The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region has one of the best road systems in the world. It is the home to developing and thriving modern cities built with advanced technology and infrastructure. The region has many natural driving resources with a distinct and varied raw beauty. With the breathtaking views of the Hajar Mountains and the stunning dunes of the Empty Quarter, amongst many others. The driving experiences are best explored when the traveler has a good driving vehicle to handle the various driving conditions in the region. For numerous global holidaymakers, the adventure begins when they rent a car in Qatar or in a primary populace center of the UAE. With the right vehicle, they are able to visit hidden coastal views and mountain viewpoints that are not accessible via the tours arranged by tour buses. The UAE and the GCC region offer desired driving experiences that service the high-end driving enthusiasts.

1. The Ascent of Jebel Jais, Ras Al Khaimah

The drive to Jebel Jais is considered one of the best in the world due to the unique engineering used in its design. After leaving the commercial scenery of the city and transitioning into the region of the UAE’s highest mountain peak, the road becomes a series of large, rocky hairpin turns. These turns are designed for high speed, with large smooth rocks leading to the edge of the road that have been blasted away to create the road. There are many pull-outs for drivers to take in the alien landscape of the Hajar mountains and snap a photo of the expansive moonscape. In the frosty winter months, the warmer temperature of the lower elevations serves as a great place for campers looking to escape the cold. Road drivers at the start of the mountains in the sunset are given a beautiful experience. After winter, the cold daylight warms the lower elevations, and the soft rock glowing in the sunlight creates a sharp contrast to the hues of the mountains.

2. The Jebel Hafeet Mountain Road, Al Ain

In Al Ain, known as the “Garden City,” Jebel Hafeet mountain features an 11.7-kilometer climb with 60 bends. Only the best driving skills here will allow you to witness the stunning view of the desert stretching to the borders of Oman. Green Mubazzarah at the bottom of the mountain has natural hot springs that offer a vibrant contrast to the rocks of the mountain. Motor skills are required to get this great view of the desert that extends to the Omani border. At the foot of these mountains lies Green Mubazzarah, which has hot springs that contrast the rock colors of the mountains. Driving this road at night is special as the golden antique lamp posts create a long row of glowing ‘necklaces’ lit up around the mountains. This road is for those who love the combination of natural, untouched landscapes with a touch of man-made beauty.  

3. The Desert Odyssey to Liwa Oasis

The road trip from Abu Dhabi to Liwa Oasis allows you to experience the beauty of the Arabian desert. You will find the Rub’ al Khali (The Empty Quarter) desert, which is the largest sand desert in the world. The views are stunning, to say the least, with sand dunes in the southern part going from a soft pale yellow to deep ochre. Liwa is the historic oasis of the ruling families of the region. For expatriates who have prolonged car lease in Qatar or the UAE, this drive becomes the ultimate comfort and durability test of a vehicle. It serves a tranquil and meditative drive and showcases beautiful and extremely silent stretches of the desert.

4. Coastal Majesty: The Salalah-Sarfait Road, Oman

The southern part of Oman is a green paradise when the rains start. The Khareef (monsoon) season transforms the region, and the drive from Salalah to the Yemeni border at Sarfait becomes exceptional. This makes it the most beautiful drive in the whole of the GCC region. This road contains a number of dramatic “zigzag” stretches that rise up to 400 meters, enabling drivers to have a spectacular view of cliff faces that plunge into the bright turquoise waters of the Arabian Sea. Driving through the mist and light drizzle of Khareef, you will see astonishing emerald hills with cattle grazing, as well as incredible waterfalls cascading from the rocks. It is an adventure that gives you the feeling of the Scottish Highlands or the tropical coasts of Hawaii, not the heart of the Middle East, and offers an excellent escape from the summer heat.

5. Urban Elegance and Coastal Vistas in Doha

While the mountain roads may have more interesting attractions, Qatar’s urban coastal drives have their own beauty that should not be overlooked. The Doha Corniche drive offers a striking view of a modern city with the bays and a stunning sunset city reflection. For a more thrilling coastal drive, the northern route to Al Zubarah Fort provides a drive through empty, spectacular beaches and historical sites. A large number of residents have discovered that the most practical way to enjoy these local getaways is through a car rental Doha monthly package. It also allows them to upgrade to a more powerful SUV for desert trips. For example, to the “Inland Sea” (Khor Al Adaid), where the ocean meets the desert in a mind-blowing blend of geography.

Conclusion

In the GCC, the open road loves you back. From the high-altitude bare mountain curves of Ras Al Khaimah to the coastal highway curves of Oman, the variety of geographical features of the region are best experienced one drive at a time. Depending on the vehicle and timing through the golden hour, the trip can create unforgettable memories. The destination is next in importance on the list of true road trip driving. In the Middle East, the true road trip magic is experienced through the windshield.