The United Arab Emirates is famous for its futuristic cities, luxury experiences, and iconic skyscrapers. Beyond the urban landscape, however, the country offers stunning deserts, rugged mountains, serene beaches, and exciting outdoor adventures. Many of these experiences are just a short drive from the city.
Renting a car allows you to explore at your own pace, uncover hidden gems, and travel comfortably between emirates without relying on public transport or pricey tours. Whether you seek thrilling activities or peaceful escapes, countless outdoor adventures are waiting to be discovered on your next road trip.
Before we dive into the adventures, let’s talk about why renting a car makes exploring the UAE so rewarding. Unlike many countries, the UAE is built for road travel. Roads are smooth, highways are well signposted, and petrol is affordable. With a rental car, you can plan your trip on your own schedule, take spontaneous detours, and explore the hidden corners of the country.
Public transport in the UAE is mainly limited to major cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi. To reach places like Hatta, Jebel Jais, or the Liwa Desert, having your own vehicle makes travel simple, safe, and enjoyable. Whether you’re travelling solo, with friends, or with family, a rental car gives you the freedom to explore the outdoors at your own pace, and that’s truly what adventure travel is all about.
The desert is the soul of the UAE. Just a short drive from Dubai or Abu Dhabi, you’ll find vast golden dunes stretching endlessly toward the horizon. One of the most popular outdoor adventures in the UAE is a desert safari, where you can try activities like dune bashing, sandboarding, camel riding, and quad biking.
Drive your rental car to areas like Lahbab Desert, also known as the Red Dunes, or the Al Faya Desert, both of which are an hour from Dubai. You can join a guided safari or explore the dunes in your own time. End the day with a traditional Arabian barbecue under the stars, a memory your family will never forget. Ensure your rental car is suitable for desert terrain, or park at the meeting point and join a professional tour with 4x4 vehicles.
Nestled in the Hajar Mountains, Hatta is one of the UAE’s most beautiful and peaceful outdoor destinations. Located about 90 minutes from Dubai, it’s an easy and scenic drive, especially if you have a rental car. Hatta is known for its kayaking experiences at Hatta Dam, with calm turquoise waters surrounded by rugged mountains. Families and couples can rent kayaks, pedal boats, or water bikes for a relaxing day on the lake.
Hatta Hiking Trails offer routes suitable for all skill levels, featuring breathtaking views of rocky landscapes and traditional mountain villages. You can also enjoy mountain biking or explore the Hatta Heritage Village to experience Emirati culture. Bring water, sunscreen, and a picnic, as Hatta makes an ideal destination for a day trip or a relaxing weekend getaway.
If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, head to Jebel Jais in Ras Al Khaimah, the UAE’s highest mountain. It’s around two hours from Dubai, making it the perfect day trip when you rent a car in the UAE. Jebel Jais is home to the world’s longest zipline, the Jebel Jais Flight, which reaches speeds of up to 160 km/h. The experience is breathtaking, as you soar over deep canyons and enjoy incredible mountain views.
If you prefer something more relaxed, drive up the winding mountain road and enjoy the scenic lookouts. There are picnic areas, food trucks, and the Jais Viewing Deck Park, where you can take in stunning sunsets. In cooler months, hiking trails like the Jebel Jais Sky Trail offer beautiful treks through the mountains.
For a change of scenery, drive east to Fujairah, the only emirate on the UAE’s eastern coast. It faces the Indian Ocean, offering some of the country’s best diving and snorkelling spots. Popular sites include Snoopy Island, Dibba Rock, and Sharm Rocks, where you can see colourful coral reefs, tropical fish, turtles, and even small sharks.
Fujairah’s waters are warm year-round, making it a great outdoor activity for families and adventurers alike. Having your own rental car makes the journey from Dubai or Sharjah easy and enjoyable. You can also visit Al Aqah Beach, known for its clean sands and calm waves, perfect for swimming or a seaside picnic. For more tips on exploring the UAE’s stunning beaches, check out Why the UAE’s Beaches Should Be on Your Bucket List This Summer.
There’s no better way to see the UAE’s vast desert than from above. A hot air balloon ride is an unforgettable outdoor adventure that lets you watch the sunrise over endless dunes. Most flights take off from the outskirts of Dubai, near Margham, about a 45-minute drive from the city. When you rent a car, you can arrive early and avoid the hassle of waiting for shuttle buses.
