In case you have an ideal vision of a perfect weekend that involves captivating road trips and cool water sports, you are in luck. The UAE can boast of a number of spectacular drives where the journey is as good as the destination – turquoise coastline, mountain tunnels, and beaches await. These are the five scenic road trips around Dubai that every water lover must try.
1. Musandam Dibba – Coastal Drive to a Breath-taking Boat Adventure
Among all, the Musandam Dibba tour is first on our list as it offers a unique road journey combined with an Arabian Sea experience. Here is one area so beautiful, offering a gorgeous panorama with an approach to the sea as well as by road to Musandam Dibba. The rough cliffs come into contact with the crystal-blue waters, creating a magical view. The scenic road traverses the Hajar Mountains and then expands to cinematic stretches of coasts where every turn needs to be photographed.
As soon as you get there, swap your wheels with waves – get on a classic Omani dhow boat and go sailing through the fjord-like inlets. The majority of the tours involve snorkeling, banana boat rides, and swimming in clear turquoise bays. This destination is the ultimate drive plus a boat adventure in the Dubai region, which is within a three-hour drive distance, and its contrast between the mountain and sea makes it the best holiday hotspot.
- Why Go: Mountain sceneries, dhow tours, snorkeling, and a peaceful coastal getaway.
2. Khorfakkan – Scenic Mountain Tunnels to Corniche and Waterfalls
Sharjah-Khorfakkan highway is an engineering marvel and a sight to behold. You will find long tunnels cut through the mountains, and views of the sea as you come near the coast. The trip is worthy of the drive, but the seaside of Khorfakkan makes the deal.
There, spend time in the Khorfakkan Corniche, parasail or kayak or go to the Al Rafisah Dam, where you can hire a boat and relax looking at the mountains. The Khorfakkan Waterfall creates a scenic touch to it, and it has become popular among families and photographers.
- Why go: The reason is to enjoy the coastal-mountain combination, excellent road networks and various water sports.
3. Al Aqah Beach (Fujairah) – Mountain-Backed Beaches for Snorkeling
In case you are looking to have a quiet weekend at the seaside, Al Aqah Beach in Fujairah is a very good idea. The highway leading out of Dubai will bring you past the rocky hills of the desert and the Hajar Mountains that sharply define the coastline as one approaches the destination.
The waters of Al Aqah are also known to be snorkeled and dived, particularly, around the Snoopy Island, which is just a short swim away. Another activity you can do is to paddleboard or have dinner in one of the resorts located along the beachfront. The serene atmosphere and the crystal waters make it a perfect follow-up or as an alternative to Musandam Dibba.
- Why go: It is the best place to snorkel with a beautiful mountainous background and calm beach environment.
4. Kalba – Mangroves & Coastal Drive for Kayaking Trips
A short way south on the East Coast is another secret, with its quiet mangroves and animals, is Kalba. The panorama is exclusive, a combination of desert dunes, mountain ridges, and sea vistas that provides a serene alternative to the more crowded Fujairah coast.
After you get there, go kayaking along the Kalba Mangrove Reserve, where you can see herons and turtles in the shallow waters. The Kalba Beach is ideal to have a peaceful picnic or a light swim. It is among the most peaceful places where one can go to find nature rather than people.
- Why go: Mangrove kayaking, fewer people, and an ideal outing for nature lovers.
5. Jumeirah to Umm Al Quwain-Classic Coastal Highway Drive
All scenic road trips in Dubai are hours away. The road between Jumeirah to Umm Al Quwain (UAQ) is also a scenic and smooth route full of seashores. Take the coastal highway through Ajman and Sharjah, and you almost have a view of the Arabian Gulf through the entire route.
In UAQ, relax with mangrove kayaking, short dhow or beach camping activities. The smooth water and the reduced speed make it a weekend mini-vacation for the family and couples.
- Why go: It is an effortless drive to the coast, good for kayaking and beach leisure.
Final Thoughts
It could be a mountain-backed beach in Fujairah or a serene mangrove reserve in Kalba; these scenic Dubai road trips will prove that there is no need to fly far to have a water-based adventure. All the roads provide their own combination of beautiful rides, ocean breeze, and coastal sightseeing, which is perfect when one needs to feel adventure in the ride as well as the calmness of the seashores.