The UAE has traditionally been explored one emirate at a time. Dubai for the skyscrapers, Abu Dhabi for its cultural landmarks, Ras Al Khaimah for the mountains and Fujairah for the east coast.
That is changing with the launch of the UAE Grand Tour in September 2026.
The new national tourism platform brings together multi-emirate itineraries designed to encourage visitors to experience the UAE as one connected destination. The platform includes journeys covering the country’s seven emirates, with different themes ranging from adventure and nature to culture, wellness and family travel.
For travellers who prefer flexibility, planning a UAE Grand Tour by car can be an interesting alternative to staying in one city or following a fixed group itinerary.
You can choose where to stop, how long to spend at each destination and what type of vehicle suits your journey.
Here is how to plan a multi-emirate UAE road trip in 2026.
What Is the UAE Grand Tour?
The UAE Grand Tour is a new national tourism platform launched in September 2026.
Its concept is built around connecting destinations across the UAE rather than treating each emirate as a separate holiday.
The official platform currently presents seven curated journeys, including:
- Grand Classic.
- Grand Adventure.
- Grand Eco Friendly.
- Grand Wellness.
- Grand Family.
- Grand Culture & Heritage.
- Grand Beach.
The journeys cover combinations of Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah and Al Ain, depending on the selected itinerary. Some routes cover all seven emirates, while others focus on particular regions and themes.
The UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism says the platform offers itineraries of up to 14 days and is designed to encourage visitors to explore more than one emirate and extend their stay.
Can You Do the UAE Grand Tour by Rental Car?
Yes, travellers can use the Grand Tour concept as inspiration for a self-drive holiday.
The official platform provides curated routes and experiences, but a traveller planning an independent road trip can create a similar multi-emirate journey around their own schedule.
This gives you more flexibility over:
- Departure times.
- Hotel selection.
- Stops along the route.
- Restaurants.
- Attractions.
- Photography locations.
- Number of nights in each emirate.
- Vehicle type.
A self-drive trip can be particularly useful for visitors who want to combine Dubai with mountain, desert and coastal destinations.
Why Explore the UAE by Car?
The UAE is relatively compact compared with many countries, while its landscapes and attractions vary significantly between emirates.
A single road trip can take you from Dubai’s modern skyline to Sharjah’s cultural attractions, the mountains of Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah, the coastline of Ajman and Umm Al Quwain, and the cultural and architectural attractions of Abu Dhabi.
The road network also makes inter-emirate travel practical. Visit Dubai notes that the UAE’s highway network connects Dubai with the other emirates, with routes such as E11, E311 and E611 providing major connections.
For travellers who want to see more than Dubai, renting a car can therefore provide additional flexibility.
UAE Grand Tour: Seven Emirates to Explore
A seven-emirate road trip does not mean spending the same amount of time in every emirate.
Each destination offers something different.
1. Dubai
Dubai is a natural starting point for many international visitors.
You can begin with the city’s major attractions before heading to other emirates.
Potential stops include:
- Downtown Dubai.
- Burj Khalifa.
- Dubai Creek.
- Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood.
- Palm Jumeirah.
- Dubai Marina.
- Museum of the Future.
- Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve.
Dubai is also a practical starting point for a rental car because international visitors commonly arrive through Dubai International Airport.
If you want to start your trip immediately after landing, consider an airport car rental in Dubai.
2. Sharjah
Sharjah offers a different atmosphere from central Dubai, with a stronger emphasis on heritage, museums, art and cultural attractions.
Depending on your route, you could explore:
- Heart of Sharjah.
- Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization.
- Al Noor Island.
- Mleiha.
- Khor Fakkan.
Sharjah also provides a convenient connection toward the east coast.
3. Ajman
Ajman is the smallest emirate by area and can be included as a shorter stop on a multi-emirate itinerary.
The emirate combines beaches, heritage sites and a quieter coastal atmosphere.
Possible stops include:
- Ajman Corniche.
- Ajman Museum.
- Al Zorah.
- Al Zorah Nature Reserve.
The Grand Tour’s eco and wellness itineraries also incorporate Ajman destinations such as Al Zorah.
4. Umm Al Quwain
Umm Al Quwain can provide a more relaxed contrast to Dubai.
Its coastal environment and natural areas make it suitable for travellers interested in nature and outdoor experiences.
Rather than treating every emirate as a full-day destination, you can include Umm Al Quwain as part of a northern UAE route.
5. Ras Al Khaimah
Ras Al Khaimah is particularly interesting for travellers who want mountains and outdoor activities.
Jebel Jais is one of the major attractions in the emirate.
The northern emirate can fit naturally into an itinerary that combines:
- Mountains.
- Desert.
- Adventure activities.
- Beaches.
- Resorts.
The UAE Grand Tour’s adventure-focused itinerary includes Ras Al Khaimah as part of a broader multi-emirate route.
6. Fujairah
Fujairah offers something different again: the UAE’s east coast and the Hajar Mountains.
The journey from Dubai toward Fujairah can be particularly appealing for drivers who enjoy changing landscapes.
Potential stops include:
- Fujairah Fort.
