Dubai to Fujairah Road Trip: Mountains, Wadis, & the UAE East Coast

Leave Dubai's sparkling skyline behind and discover a different side of the UAE on a Dubai to Fujairah road trip. Within a couple of hours, the city's skyscrapers give way to the rugged Hajar Mountains, where winding roads pass through mountain tunnels and lead to wadis, reservoirs, heritage villages, and a coastline framed by the Gulf of Oman.

From kayaking at Al Rafisah Dam and exploring the cultural attractions of Khorfakkan to snorkelling around Snoopy Island and visiting the UAE's oldest mosque, this two-day itinerary showcases some of the country's most memorable landscapes and experiences. Whether you're planning a weekend escape or looking for a new way to explore the Emirates, this route packs plenty into a short drive from Dubai.

• Route: Dubai → Wadi Shees → Al Rafisah Dam → Khorfakkan → Dibba (overnight) → Al Aqah Beach & Snoopy Island → Al Bidya Mosque → Masafi → Dubai

• Total road trip distance: Approximately 400km round trip

• Road trip duration: 2 days

• Starting point: Dubai

• Highlights: Hajar Mountains, wadis, reservoirs, heritage sites, beaches, and snorkelling

• Final destination: Fujairah's East Coast

Hiring a car gives you the flexibility to explore the UAE's east coast at your own pace. You'll have the freedom to stop at mountain viewpoints, heritage sites, beaches, cafés, and coastal towns.

As an ALL Accor member, you can enjoy exclusive benefits with participating car rental partners. With Hertz, members receive a minimum 10% discount year-round, free cancellation, and the opportunity to earn Reward points on eligible rentals.

You can also enjoy savings with Europcar, with discounts available across participating rentals and opportunities to earn Reward points along the way.

With pick-up locations available across Dubai, including Dubai International Airport, collecting your vehicle for your east coast road trip is simple and convenient.

Before setting off, join the ALL Accor loyalty programme and start enjoying member benefits.

From world-famous landmarks and waterfront dining to historic neighbourhoods and cultural attractions, Dubai is the perfect starting point for a road trip to Fujairah.

Spend a night in Dubai and enjoy easy access to Dubai International Airport, major highways, and car hire locations before heading towards the UAE's east coast.

Pullman Dubai Downtown is ideal for travellers who want to stay close to some of Dubai's most famous attractions, including Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall. The hotel offers contemporary accommodation, dining venues, wellness facilities, and convenient on-site parking. Guests travelling by car can also take advantage of 24/7 indoor parking, valet parking, and electric vehicle charging stations, including Tesla charging units, before departing for Fujairah the following day.

For a family-friendly stay in a central location, Novotel World Trade Centre Dubai places you close to major attractions and transport links. With a swimming pool, dining venues, and facilities designed for both business and leisure travellers, it's a practical choice before an early road trip departure. Guests arriving by car can take advantage of the hotel's indoor parking and valet parking services.

• Visit the Burj Khalifa and explore the surrounding Downtown Dubai precinct, including the Dubai Fountain and waterfront promenades.

• Wander through Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood or Al Seef to discover traditional architecture, museums, galleries, and a different side of Dubai's history.

• Browse Dubai Mall, one of the world's largest shopping and entertainment destinations, before picking up any last-minute road trip essentials.

• Enjoy dinner at Fi'lia Dubai at SLS Dubai Hotel & Residences, known for its Italian and Mediterranean-inspired cuisine and views across the Dubai skyline. Afterwards, head to Monkey Bar at 25hours Hotel One Central for a sunset drink overlooking the Museum of the Future and the city skyline.

• Take an evening walk along the waterfront and enjoy Dubai's skyline before swapping skyscrapers for mountain roads and coastal scenery the following day.

Drive time: Approximately three hours and 15 minutes (excluding stops)

Distance: Approximately 205km

The first day of your Dubai to Fujairah road trip is all about the journey, as mountain roads wind through the Hajar Mountains towards the UAE's east coast.

Nestled within the Hajar Mountains, Wadi Shees offers a completely different landscape from the desert scenery many visitors associate with the UAE. Palm groves, traditional agricultural terraces, and mountain streams create one of the country's most distinctive natural settings.

Before reaching Shees Park, consider stopping at the Shees Rest Area, a purpose-built stop designed for travellers making the journey through the mountains. It's an ideal place to enjoy a coffee or traditional karak tea before continuing deeper into the valley.

