunset views over the Gulf.
• Duration: Approximately 1.5 hours.
• Stopping Points- Explore the beaches of Khor Fakkan and the nearby waterfalls.

4. Ras Al Khaimah to Al Marjan Island

This scenic drive would take you from RAK to the artificial Al Marjan Island. Showcasing the natural beauty of the northern UAE coastal road trips.

Highlights

• Coastal Views- The drive offers continuous views of the turquoise waters of the Arabian Gulf.
• Al Marjan Island-This island features luxury resorts and a beautiful waterfront promenade.
• RAK's Mountains- You can enjoy views of the Hajar Mountains in the backdrop when you are on the RAK coast drive.

Travel Tips

• The Right Time to Visit: Morning or late afternoon for cooler temperatures.
• Duration- Around 45 minutes.
• Stopping Points- Consider visiting the RAK Fort and the nearby Al Hamra Village.

Travel Guidelines for Scenic Drives in the United Arab Emirates

• Vehicle Check- Make sure your vehicle is in good condition before embarking on the best coastal long drive in the UAE.
• Essentials- Always carry plenty of water, snacks, and a first aid kit.
• Navigation- Use a GPS or map app for accurate directions.
• Weather- Check the weather forecast and plan your trip accordingly.

Best Road Trips & Scenic Drives In the UAE

Looking for the best UAE coastal road trips across the UAE and enjoying the significant scenic locations around? Accompany your loved ones to the UAE and enjoy a grand journey to the destination. The UAE is dotted with pristine locations that are ideal for a road trip. Some of the best natural wonders, set against scenic surroundings, can be admired across the beautiful landscape when travelling on the scenic route from Fujairah to RAK. The following blog highlights the vibrant destinations in the UAE that you can visit and enjoy on a grand road trip.

Top UAE Destinations for an Exciting Road Trip Adventure

You can explore a variety of grand locations on a Fujairah road trip in the UAE. Some of the most important ones are listed below for the reader's convenience.

1. Liwa Oasis

The Liwa Oasis is a beautiful location to explore on a road trip to the UAE. You can enter the Liwa oasis junction from two different directions. The best one to follow is along the E11 highway, crossing the Sheikh Zayed Road to Abu Dhabi, and is a must-include in your UAE coastal road trips. Check for the Madinat Zayed signboards and enter the Liwa Oasis roadway. You can even admire the vivacious camel farms, beautiful oasis villages, and serene surroundings. The Emirates National Automobile Museum can also be spotted on a scenic drive across the Liwa Oasis.

2. Dibba

Another interesting road trip destination is the border area between Oman and the city of Dibba Al-Fujairah, featuring hidden coves. Enjoy the beautiful dams, grand mountain ranges, and natural hiking trails around the destination. Chirish the view of the adjacent Hajar Mountains and the vivid waterbodies around the destination. Snoopy Island is a place worth visiting in Dibba that resembles the cartoon character from the comic books. Visitors should include this in their Fujairah tourist attractions, which resemble the cartoon character from the comic books. Visitors can spend time fishing, partying, and enjoying adventure water sports across the gorgeous Dibba location.

3. Jebel Al Jais

The Jebel Al Jais is a beautiful spot in the UAE to cherish a road trip ot the destination. Jebel Jais is renowned for being the tallest mountain peak in the UAE and is an ideal destination for a relaxing coastal road trip. Make your way through the road curves and winding pathways as you move 1900 meters above using 4x4 vehicles. You can admire the scenic views around the palace, which include mountain tops, raw natural sights, and uncharted landscapes across the destination. Additionally, you can try the Jebel Jaiz zipline tour that offers an adventurous experience. It is always best to fill your tank, as there are no available gas pumps between RAK and Jebel Jais. Explore some of the famous hidden beaches in the UAE.

4. Musandam Khasab

One of the most captivating road trips that can be enjoyed around the Musandam location in the UAE. Travel across the Sheikh Zayed Road and drive along the serene and sandy trails of RAK. You can enjoy the vivid views of the vibrant coastline here, along with the gorgeous bays, caves, cliffs, and fjords. The easiest way to reach the glamorous destination is along the E11 or E311 highway, which takes you through Sharjah and Umm Al Quwain, the best snorkelling spots in the UAE.