- Al Aqah Beach.
- Dibba.
- Snoopy Island.
- Hajar Mountain areas.
If your itinerary includes Fujairah, allow additional time rather than treating the journey purely as a transfer between cities.
7. Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi can provide the cultural and architectural conclusion to a UAE Grand Tour.
Depending on your interests, you could visit:
- Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
- Louvre Abu Dhabi.
- Qasr Al Watan.
- Yas Island.
- Saadiyat Island.
- Abu Dhabi Corniche.
The official Grand Tour routes include Abu Dhabi in several of the curated journeys.
How Long Do You Need for a UAE Grand Tour?
There is no single correct duration.
The official UAE Grand Tour currently offers journeys ranging from eight days to around 12 days, with some itineraries covering all seven emirates.
For an independent self-drive trip, a practical structure could be:
5–6 days
Suitable for travellers who want to combine Dubai with a few major destinations.
Example:
Dubai → Sharjah → Ras Al Khaimah → Fujairah → Abu Dhabi → Dubai
This is relatively fast-paced.
7–9 days
A better option if you want to include more stops without constantly moving between hotels.
You can spend more time in Dubai and Abu Dhabi while adding northern and eastern emirates.
10–14 days
This gives you substantially more flexibility.
You can spend several nights in Dubai, explore the northern emirates at a slower pace and include mountain, desert, beach and cultural experiences.
It also comes closer to the duration of the official Grand Tour concept, which includes multi-day itineraries of up to 14 days.
What Type of Car Is Best for a UAE Grand Tour?
Your vehicle choice should depend on the type of trip rather than simply choosing the most expensive car available.
SUV
For families or groups carrying luggage, an SUV can be particularly practical.
You get additional luggage capacity, passenger space and a higher driving position.
If your itinerary includes multiple emirates and long highway journeys, browse the SUV rental options in Dubai.
Luxury car
A luxury vehicle can make sense if the road trip is part of a premium holiday.
You may spend several hours on the road between destinations, making comfort an important consideration.
You can explore luxury car rental options in Dubai for a more premium road-trip experience.
Sports car
A sports car can be appealing for drivers who specifically want to enjoy the driving experience.
However, consider luggage space and the number of passengers before choosing one for a multi-day trip.
Explore the sports car rental options in Dubai if performance is an important part of your trip.
Supercar
A supercar is generally more about the experience than practicality.
It can be suitable for a short section of your holiday or a special driving experience, but travellers should consider fuel consumption, luggage capacity and comfort for longer journeys.
If the driving experience itself is a major part of your Dubai holiday, see the supercar rental options in Dubai.
Example UAE Grand Tour Road Trip Itinerary
If you want to create your own self-drive version, the following is one possible structure.
Days 1–2: Dubai
Start in Dubai.
Use the first two days for major attractions and give yourself time to recover from your flight.
Day 3: Dubai → Sharjah → Ajman
Leave Dubai and explore Sharjah’s cultural attractions before continuing toward Ajman.
Depending on your interests, you can stay overnight in Ajman or continue north.
Day 4: Ras Al Khaimah
Head toward Ras Al Khaimah.
Spend the day exploring the mountains or other outdoor attractions.
Day 5: Fujairah
Drive across toward Fujairah and spend time on the east coast.
This is one of the most visually different sections of the trip.
Day 6: Fujairah → Umm Al Quwain
Depending on your route, you can return through the northern emirates and spend time around the coast.
Days 7–8: Abu Dhabi
Continue south toward Abu Dhabi.
Spend at least one full day exploring the city’s major attractions.
Day 9: Abu Dhabi → Dubai
Return to Dubai for your final night before departure.
This is only an example. Your actual route should depend on your accommodation, interests, travel dates and the amount of driving you want to do each day.
What Should You Check Before Starting?
A multi-emirate road trip requires more preparation than driving around one city.
Check your rental agreement
Before collecting the vehicle, understand:
- Mileage allowance.
- Fuel policy.
- Insurance coverage.
- Deposit requirements.
- Salik arrangements.
- Additional driver conditions.
- Vehicle return requirements.
Plan your fuel stops
Do not wait until the fuel gauge is nearly empty, particularly when travelling through less familiar areas.
Your expected fuel consumption will also depend on the vehicle.
A large SUV and a high-performance car can use substantially more fuel than a smaller vehicle.
Check the route before leaving
Navigation apps are useful, but don’t rely solely on the estimated arrival time.
Allow extra time for:
- Traffic.
- Rest stops.
- Photography.
- Meals.
- Attractions.
- Unexpected delays.
Check border requirements
If your itinerary includes crossing into Oman, this is a different situation from travelling between the UAE’s seven emirates.
Check the rental company’s permission and applicable insurance, vehicle and border requirements before planning an international border crossing.
Do not assume that a UAE rental vehicle can automatically be taken into another country.
How Much Does a UAE Grand Tour by Car Cost?
There is no single cost because your budget depends on several variables.
Your main expenses may include:
Rental car + accommodation + fuel + Salik + parking + food + attractions
The vehicle can have a noticeable impact on the total.
A multi-day SUV rental will have a different cost profile from a luxury car or supercar.
