📍 United Arab Emirates

UAE ROAD TRIP: FROM DESERT SILENCE TO URBAN SPARKLE

Golden dunes, palm oases, sea breezes and glittering towers. A journey through the Emirates where desert silence meets bold modernity, fully customizable.

≈ 14
Days
1475
Km
8
Stops
📖 7 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Sleep under the stars in Liwa's dunes, wander Al Ain's oases, explore Dubai's souks and admire Abu Dhabi's landmarks. In the Emirates, desert silence meets the boldness of futuristic cities.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

Liwa Mezairaa

golden dunes meet rub al khali

Liwa Mezairaa - Photo 1Liwa Mezairaa - Photo 2Liwa Mezairaa - Photo 3Liwa Mezairaa - Photo 4
4 photos
Day 1
🔍

Discover

1
Liwa forts route
🎯

Activities

→
Sunset over the dunes of Rub al Khali (viewpoint near Mezairaa).
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 245 km
Travel time: 2h30
2
Day

Liwa Moreeb Dune

towering sand ridges at sunset

Liwa Moreeb Dune - Photo 1Liwa Moreeb Dune - Photo 2Liwa Moreeb Dune - Photo 3Liwa Moreeb Dune - Photo 4Liwa Moreeb Dune - Photo 5
5 photos
Day 2
🔍

Discover

1
Moreeb Dune (Tal Moreeb), panorama over the highest dunes of Liwa.
🎯

Activities

→
Walk in the dunes (gentle walk away from heat, photo/observation).
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 25 km
Travel time: 30min
3
Day

Al Ain

Al Ain - Photo 1Al Ain - Photo 2Al Ain - Photo 3Al Ain - Photo 4
4 photos
Day 3
🔍

Discover

1
Al Ain Oasis (palm grove, falaj, shaded paths).
2
Qasr Al Muwaiji (historic residence, exhibition).
🎯

Activities

→
Heritage walk in the historic districts around the oasis.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 330 km
Travel time: 3h30
4
Day

Al Ain

Al Ain - Photo 1Al Ain - Photo 2Al Ain - Photo 3Al Ain - Photo 4
4 photos
Day 4
🔍

Discover

1
Jebel Hafeet
2
Tombs at the foot of Jebel Hafeet (protohistoric necropolis).
3
Fort Al Jahili (adobe architecture, exhibitions).
🎯

Activities

→
Viewpoint over the Hafeet massifs.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 60 km
Travel time: 1h20
5
Day

Fujairah

Fujairah - Photo 1Fujairah - Photo 2Fujairah - Photo 3Fujairah - Photo 4Fujairah - Photo 5Fujairah - Photo 6Fujairah - Photo 7Fujairah - Photo 8
8 photos
Day 5
🔍

Discover

1
Mleiha Desert (rock formations and dunes, archaeological zone).
2
Hatta Dam (lake nestled in the Hajar mountains).
🎯

Activities

→
Canoeing on Hatta lake (weather permitting).
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 285 km
Travel time: 4h
6
Day

Fujairah

Fujairah - Photo 1Fujairah - Photo 2Fujairah - Photo 3Fujairah - Photo 4Fujairah - Photo 5Fujairah - Photo 6Fujairah - Photo 7Fujairah - Photo 8
8 photos
Day 6
🔍

Discover

1
Fujairah Fort (citadel on a spur).
2
Fort Al Bithnah (inland valley, palm grove).
🎯

Activities

→
Walk along Fujairah's waterfront (beautiful public beaches).
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 45 km
Travel time: 1h10
7
Day

Al Aqah Plage

coral bays turquoise calm

Al Aqah Plage - Photo 1Al Aqah Plage - Photo 2Al Aqah Plage - Photo 3
3 photos
Day 7
🔍

Discover

1
Al Bidiyah Mosque (oldest mosque in the Emirates).
2
Dibba Bay / Al Aqah coast (beaches, views of the Hajar plunging into the sea).
🎯

Activities

→
Swimming
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 55 km
Travel time: 1h
8
Day

Ras Al Khaimah

Ras Al Khaimah - Photo 1Ras Al Khaimah - Photo 2Ras Al Khaimah - Photo 3Ras Al Khaimah - Photo 4
4 photos
Day 8
🔍

Discover

1
Ras Al Khaimah Fish Market (Mina).
2
Mohammed bin Salim Mosque (exterior view).
3
Dhayah Fort (climbing the steps, panoramic view over mangroves and mountains).
4
Al Jazirah Al Hamra (former pearl diving town, ruins).
🎯

Activities

→
Coastal walk along the mangroves.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 115 km
Travel time: 1h40
9
Day

Dubai Deira

creek breeze historic souks

Dubai Deira - Photo 1Dubai Deira - Photo 2Dubai Deira - Photo 3Dubai Deira - Photo 4
4 photos
Day 9
🔍

Discover

1
Ajman Museum (fort-museum, local history).
2
Sharjah Central Souq (Blue Souk, architecture and crafts).
🎯

Activities

→
Coastal route to Dubai with photo stops at creeks and cornices.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 130 km
Travel time: 1h50
10
Day

Dubai Deira

creek breeze historic souks

Dubai Deira - Photo 1Dubai Deira - Photo 2Dubai Deira - Photo 3Dubai Deira - Photo 4
4 photos
Day 10
🔍

Discover

1
Dubai Creek — Deira & Bur Dubai districts (alleyways, souks).
2
Jumeirah Mosque (exterior view).
3
Jumeirah Open Beach (coastal view).
🎯

Activities

→
Abra crossing on the Creek at sunset.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 25 km
Travel time: 55min
11
Day

Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi - Photo 1Abu Dhabi - Photo 2Abu Dhabi - Photo 3
3 photos
Day 11
🔍

Discover

1
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (visit of courtyards and galleries).
2
Qasr Al Hosn (fort and museum).
3
Abu Dhabi Corniche (promenade).
🎯

Activities

→
Sunset over the corniche (viewpoints).
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 140 km
Travel time: 1h35
12
Day

Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi - Photo 1Abu Dhabi - Photo 2Abu Dhabi - Photo 3
3 photos
Day 12
🔍

Discover

1
Mina Zayed fruit & vegetable market.
2
Mina Zayed fish market.
3
Mangrove National Park (boardwalks/observation).
🎯

Activities

→
Gentle and relaxing seaside stroll along the corniche.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 20 km
Travel time: 45min

🗺️ Itinerary map

🛡️ Travel advice - United Arab Emirates

Check official recommendations

UK Foreign Travel Advice →

❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Peak Season (November-March): Perfect weather with temperatures 20-30°C (68-86°F), ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Most expensive period with highest demand.

Shoulder Season (April-May, October): Still pleasant with warm but manageable temperatures. Good balance of weather and prices, fewer crowds.

Off-Season (June-September): Extremely hot and humid (40-50°C/104-122°F) but lowest prices and indoor attractions are well air-conditioned. Best for shopping and indoor experiences.

Ramadan Period: Varies yearly. Reduced restaurant hours during day, but special evening festivities and cultural experiences.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 11 and 17 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in United Arab Emirates?

Dubai and Abu Dhabi showcase futuristic architecture, luxury shopping, and desert adventures. Experience traditional souks alongside ultra-modern skyscrapers and pristine beaches. Desert safaris, camel racing, and world-class dining create unforgettable memories. The UAE perfectly blends ancient traditions with cutting-edge innovation.