5. Jebel Hafeet

The Jebel Hafeet location is renowned for its dramatic curves and winding pathways. The drive to Jebel Hafeet will test your driving skills as you ascend the 1,240 meters uphill. Some of the best scenic sights, set against a serene ambience, can be enjoyed on a road trip to Jebel Hafreet. If you are looking for a palace to visit near Jebel Hafeet, then the Mubazzarah is the ideal stop for a weekend getaway from Dubai, UAE. The distance between Jebel Hafeet and the Dubai cityscape is around 170 kilometers.

6. Hatta Mountains

Take a beautiful road trip to the Hatta mountains and enjoy the Grand Panorama in the desert. The inclusion of various topographies, such as mountain regions and Sand Tibba, makes it the perfect place for a car ride, UAE coastal road trips. You can also find beautiful Bedouin villages along with historical forts and natural pools across the Hatta Mountains in the UAE. You can also stop by the vivid hiking trails available around the Hatta Mountains for a glamorous view of the surrounding area.

7. Sir Bani Yas Island

Situated approximately 370 km from Dubai, Sir Bani Yas Island is the perfect destination to immerse oneself in beach activities and enjoy the vibrant, panoramic view of the surroundings, a must-include in your UAE road trip itinerary. Take a road trip to the location and take in the stunning view of the surroundings. And cherish the views of thousands of free-roaming animals and avian species at the destination. The Resort and Spa by Anantara is another excellent spot to spend the evenings across Sir Bani Yas Island in the UAE.

8. Love Lake

You can also opt to enjoy a UAE coastal road trip to the Love Lake location and immerse yourself in the stunning views of the beautiful landscape. Explore the heart-shaped waterway and the peaceful oasis surrounding the destination. The scenic views of the small wildlife, along with the avian varieties, are a sight to behold at the destination. You can also enjoy touring the desert red dunes while admiring the Bedouin lifestyle across the desert villages here in Dubai in your East Coast UAE travel. 

9. Fujairah Mountain Road

The Sheikh Khalifa Highway, commonly known as the Fujairah Mountain Road, is a driver's dream. This route connects Dubai to Fujairah, taking you through the heart of the Hajar Mountains. Make it easy with the smooth, spontaneous bend on this Fujairah road trip. As you drive, you will pass through attractive small villages and towns that give a glimpse of rural life in the UAE. And don't remember the fantastic mountain scenes, which are characterised by their impressive peaks and valleys. Whether you are after a peaceful ride or a dash of adventure, the Fujairah Mountain Road has you covered from Fujairah to RAK scenic route.

If you're looking for a more laid-back drive, Al Taween in RAK is a fantastic option. This route features a mix of straightaways and gentle turns, making for a smooth and relaxing ride. Admire the stunning sights of the Hajar Mountains and desert with plenty of stops ot take it all in. This Fujairah to RAK scenic route road is just the thing ot get away from the city's fast pace, giving you a smooth ride and the opportunity to appreciate the UAE's gorgeous natural sights.

10. Dubai Al Ain Road

Another one of the best UAE coastal road trips is the Dubai-Al Ain Road, which offers some of the most scenic views in the country. This road is smooth and well-maintained, with sweeping curves that make it a joy to drive. This improvement reduced peak-time travel between Ras Al Khor and Emirates Road from 16 minutes to just eight, easing congestion for 1.5 million residents and students in Academic City, Silicon Oasis, Dubai, and surrounding areas, which should be included in your UAE road trip itinerary. The road interconnects with Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, Al Shheba, and Ras Al Khor, enhancing mobility across Dubai.

Snorkelling and Diving in the UAE: Discovering Marine Life

Explore the vivacious marine world of the UAE with snorkelling and diving adventures in Fujairah, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi. Discover coral reefs, sea turtles, and shipwrecks safely and ethically. When most people think of the UAE desert dunes towered by skyscrapers, luxury shopping malls come to mind. But beneath the surface of its warm coastal waters lies a lesser-known treasure: a vibrant world of coral reefs, colourful fish, shipwrecks, and endangered marine species along the East Coast of the UAE. Whether you are a first-time snorkeler or an experienced diver, the UAE provides a surprisingly diverse array of underwater adventures.