• Explore Shees Park, a landscaped mountain park set amongst the Hajar Mountains, known for its walking trails, picnic areas, and scenic valley views.

• Walk the terraced pathways and stone stairways that climb through the park, leading to elevated viewpoints overlooking the surrounding mountains and wadi.

• Admire the park's waterfall, which cascades through the landscape and provides one of the area's most photographed backdrops.

• Take a short walk through the surrounding wadi landscape, where palm groves, traditional farming terraces, and mountain scenery offer a glimpse into a different side of the UAE.

One of the most spectacular attractions on the entire route, Al Rafisah Dam lies between towering mountains just before Khorfakkan. The reservoir's calm turquoise waters create a dramatic contrast against the surrounding rocky peaks, making it a must-visit stop on any UAE east coast road trip.

20 to 30 minutes

• Grab a coffee overlooking the reservoir and take in the mountain scenery.

• Walk a short section of the waterfront promenade for views across the turquoise water.

• Stop at the viewing areas to photograph the dam and surrounding Hajar Mountains.

60 to 90 minutes

• Hire a kayak or pedal boat and explore the reservoir from the water.

• Walk the palm-lined promenade and enjoy views of the surrounding peaks.

• Visit the waterfall, viewing platforms, and family recreation areas around the dam.

• Stop for a meal or refreshments overlooking the water before continuing to Khorfakkan.

Longer visit

If you'd like to spend more time in the mountains, follow one of the hiking routes that connect Al Rafisah Dam with Al Suhub Rest House. The trail rewards walkers with panoramic views across the mountains and coastline. Consider adding a detour to nearby Najd Al Maqsar, a restored heritage village perched above the valley.

For travellers interested in local history, consider making a short detour to Najd Al Maqsar. Perched high above the valley, this restored heritage village offers a glimpse into traditional mountain life in the region.

Stone houses, historic watchtowers, and elevated viewpoints provide a fascinating contrast to the modern highways and tunnels that now connect the UAE's east coast.

Arriving in Khorfakkan, you'll be greeted by a striking blend of mountains and coastline. Framed by the Hajar Mountains and the Gulf of Oman, the city combines cultural attractions, waterfront dining, and some of the UAE's most scenic coastal views.

• Visit Khorfakkan Amphitheatre, one of the city's most recognisable landmarks, and stop by the nearby waterfall for mountain and coastal views.

• Explore Souq Sharq, a heritage-style market featuring handicrafts, local products, cultural exhibits, and the Traditional Craft Museum.

• Walk along Khorfakkan Beach and the corniche, where you can relax by the water or stop for lunch overlooking the Gulf of Oman.

• Enjoy a coffee or light meal at local favourites including Railway Café, The View by Wave, Pentagon, Mangrove Café, and Medellin.

• Take in the views from the waterfront before continuing north towards Dibba.

From Khorfakkan, continue north along the coast to Dibba, where you'll spend the night before exploring more of Fujairah's east coast on day two.

After a day exploring mountain valleys, reservoirs, and coastal towns, spend the night at Fairmont Fujairah Beach Resort, located in Dibba on Fujairah's northern coastline. Surrounded by the Al Hajar Mountains and overlooking the Gulf of Oman, the resort places you within easy reach of the east coast attractions featured in day two of this itinerary.

Designed for both couples and families, the beachfront resort offers a range of facilities that make it an ideal stop on a road trip. After a day behind the wheel, unwind by the pool, book a treatment at Luxura Spa, or enjoy dinner at one of the resort's restaurants. Travellers looking to stay active can take advantage of water sports and fitness activities, while younger guests will appreciate the family-friendly entertainment and Sun Family Kids' Club.

Spacious guest rooms feature private balconies, providing a comfortable place to relax before continuing your journey along Fujairah's coastline the following day. Fairmont Fujairah Beach Resort also offers on-site parking, making it a convenient base for travellers exploring the UAE's east coast by car.

Make the most of your stay at Fairmont Fujairah Beach Resort with a slow start before setting off for the day. Join a sunrise yoga session overlooking the Gulf of Oman, then fuel up with a buffet breakfast at Canvas before heading out to explore the coastline.

