UAE National Day is rolling around fast, which means there’s a long weekend on the horizon.
Now the public holiday dates are confirmed, it’s time for you to start thinking about some of these awesome road trips.
You don’t need to go far either, just pack up the car and drive to any of the seven UAE emirates – there are beauty spots in all of them.
From serene beach days to hiking in the mountains, enjoy a trip out of the city and even spend the night in some stunning resorts.
Road trip adventures to try in every UAE emirate
Sleep in a Dubai mountain dome
Mountain town Hatta is said to be equidistant from all the emirates, which it’s the ideal choice for the upcoming UAE National Day celebrations.
Usually though, it’s a quiet location ideal for a remote road trip escape. While we’re huge fans of the luxury resorts and ultra-modern hotels of Dubai, Hatta’s stunning lodges are all about adventure and natural splendour. Camping, custom-built mountain lodges on stilts and caravans are all waiting at the end of your drive up towards the mountains. Best of all, though, are the glamping domes.
Equipped with barbecues and TVs they have just the right side of luxury, while still being quirky enough to pretend you are sleeping on a moon camp.
Hatta Wadi Hub, Hatta, visithatta.ae, (04 852 2200).
GPS it: 24.812611213647532, 56.15490492626157
Kayak in Ajman’s mangroves
Is there a more adventurous mode of transport than a kayak? We rather think not. After the drive to Ajman takes you through barren desert landscape it can be a surprise to climb out of your car and be in natural mangroves home to more than 100 species of migratory birds, fish and flora at the impressive Al Zorah development.
Tours are offered by Quest For Adventure and take paddlers into more than 1 million square metres, the thick, natural mangroves making it one of the best places to see flamingos in the country.
Al Zorah, The Pavilion, Ajman, alzorah.ae, (800 259 6274).
GPS it: 25.426543351963378, 55.49911123976751
Glamping on the beach in RAK
Ras Al Khaimah holds a place in our heart as the adventure emirate. Having the country’s highest mountain, world’s longest zipline and the Bear Grylls Adventure survival camps helps, of course. It is the ideal road trip destination and after adventure on the mountain-side be sure to head down to sea level for some apres-zip.
The 300m of private beach at the Longbeach Compound are ideal for lovers of the great outdoors who want a little glamp in their camp. Domes, tents, lodges and safari camps are a fun way to end a day of adventure. Especially if you remember to bring marshmallows for the campfire.
BM Beach Hotel, Ras Al Khaimah, bmhotelsresorts.com, (07 203 4000).
GPS it: 25.672824746804213, 55.758946827580054
Surf in Umm Al Quwain
A quieter spot out of the hustle and bustle, Umm al Quwain is ideal for a spot of fresh air and some peace and quiet.
On a stretch of private beach this surf school has decent waves that are excellent for beginners and warmly-welcomed by experienced surfers. Look out for the muscle gym and funky beach huts, too.
If you want to go full bucket-list, book a nights’ stay at Casa Mikoko, a bohemian African-inspired five-star resort where you can book a bungalow looking out over the mangrove. Dip in your own private pool, try out some water sports or hop in one of the hammocks and take a well-earned nap.
Kite Beach Centre, Umm Al Quwain, kitebeachcenter.ae, (055 507 3060). casamikoko.ae (055 812 3060).
GPS it: 25.547538200770706, 55.53695932627634
Deep sea fishing in Fujairah
Heading to the east coast and the Indian Ocean feels like going to another country, even though you won’t leave the UAE. Extend the trip even further by climbing aboard a boat and heading out beyond the land.
Deep sea fishing in Fujairah could see you landing giant yellowfin tuna, king baracuda, dorado and more enormous sporting catch. Charter a yacht and captains will show you the best places to cast off.
Once you’ve got your catch of the day, spend the night in the resort itself, boasting some stunning sea views and three restaurants to try while you’re there.
Fujairah Rotana, Al Aqah, Fujairah, adventuresports.ae (050 464 3015).
GPS it: 25.50909244620751, 56.36314789744008
Stargazing in Sharjah
Drive over under the baking sun, but spend your night stargazing in a luxury resort. Among the dunes of central Sharjah the Al Badayer Resort comprises glamping tents and traditional Emirati accommodation.
Best of all, however, the limited light pollution means incredible night skies can be viewed (plus the resort offers movie under the stars experiences).
Or select the new Mysk Moon Retreat, with 10 domes and six tents, from where you can explore Mleiha Fossil Rock by day and the starry sky by night. Experienced guides can point out Mars, Jupiter and constellations as well as, just as impressive, handing out warm drinks.
Mysk Al Badayer Retreat, Madam Road, myskhotels.com, (06 801 2020).
GPS it: 24.951138117808732, 55.72465341092264
Conquer dunes in Abu Dhabi
Out on the fringes of Abu Dhabi and facing out into the vast Empty Quarter is the world’s largest sand dune. If that’s not an ideal target for a road trip destination then there’s no pleasing you.
For many a year it was a remote spot without much to enjoy (other than stunning natural beauty, jaw-dropping vistas and a sense of eternal wonder), but now there is the stunning Qasr Al Sarab Hotel.That means you can find activities such as camel-treks, dune hikes, fatbiking, sand boarding and dune driving.
Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort, Al Sarab Road, anantara.com, (02 886 2088).
GPS it: 22.900569723117655, 54.33604943971902
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