Where to go by car in Dubai: Top attractions in Dubai for a road trip
13.10.2025
Many tourists visiting Dubai limit themselves to visiting the city center and popular areas that are easily accessible by metro. But the real gems of the UAE are hidden far from the tourist trails, best reached by car. And it is a rental car that will be your key to these amazing places.
Advantages of exploring Dubai by car
Save time and money. Taxis in Dubai are not cheap. A trip from one district to another can cost 60-80 dirhams one way. A day of active travel can add up to a considerable amount. Renting a car from BKF-auto pays for itself after just 3-4 taxi rides.
Access to hidden locations. Desert oases, mountain serpentines, secluded beaches on the east coast—all of these are inaccessible by public transport. With a rental car, you can create your own itinerary and see the real UAE.
Comfort in any weather. When it's +45°C outside, waiting for the bus becomes a challenge. In your own air-conditioned car, you're always comfortable, and the trunk allows you to take everything you need for the beach or a picnic.
Flexible plans. Enjoyed the sunset in the desert? Stay longer. Found an interesting café? Don't rush to the bus stop. With a rental car, your schedule is up to you.
Top city attractions for road trips
Each district of Dubai has its own unique atmosphere and architecture. We have compiled a list of the most striking locations that are definitely worth seeing when traveling by car.
Burj Khalifa
Burj Khalifa is a veritable vertical city. Inside the building, there are offices, restaurants, the Armani Hotel, and observation decks on several floors. The upper floors offer incredible views of the entire Emirate, the desert, and the Persian Gulf.
The tower is especially impressive in the evening when the LED lighting is turned on. Every evening, there is a light show on the facade, which is best viewed from the fountain square.
Parking at the world's tallest building is paid – about 20 dirhams for the first 4 hours. Arrive before 10 a.m. to be sure to find a spot.
Advice from our customers:park at Dubai Mall and walk to the tower – it's cheaper and more convenient.
Dubai Marina
Dubai Marina is home to more than 200 skyscrapers that are reflected in the waters of the canal, creating a fantastic landscape.
The 3.5 km Marina Walk promenade stretches along the entire marina, with restaurants, cafes, and shops. Here you can take a water taxi, rent a yacht, or simply stroll around admiring the architecture. In the evening, the buildings are illuminated.
Be sure to go up to one of the observation decks in the skyscrapers or visit a restaurant on the top floor with panoramic views.
Practical information:You can drive along the entire length of Marina Walk, admiring the skyscrapers and yachts. Parking is available at the Marina Mall and Dubai Marina Mall shopping centers.
Life hack:After 10 p.m., many parking lots in Dubai become free.
Palm Jumeirah
Jumeirah is an artificial island shaped like a palm tree, which can even be seen from space. The “leaves” of the palm tree are home to luxurious villas costing between $2 million and $20 million. Celebrities, businesspeople, and sheikhs live here. At the top is the Atlantis hotel with a water park, dolphinarium, and underwater restaurant. Driving along the Palm, you will see private beaches, yacht marinas, golf courses, and world-class spas.
Important:GPS can sometimes get confused in Palma due to the complex road network. Keep an offline map handy.
Burj Al Arab
This seven-star, sail-shaped hotel is a true symbol of Dubai luxury. The building stands 321 meters tall and stands on an artificial island 280 meters from the shore.
The rooftop helipad regularly hosts incredible events, from tennis matches to advertising shoots for global brands.
Practical information: The famous "sail" is best photographed from Jumeirah Beach or the observation deck at Souk Madinat Jumeirah. Access to the hotel grounds is restricted without a reservation, but the beautiful views are accessible to everyone.
Dubai Mall
The world's largest shopping mall by floor area, covering 1.2 million square meters, boasts over 1,000 stores, 200 restaurants and cafes, an Olympic-sized ice rink, a cinema, and a giant aquarium filled with sharks and rays.
The Dubai Aquarium is home to over 30,000 marine creatures, including sand tiger sharks and stingrays. You can walk through a 48-meter tunnel or go diving right inside the aquarium.