As you rise into the sky, you’ll see herds of gazelles and camels below, along with views of the Hajar Mountains in the distance. After landing, many tours include a traditional Emirati breakfast in the desert, making it the perfect way to start your day.
Ras Al Khaimah is becoming the adventure capital of the UAE, and it’s just a drive away from Dubai. The emirate’s rugged mountains make it an ideal destination for rock climbing and abseiling. The Via Ferrata at Jebel Jais combines hiking, ziplining, and climbing for an adrenaline-filled experience.
Safety gear and guides are available, making it suitable for beginners and experienced climbers alike. If you prefer something more casual, the surrounding trails are great for mountain walks and photography. With your rental car, you can easily spend a full day exploring different climbing sites and scenic stops along the way.
For a peaceful yet adventurous day, head to Abu Dhabi’s Eastern Mangroves, where you can kayak through calm waterways surrounded by lush greenery. The mangroves are home to flamingos, fish, and crabs, offering a quiet escape from city life. You can rent kayaks from eco-tour operators near the Anantara Eastern Mangroves Hotel, just a short drive from Abu Dhabi city centre. Having your own car makes it easy to reach early in the morning or at sunset, when the scenery is most magical. It’s a relaxing and educational experience for families and nature lovers.
Located just 40 minutes from Dubai, Al Qudra Lakes is a series of artificial lakes in the middle of the desert, perfect for picnics, cycling, birdwatching, or enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. Drive your rental car to Love Lake, shaped like two interlocking hearts, a favourite among couples and photographers.
You might spot swans, ducks, and desert foxes, especially early in the morning or around sunset. There are cycling tracks nearby, and you can rent bikes or bring your own. It’s a great outdoor adventure for those looking to unwind in nature without travelling far.
The Liwa Desert, located in the vast Empty Quarter (Rub al Khali), is one of the largest sand deserts in the world. It is about a three-hour drive from Abu Dhabi, but the journey is well worth it. With endless golden dunes and some of the tallest sand hills on Earth, Liwa is an ideal destination for sandboarding, dune driving, and camping beneath the stars.
Many visitors choose to drive their own car so they can stop at scenic viewpoints and explore at their own pace. For safety, it is best to use a 4x4 vehicle or park near your campsite and join a guided tour to venture deeper into the desert.
If you love flying adventures, Umm Al Quwain offers paragliding, skydiving, and microlight flights. The small emirate’s open landscapes and calm weather make it a great spot for air sports. You can drive there in just over an hour from Dubai, making it a great weekend adventure. Flying above the coastline offers spectacular views of lagoons, islands, and mangroves, a perfect combination of thrill and beauty.
For fitness and outdoor lovers, cycling in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve is both exciting and peaceful. The Al Qudra Cycling Track stretches for more than 80 kilometres and offers smooth paths surrounded by dunes and wildlife. It’s a favourite among locals and expats, especially during the cooler months. With your rental car, you can bring your own bike or rent one nearby, and stop at cafes along the route for refreshments.
For those seeking an even bigger adrenaline rush, consider skydiving over iconic spots like Palm Jumeirah. Renting a car makes it easy to reach your adventure on time and enjoy the complete experience. Learn more about this thrilling activity in Experience the Rush of Skydiving Over Palm Jumeirah.
Exploring the UAE by car is not just convenient, it’s a journey full of discovery. Here are some tips for a safe and enjoyable adventure:
When you rent a car in the UAE, you gain the flexibility to explore safely and comfortably and to stop whenever something catches your eye.
Planning your UAE adventure is easier when renting a car. Final Rentals makes the process stress-free, giving you the freedom to explore every emirate at your own pace.
Start your adventure today and book with Final Rentals to explore the country’s natural wonders your way. For helpful advice before your first rental, check out Essential Tips for First-Time Car Renters in the UAE.
From golden deserts to turquoise lakes, towering mountains to hidden oases, the UAE is filled with outdoor adventures waiting to be explored. The best way to experience them all is by renting a car in the UAE with Final Rentals, giving you the freedom to travel at your own pace. Each emirate has something unique to offer, from kayaking through mangroves and hiking mountain trails to camping under the desert stars. Pack your bags, fuel up, and set out on your journey knowing that every turn brings a discovery and every drive adds to the adventure!
