Most visitors see one or two emirates. With a week and a car, you can see all seven — from the skyscrapers of Dubai to the oases of Al Ain, the mountains of Ras Al Khaimah and the beaches of Fujairah.
Before you go
- Season: November to March is ideal for driving and outdoor stops.
- Car: roads are excellent; a regular car is fine unless you plan dune driving.
- Driver-guide: booking a local driver-guide for some days takes the stress out of navigation and adds the stories.
Day 1–2: Dubai
Follow the first two days of our 3 days in Dubai plan: Old Dubai and the creek, then the modern skyline.
Day 3: Abu Dhabi
Drive to the capital for the Louvre, Qasr Al Watan and sunset at the Grand Mosque. Overnight in Abu Dhabi.
Day 4: Al Ain
Head inland to Al Ain for the palm oasis, forts and museums, then drive up Jebel Hafeet for sunset. Overnight in Al Ain.
Day 5: Sharjah, Ajman and Umm Al Quwain
Return north to Sharjah, the UAE’s cultural capital: the Heart of Sharjah heritage area and the Museum of Islamic Civilization. In the afternoon, continue to Ajman‘s fort museum and corniche, and on to quiet Umm Al Quwain for a mangrove kayak at sunset.
Day 6: Ras Al Khaimah
Drive up Jebel Jais, the UAE’s highest mountain, for views and a hike. In the afternoon, explore the abandoned pearling village of Al Jazirah Al Hamra and the hilltop Dhayah Fort. Overnight in RAK.
Day 7: Fujairah and the east coast
Cross the Hajar Mountains to Fujairah. Visit Al Bidya Mosque — the oldest known mosque in the UAE — snorkel at Snoopy Island and see Fujairah Fort before returning to Dubai.
Tips for the road
- Fuel stations and rest stops are frequent on main roads, but carry water on mountain drives.
- Dress modestly outside beach areas, especially in Sharjah and at heritage sites.
- Never enter wadis when rain is forecast.