Practical information: A huge parking lot with 14,000 spaces. There are free and paid parking zones. In the paid zones, parking is free for the first four hours, making it convenient for visiting the mall and fountains.
Singing fountains
The fountain complex is 275 meters long. Jets of water rise up to 150 meters to music ranging from classical to contemporary.
Each show is unique – the fountains dance to different melodies, shimmering in a variety of colors. The show looks especially beautiful against the backdrop of the illuminated Burj Khalifa.
The best places to watch are the Dubai Mall terrace, the Souk Al Bahar promenade, or one of the restaurants overlooking the fountains.
Practical information: Shows every 30 minutes from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM. After the show, get to your car quickly – traffic jams are guaranteed.
Scenic routes outside the city
The true beauty of the UAE unfolds beyond the metropolis. Here, deserts with golden dunes, mountain roads with breathtaking views, and the beaches of the east coast await you. Most of the Emirates' routes are inaccessible by public transport, making a car the only way to truly experience the United Arab Emirates.
Trip to the Al-Marmorum Desert
Distance: 65 km from Dubai Travel time: 1 hour
The paved road reaches almost to the dunes. You can drive a regular car to the edge of the desert and enjoy the views. For driving through the dunes, you'll need an SUV—we have those in our fleet.
Tip: The best time to visit is an hour before sunset. The sand temperature drops and the colors become incredibly beautiful.
Mount Jebel Hafeet
Distance: 150 km from Dubai Travel time: 2 hours
A UAE mountain with a stunning serpentine road. At the top, there's a viewing platform overlooking the Al Ain oasis. The road is excellent, and any vehicle is suitable.
Important: Fill up in Dubai, as the next gas station is in Al Ain.
East Coast: Fujairah and Khor Fakkan
Distance: 120 km to Fujairah Travel time: 1.5-2 hours
One of the most beautiful routes in the UAE, the road winds through the Hajar Mountains, offering stunning views. In Fujairah, you can swim in the Indian Ocean, and in Khor Fakkan, you can see the country's most beautiful bay.
Northern Emirates: Ras al-Khaimah and Umm al-Quwain
Distance: 100 km to Ras Al Khaimah Travel time: 1.5 hours
Less touristy emirates with an authentic atmosphere. In Ras Al Khaimah, be sure to climb Jebel Jais, the highest point in the UAE. The road is winding, but very beautiful!
Tips for road travelers
Traveling by car in the UAE has its own unique challenges, from gas station specifics to parking regulations in downtown Dubai.
Gas stations and services
Gas stations cover the entire country, are open 24/7, and accept both cards and cash. A liter of gasoline costs about 2.5 dirhams—much cheaper than in Russia or Europe.
On long trips, fill up whenever possible. Between the emirates, distances between gas stations can range from 80 to 100 km.
Road navigation
Google Maps works perfectly, but be sure to download offline maps of the UAE. Connection can be poor in the mountains and deserts. All signs are in English.
There are many speed cameras, and fines are automatically deducted from your deposit. Observe the speed limits – they are always clearly marked on the signs.
Frequently Asked Questions
BKF-auto offers convenient car pickup options both at the airport and in the city center.
Basic insurance is included in the rental price at BKF-auto.
GPS works everywhere thanks to satellites. Mobile phone reception can be limited in remote desert and mountain areas. It's always best to download offline maps before your trip.
The roads are paved and the desert edge is easy to reach. The dunes are accessible only by four-wheel-drive vehicles.
Of course! All BKF-auto vehicles are insured for travel throughout the UAE. There are no borders between the emirates, so travel freely.
Gas stations are available in all emirates and on major highways. In mountainous regions and the desert, there are fewer, so it's best to fill up whenever possible.
Of course! We'll help with the paperwork and pick up your car right at the airport parking lot. You can book on our website or by phone.
Conclusion
A rental car in Dubai means freedom and comfort on your journey. Don't limit yourself to the standard tourist routes. Grab your car keys and explore new places in the United Arab Emirates.