Roadtrip UAE and Oman
Roadtrip through the UAE and Oman – from Skyscrapers to Wadis
In February, Sander and Tessa decided to visit family friends living in Dubai. We flew from Schiphol with Emirates and were warmly welcomed upon arrival. The first five days were spent in this dynamic desert city, where tradition and hyper-modern architecture come together effortlessly. We explored areas like JBR, Downtown, Old Dubai, and the Marina – a varied mix of beaches, culture, and city life.
After five full days, the second part of the trip began: a road trip through the United Arab Emirates and Oman in a rental car. This became a journey full of contrasts, calm, adventure, and special encounters.
From Dubai to Abu Dhabi
The first stop was Abu Dhabi, just a 90-minute drive from Dubai. The city immediately felt different: calmer, more spacious, and less chaotic.
We visited the impressive Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque – a massive white marble mosque that feels almost serene despite the many visitors. We had read in advance that visitors now needed to wear traditional clothing, so we bought some in Dubai. Once there, we found that many visitors were also allowed in long trousers, long sleeves, and headscarves for women – so it was a bit less strict than expected.
Next on the itinerary was the Louvre Abu Dhabi. Not only was the collection worth seeing, but the architecture left a big impression. The floating dome and the play of light and shadow made it an unexpected highlight.
Finally, we walked through Heritage Village, which gives a glimpse of life before oil, with traditional houses, crafts, and views of the skyline. We stayed in a cosy Airbnb and enjoyed a quiet evening in the city.
Al Ain and crossing the border
The next morning we headed to Al Ain, an oasis town near the border with Oman. On the way, we took a detour to Al Wathba Salt Lake, a surreal white lake often featured on social media. In reality, it was a bit disappointing – a typical Instagram vs. reality moment. Perhaps we simply didn’t find the right viewpoint, as the area is very vast.
In Al Ain, we visited Al Jahili Fort, a historic building the colour of desert sand, surrounded by palm trees. Then we stopped at the camel market to experience local life. In the evening, we crossed the border into Oman and continued to Sohar, where we spent a quiet night in a small hotel.
Muscat: the white city between the mountains
The drive from Sohar to Muscat took about two and a half hours along Oman’s rocky coast. Muscat was an immediate surprise. Where Dubai and Abu Dhabi show off height and luxury, Muscat remains low and understated, with white houses and minarets against rugged mountains.
We visited Muttrah, the city’s oldest district, with its charming souk full of incense, jewellery, and fabrics. From the fort on the hill, we had views over the harbour. We also walked past the Sultan’s palace and visited the Royal Opera House.
At sunset, we drove to a viewpoint on Yiti Street, where we watched the city bathed in warm evening light, stretching between the mountains – a nearly magical moment.
Snorkelling at the Daymaniyat Islands
On our second day in Muscat, we booked a boat trip to the Daymaniyat Islands, a protected marine reserve. After a calm boat ride, we arrived at the islands, where we snorkelled among colourful fish and turtles. The clear water, sunshine, and peaceful surroundings made it one of the most relaxing days of the trip.
From Mosque to Wadi
On the last morning in Muscat, we visited the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque. Unlike the Abu Dhabi mosque, the rules here were stricter, so having bought traditional clothing was definitely useful.
After the mosque, we drove towards Sur, a city on Oman’s east coast. On the way, we made two special stops: first at Bimmah Sinkhole, a natural crater filled with turquoise water, and then Wadi Ash Shab. After a short boat ride and a long walk, we arrived at a wadi perfect for swimming – surrounded by high cliffs and tropical plants.
-> Read more about visiting wadis in Oman here.
By evening, we reached Sur, where we walked around the Al Ayjah lighthouse before checking into our Airbnb.
Through the desert to Nizwa
The next day involved a long drive through the Wahiba Sands to Nizwa. On the way, we visited Wadi Bani Khaled, a well-known wadi where women’s swimwear is limited; Tessa solved this easily with sportswear.
Nearby is Wadi Hawer, a lesser-known and wilder canyon perfect for canyoning. We coincidentally met a German couple about to depart with a guide and were invited to join. Together, we climbed, swam, and scrambled through the rugged landscape – an unexpected and adventurous experience we won’t forget.
The drive continued through the desert, past camels, goats, and endless sand plains. Having already seen the Sahara in Morocco, we chose not to plan extra desert activities and headed straight to Nizwa.
Forts, souks, and mountains
In Nizwa, we visited the famous Nizwa Fort early in the morning. It was wonderfully quiet, and the sun was low – perfect timing. After breakfast with a view at the cosy Café Athar, we wandered through the souk, still bustling with local life.
In the afternoon, we drove to Misfat Al Abriyeen, a small mountain village with narrow streets and green terraces. The atmosphere was peaceful, though the scenery was slightly less impressive than hoped. We ended the day at Jebel Shams, Oman’s highest mountain, where we stayed overnight for a sunrise hike.
Jebel Shams & Back to the coast
The next morning, we woke early for the famous Balcony Walk. This hike takes you along the edge of a deep canyon with spectacular views.
-> Read more about our experience on the Balcony Walk and our overnight stay at SAMA Al Khutaim-Heritage Home.
After the hike, we drove back to the coast, to Sohar, where we spent a quiet night to recover from all the impressions of the past few days.
Back to Dubai
A perfect mix of adventure and relaxation
This road trip was the ideal way for Sander and Tessa to see another side of the Middle East. While the UAE is all about comfort and modern cities, Oman offers impressive nature, calm, and adventure. The combination worked perfectly – especially since travelling by car made everything easy and flexible.
From glittering skylines to cascading wadi waterfalls, this trip was anything but monotonous. And although it was warm during the day, the sea and mountains provided plenty of cooling. A destination that definitely leaves you wanting more!
Let us know if you’re planning a trip to the UAE or Oman, or looking for tips – we’re happy to help!