Starting your day in Dibba, head south towards Al Aqah Beach and Snoopy Island before continuing to Al Bidya Mosque. The second day of your UAE road trip explores some of Fujairah's most significant heritage sites and best coastal landscapes. From the UAE's oldest mosque to crystal-clear waters, snorkelling spots, and mountain-backed beaches, it's the perfect way to experience a different side of the emirate before returning to Dubai.

One of the highlights of Fujairah's coastline, Al Aqah Beach combines mountain views, clear waters, and some of the UAE's most popular marine experiences.

Just offshore, Snoopy Island rises from the Gulf of Oman. Named for its resemblance to the cartoon character Snoopy lying on his back, the rocky island has become one of the country's best-known destinations for snorkelling, diving, and kayaking.

• Relax on Al Aqah Beach and enjoy views of the Hajar Mountains meeting the Gulf of Oman.

• Swim in the calm waters that make this stretch of coastline popular with families and day-trippers.

• Hire a kayak or stand-up paddleboard and explore the shoreline from the water.

• Snorkel around Snoopy Island and look for colourful fish and coral formations beneath the surface.

• Join a diving excursion to discover some of the marine life that makes Fujairah one of the UAE's leading dive destinations.

• Stop for lunch at a beachfront café or resort before beginning the journey back towards Dubai.

Located approximately 35km north of Fujairah City, Al Bidya Mosque is widely recognised as the oldest surviving mosque in the UAE. Radiocarbon testing suggests it was built somewhere between the mid-15th and mid-17th centuries, with most sources pointing to the 15th century as the likely period of construction. The small structure features four distinctive domes supported by a single central pillar and remains an active place of worship today.

Surrounding watchtowers and archaeological sites add to the area's historical significance, making it one of the most important cultural landmarks on Fujairah's coastline.

• Admire the mosque's distinctive mud-brick architecture and unique four-dome design.

• Explore the nearby watchtowers overlooking the surrounding landscape.

• Learn about the region's heritage and archaeological history.

• Photograph the contrast between the mountains, coastline, and historic buildings.

If you have extra time, detour south to Fujairah City, the largest city on the UAE's east coast and a gateway to the region's beaches, heritage sites, and marine attractions.

Framed by mountains on one side and the Gulf of Oman on the other, the city offers a mix of history, culture, and waterfront attractions worth exploring if you have extra time before heading to Masafi.

• Visit Fujairah Fort, one of the oldest forts in the UAE, and learn about the emirate's history through its restored towers, defensive walls, and surrounding heritage precinct.
• Explore the area around the fort, where traditional architecture and cultural sites offer insight into Fujairah's past.
• Enjoy a sunset walk along Umbrella Beach, one of the city's most popular waterfront destinations.
• Stop for dinner or a coffee overlooking the Gulf of Oman and watch fishing boats return to shore as the sun goes down.

Drive time: Approximately 1 hour 45 minutes to two hours

Distance: 135km

Rather than retracing the entire route through Khorfakkan, consider returning to Dubai via Masafi. Located between Fujairah and Dubai, the town has long been a popular stop for road trippers travelling between the UAE's east coast and the rest of the country.

The drive offers a different perspective of the Hajar Mountains and an opportunity to visit one of the UAE's most famous roadside markets before completing your road trip.

Despite its name, Masafi Friday Market operates daily and is a popular stop for both residents and visitors travelling through the mountains.

• Browse stalls selling fresh fruit, vegetables, dates, and local produce sourced from around the region.

• Shop for pottery, ceramics, and traditional decorative items crafted in a variety of styles and colours.

• Explore displays of carpets, rugs, household goods, and souvenirs lining both sides of the market.

• Pick up local handicrafts and gifts to remember your Fujairah road trip.

• Stock up on fresh juices, snacks, and refreshments before continuing your drive back to Dubai.

After exploring the market, continue through the Hajar Mountain landscape towards Dubai. The market offers one final opportunity to experience the local culture, flavours, and scenery of the UAE's east coast before returning to the city.

From city stays in Dubai to beachfront escapes on Fujairah's east coast, joining the free ALL loyalty programme gives you access to member rates, Reward points, and exclusive benefits across participating Accor hotels.

Whether you're planning a weekend road trip, a relaxing beach getaway, or a longer UAE adventure, ALL members can save on accommodation, enjoy exclusive offers, and earn Reward points on eligible stays.

Book directly through ALL.com or the ALL Accor app to access member rates and start enjoying the benefits of membership from your first stay.