5 Essential Abu Dhabi Road Trips
Though Abu Dhabi, UAE is a place that enthralls locals and tourists alike, sometimes you want to hire a car and go on an Abu Dhabi road trip to somewhere nearby. The greatest part about these road trips are that the journey there is as scenic and spellbinding as the destination. Here are 5 essential Abu Dhabi road trips to go on that won’t take longer than 3 hours one way:
Liwa Oasis
Distance from Abu Dhabi: 3 hours (309km)
The road to Liwa is a smooth asphalt stretch racing over orange and white sandy dunes that are part of “the Empty Quarter.” However, the doesn’t mean it’s boring. At the end of the road is a settlement made up of 50 villages and the Liwa Date Festival, a boisterous gathering of various cultures, customs, and fun. There’s also forts, the luxurious Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort, the Moreeb Dune, and the Sheikh Hamad Auto Museum along the way to see.
Jebel Hafeet
Distance from Abu Dhabi: 2 hours (170km)
To take a mountain road, you’re going to need to find the right car, so before tackling a highway recognized as one of the greatest driving roads in the world by Edmunds.com, you need to compare models and rates with Holiday Autos. Once you’ve found the roadster for the 1,240 metre climb to Jebel Hafeet framed by limestone crags, you can admire stunning viewpoints. But until then, enjoy tackling the 3 lanes and 60 turns.
Al Ain
Distance from Abu Dhabi: 1 hour 40 minutes (149km)
Close to Jebel Hafeet is Al Ain, one of the greenest outposts along the Dubai-Al Ain Road. Once you see the foliage, you won’t question why Al Ain has been nicknamed “Garden City,” and is UAE’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you can check out the 3,000 year old falaj irrigation system, as well as the awesome Wadi Adventure waterpark or the highlands of Green Mubazzarah. Whether you want to cool down or wander around in nature, this is the perfect destination for an Abu Dhabi road trip.
Hatta
Distance from Abu Dhabi: 1 hour 50 mins (155km)
Hatta is a northern exclave that has become something of a hotspot in UAE during the summertime, because it has a mild climate, mountains, lakes, and other photogenic scenery. In other words, the road trip to Hatta is just half of the treat! Whether you are up for adventure upon arrival, such as hiking in the mountains or relaxing by the water’s edge, there are a number of hotels, resorts, and other attractions like the Hatta Mountain Bike Trail Centre, Hatta Hill Park, and Hatta Heritage Village to keep you busy.
Sharjah
Distance from Abu Dhabi: 46 minutes (48km)
Those in search of culture don’t have to look much farther than the cultural capital of UAE, called Sharjah. The city gives you a chance to check out some UAE city driving (be sure to avoid rush hour) as well as a slightly more progressive ambiance mixed with heritage and history. Head to Sharjah Fort, where a collection of Emirati artifacts and historical documents are on display. There’s also a number of famous markets, like the Blue Souk. And if you want to add some romance to the evening, be sure to head to Khalid Lagoon for a miraculous sunset. Though Abu Dhabi, UAE is often seen as desert location, the landscape is varied, and there are a number of roads leading to adventures you would never expect. Any of the 5 destinations are ideal for exploring Abu Dhabi’s surroundings. When you plan on seeing Abu Dhabi and beyond, a road trip will certainly end with memories that will last a lifetime.
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