Fuel also depends on the distance travelled and vehicle consumption.
For longer stays, comparing rental periods can be useful. If you are spending several weeks in the UAE, review the monthly car rental options in Dubai.
For approximately one week, you can also compare weekly car rental options in Dubai.
Is the UAE Grand Tour Suitable for First-Time Visitors?
It can be, but first-time visitors should avoid trying to see everything in a short period.
Dubai and Abu Dhabi alone offer enough attractions to fill several days.
Adding six other emirates can create a very fast-paced itinerary if you only have a few days.
A better approach is to decide what type of experience you want.
For example:
- Culture: Dubai → Sharjah → Abu Dhabi.
- Mountains: Dubai → Ras Al Khaimah → Fujairah.
- Beaches: Dubai → Ajman → Ras Al Khaimah → Fujairah → Abu Dhabi.
- Family: Dubai → Sharjah → Ras Al Khaimah → Abu Dhabi.
- Full UAE experience: combine destinations across all seven emirates over a longer trip.
The official Grand Tour itself follows this idea by organising journeys around themes rather than simply providing one generic route.
Best Time for a UAE Grand Tour
The cooler months are generally more comfortable for extensive outdoor travel.
This becomes particularly relevant when your itinerary includes mountain areas, desert activities and outdoor attractions.
October can be a useful transition period, while the winter months generally provide more comfortable conditions for spending extended periods outdoors.
If you are planning a long self-drive holiday, check the weather forecast before each major leg of the journey.
UAE Grand Tour vs Traditional Dubai Holiday
A traditional Dubai holiday might involve staying in one hotel and taking taxis, tours or public transport.
A Grand Tour-style holiday is different.
| Traditional Dubai holiday | UAE Grand Tour-style trip |
|---|---|
| Mainly one emirate | Multiple emirates |
| Fewer hotel changes | More destinations |
| Shorter daily drives | Longer road journeys |
| City-focused | City, mountains, coast and desert |
| Easier to plan | Requires more planning |
| Less luggage movement | More luggage transfers |
Neither approach is necessarily better for every traveller.
The right choice depends on how much of the UAE you want to experience and how comfortable you are with driving between destinations.
Final Tips for a UAE Grand Tour by Car
Before starting your journey, keep these points in mind:
- Don’t overpack the itinerary. Driving between destinations takes time.
- Choose your rental car based on your actual needs.
- Allow additional time for traffic and sightseeing.
- Check your rental agreement before leaving Dubai.
- Budget for fuel, Salik and parking separately.
- Book accommodation in advance during busy travel periods.
- Keep your driving licence and rental documents accessible.
- Check weather conditions before mountain or desert routes.
- Do not assume your rental vehicle can cross an international border.
- Leave enough time at the end of the trip to return the vehicle comfortably.
Frequently Asked Questions
🏜️ What is the UAE Grand Tour 2026?
The UAE Grand Tour is a national tourism platform launched in September 2026 that offers multi-emirate itineraries across the UAE. It includes themed journeys covering destinations across the seven emirates.
🚗 Can I do the UAE Grand Tour by car?
Yes. The official Grand Tour provides curated itineraries, while independent travellers can use the routes and destinations as inspiration for a self-drive UAE road trip.
📅 How many days do you need for a UAE Grand Tour?
The official itineraries range from approximately eight to 12 days, with routes extending across multiple emirates. Independent travellers can create shorter or longer trips depending on their schedule.
🗺️ Does the UAE Grand Tour cover all seven emirates?
Some of the official journeys cover all seven emirates, while others focus on particular destinations and themes. The Grand Classic and Grand Adventure, for example, include Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Abu Dhabi and Al Ain.
🚙 What is the best car for a UAE road trip?
It depends on your group size, luggage, driving distance and preferred experience. SUVs are practical for families and longer journeys, while luxury and performance cars can suit travellers prioritising comfort or driving enjoyment.
🛣️ Can I rent a car in Dubai and drive to Abu Dhabi?
Yes, UAE inter-emirate travel by road is common. Dubai’s highway network connects with Abu Dhabi and the other emirates.
🛂 Can I take a Dubai rental car to Oman?
Do not assume that you can. International border travel requires checking the rental company’s permission, insurance and applicable requirements before departure.
💰 Is a UAE road trip expensive?
The total cost depends on your rental vehicle, accommodation, fuel consumption, distance, parking, Salik, food and attractions. Planning these costs together gives you a more realistic budget.
Conclusion
The launch of the UAE Grand Tour in 2026 gives travellers a new way to think about exploring the country.
Instead of treating Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah and the other emirates as completely separate destinations, you can combine them into one extended journey.
For travellers who value flexibility, a self-drive itinerary can provide the freedom to choose your own vehicle, route, stops and schedule.
Whether you choose an SUV for practicality, a luxury vehicle for comfort or a performance car for the driving experience, the most important step is matching the vehicle and itinerary to the type of trip you actually want.
With thoughtful planning, a UAE Grand Tour by car can turn a conventional Dubai holiday into a much broader journey across the country’s cities, coastline, mountains, desert and cultural destinations.