Where to Snorkel and Dive in the UAE 

1. Fujairah East Coast Divng Hub

Located along the Gulf of Oman, Fujairah is the best destination for diving and snorkelling in the UAE thanks to its more transparent waters and rich biodiversity.

Top Dive and Snorkel Spots in Fujairah

• Dibba Rock- A popular spot for snorkelers with calm waters, hawksbill turtles, reef sharks, and vibrant coral.
• Snoopy Island- Great for beginners and families. Expect parrotfish, moray eels, and anemones when you are on scenic drives from Dubai to Fujairah.
• Martini Rock- For experienced divers, this spot features dramatic rock formations and a stunning array of marine life.

2. Dubai Wreck Dives and Man-Made Reefs

Dubai offers more controlled diving experiences, ideal for those who want to combine city sightseeing with underwater exploration.

Top Spots in Dubai

• Zainab Wreck- A deep dive 30 km for advanced divers. This oil tanker sank in 2001 and is now home to a diverse array of marine life, including batfish, barracudas, and rays.
• Jumeirah Beach- Shallow snorkelling available near the shore and The Palm's artificial reef structure.
• Deep Dive Dubai-For an entirely different experience, this is the world's deepest pool offering themed environments and scuba training at one of the best snorkelling spots in the UAE.

3. Abu Dhabi-Turtles, Dugongs and Artificial Reefs

Abu Dhabi's conservation efforts in its calm waters have created a unique dive site that is perfect for eco-tourism enthusiasts.

Top Spots in Abu Dhabi-

• Dalma Island-Remote and pristine, great for spotting dolphins, dugongs, and sea turtles at the top east coast UAE snorkelling locations.
• Sir Bani Yas Island- An eco reserve with shore dives and snorkelling around a protected reef.
• Artificial Reefs off Saadiyat Island- Home to swift corals and small reef fish, great for beginners.

What Marine Life Can You See?

The UAE's marine biodiversity may surprise you. Common sightings include the east coast of the UAE, as well as snorkelling locations.

• Sea turtles
• Blacktip reef sharks
• Lionfish, clownfish, and butterflyfish
• Moray eels and cuttlefish
• Stingrays and spotted eagle rays
• Dugongs near Abu Dhabi
• Coral gardens including brain and table corals

Best Time to Go

• November to May is ideal for both diving and snorkelling. Cooler water, better visibility, and increased marine life activity are essential to include in your UAE road trip itinerary.
• June to September can be too hot on land, but offers warm water. Visibility may drop due to plankton blooms.

What to Pack for Your Underwater Adventure

• Reef safe sunscreen
• Rash guard or wetsuit
• Waterproof camera or GoPro
• Snorkel gear
• Dive certification card
• Dry bag for valuables

Responsible Snorkelling and Diving Tips

• Please don't touch or step on Coral; it's fragile and slow-growing, especially at the East Coast UAE snorkelling locations.
• Keep a respectful distance from marine animals.
• Use reef-safe sunscreen to avoid harming marine ecosystems.
• Avoid collecting shells or disturbing habitats.

Family-friendly versus level experience

The UAE meets an Ocean Explorer, whether you're snorkelling with your children for the first time or seeking a new challenge—one of the best things to do in Fujairah. Depending on your skill level, specific places and activities, such as ideal entrance points in the field's attractive maritime world, are available.

Planning Tips

• Most dive centres offer PADI certification and day trips that include transport, gear, and refreshments.
• Book weekend trips early; spots fill up fast, especially in Fujairah to RAK scenic route.
• Combine snorkelling with a visit to conservation projects, such as the Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Project, for a meaningful eco-tourism itinerary.
• Snorkelling and diving in the UAE offer far more than you would expect: pristine reefs, shipwrecks, rare species, and even artificial environments. It's the perfect way to explore the natural side of the Emirates and create unforgettable underwater memories. Ready to explore the underwater world of the UAE.

6 Best Seafood Restaurants in RAK

RAK, born out of dunes bounded by the Hajar Mountains, is inhabited by a people as comfortable navigating the desert as they are scaling rocky mountains. The emirate is rich in resources, boasting a 64 km Arabian Gulf coastline, considerable mangrove cover, diverse and thriving coral reefs, and some of the best seafood restaurants in RAK. Moreover, as the history of RAK confirms, the emirate's strategic location along the Indian Ocean trade routes has also made the people of RAK accomplished seafarers and fishermen.

1. CLAW BBQ

Do you love champagne with freshly shucked oysters? Get some at CLAW BBQ at Hampton by Hilton Marjan Island at one of the best RAK seafood restaurants. It's a quintessential American bar, perfect for a night out with friends, and it serves some of the best seafood in RAK. There's shrimp, grilled lobster, grilled tuna, seabass, fried or blackened, and seafood buckets with shrimp, mussels, and clams that you can pair with cocktails, wines, and draft beers.

2. Fishbone Restuarant

Fishbone is the best seafood restaurant in RAK for a date night, situated as it is at the iconic Rixos Bab Al Bahr in Al Marjan. The hotel is built to resemble the Great Pyramids of Egypt; take an Al Marjan Island sightseeing tour to appreciate the stunning architecture fully. Fishbone restaurant looks quite whimsical with its colour scheme of warm wood, white, aquamarine, and shades of blue. The service is excellent, of course, but the food is the true star.

3. Shore House

If you want line-caught fish sourced from local fishermen, visit the Shore House at the Ritz-Carlton RAK Al Hamra, where you can even explore the hidden beaches in the UAE as well. Its beautiful poolside seafood restaurant is excellent for relaxing. The rich brown wood, hued cushions, and banquette seating frames, which together comprise the entire outdoor seating area, along with delightful pool and beach views, are all on point and in theme. The food is no less lovely. Start your trip to the RAK coastal drive with a cold seafood platter featuring lobster, shrimp, oysters, sea bass ceviche, and octopus romesco.

4. Beach Deck

The Beach Deck at the Ritz-Carlton RAK is a literal deck on Al Hamra Beach, thus its name. It's the best seafood restaurant in RAK for sunset cocktails. Expect well-prepared, fresh seafood from The Ritz-Carlton's kitchen, paired with delightful cocktails, making it a must-try experience during your coastal road trips in the UAE. It offers a serene seaside escape with panoramic ocean views, wooden loungers, and gentle breezes, perfect for relaxing, sunbathing, or enjoying golden sunsets in a peaceful setting.

5. Emirates Sea Restaurant

Emirates Sea Restaurant, one of the best places to visit when travelling from Fujairah to the RAK scenic route. It is an Indian restaurant located on Al Thaqafah Street, off Sheikh Mohammed Bin Salim Road in Al Dhaith South. Visit this place for a diverse selection of Indian, Arabic, Chinese, and Southeast Asian cuisine. You will rave about the extensive seafood options, including the cocktail seafood salad, tom yum seafood soup, seafood platter, grilled lobster, lobster thermidor, grilled prawns, king prawns in garlic butter sauce, grilled squid, and many more, while exploring the hidden beaches in the UAE, which is a must-experience.

6. Estacoza Seafood Restaurant

Estacoza Seafood restaurant in Al Nakheel is known for its fresh seafood board. You select your seafood, and the restaurant cooks it to your specifications. Options include shrimp, snapper, grouper, seabass, seabream, mullet, salmon, and squid. One of the best RAK seafood restaurants, like Estacoza Seafood Restaurant, offers generous portions of grilled shrimp, crispy fish and chips, and rich seafood soups, accompanied by excellent service, reasonable pricing, and a pleasant, laid-back ambience. It's a favourite among locals.

Final Takeaway

If you love driving, the UAE is your playground, with routes that cater to every driving style. From adrenaline-pumping mountain roads to calm desert routes and stunning coastal drives, there are the best coastal drive roads in the UAE for everyone. So, get your eyes ready, fuel up, and hit the road to explore the exceptional driving experience the country has to offer.