The United Arab Emirates are hugely demanded by tourists in 2023. Dozens of millions of visitors come to the country every year to explore its rich assortment of attractions. There are many approaches one can take to perform this exploration, but the absolute best option to truly experience Dubai and the other emirates of the UAE is to travel by car. The infrastructure of the country is perfect for car lovers: they will find anything they might be interested in here. The United Arab Emirates is full of beautiful beaches and resorts, amazing architectural achievements, thrilling cultural events, rich shopping venues, stunning natural attractions, and joyful entertainment areas. Dubai is a great starting point for any adventure, as it is easy to take a ride to one of the neighboring emirates from here. Being able to plan your own route is another massive advantage of renting a car in Dubai or getting around with your own vehicle.
Many visitors to the UAE come to the country to experience its rich resorts, and it is hard to blame them. The country is known all around the world for having some of the world’s most beautiful sandy beaches and some of the most luxurious hotels. Car lovers will be pleased to discover they can reach all of them in their vehicles. Whether it is a one-day trip to the beach or a hotel stay for a couple of nights, it is all possible in Dubai and other emirates of the UAE.
The first destination on the list is perfect for a one-day visit. The famous La Mer beach is a great place for everyone who likes active vacations on the shore: it’s never quiet here. Children can visit the playgrounds that are installed throughout the area, while adults will be able to participate in various water sports or visit local spa centers. Expectedly, the place is also rich with food venues. The location of La Mer beach is also great, as it is very close to other destinations the visitors of the country might be interested in. Those who are not planning to spend the entire day on the shore will be able to plan a route with many interesting stops aside from La Mer.
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While the previous destination is a rather traditional beach area, Bab Al Shams is a much more unusual place to visit. On the inside, it has all the attributes of a classic resort in the UAE: there are hotels, pools, spa centers, restaurants, bars, and other venues. But what makes it truly special is its location: as its name implies, Bab Al Shams is situated where the desert begins. The contrast of developed infrastructure and raw nature that is located right next to it is absolutely stunning and makes the place worth visiting. But in order to truly experience it, the visitors should take a tour of the desert itself from one of the local guides. Sitting on a camel in the middle of the desert five minutes after drinking a cocktail in a modern bar is a very unusual feeling. Bab Al Shams is also a resort for active people, as there is always something going on here. There are concerts and other spectacular events hosted here all the time, and it is possible to check the schedule in advance. For some tourists, it is enough to spend a couple of hours at Bab Al Shams, while others are hypnotized by this unique place and stay for several days. In any case, the resort is not too far away from Dubai, so the duration of stay is entirely up to the visitors. Reaching Bab Al Shams by car is easy and the ride won’t usually take longer than 20 minutes.
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Moving back to more traditional areas for having a beach vacation, it is impossible to ignore the Atlantis resort. Situated on the recognizable palm island, this particular resort is known all around the world for the density of leisure and entertainment activities available here. Even though it is located in the remote part of the palm, it is still easy to reach the shore from here, especially by car. In contrast to the previously described destinations, Atlantis Resort is a much more suitable place for a longer stay. Thanks to its convenient location, it won’t be an issue for tourists to visit the majority of Dubai’s attractions from here. Heading out in the morning to enjoy the impressive architectural achievements or enlightening museums of Dubai and returning in the evening is actually a common practice among the visitors of this resort. The best point about Atlantis is that it is also a great place to stay at. Those who love having a lazy stay near the sea can never even leave the palm island and have a perfect vacation in this resort. It is equipped with all the necessary infrastructure that includes all sorts of water sports, exquisite food venues, and even some amusement areas.
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Speaking of the Atlantis Resort, it is impossible to ignore the elephant in the room – the Palm Jumeirah Island it is situated on. The artificial island has already become one of the main symbols of Dubai, and the visitors of the country should not miss out on enjoying this unique place. For car lovers, the Palm Jumeirah Island will be comfortable to reach. They will be able to use it as a drive-through destination and as a base for all further adventures. But even though some tourists prefer visiting the island for one day, this period of time is only enough to try out a small portion of the experiences the place has to offer. Much like the famous La Mer beach, The Palm Jumeirah is almost universally appealing to all groups of tourists, as everyone will be able to find a suitable activity for themselves here. The place boasts beaches and entertainment areas, shopping venues and restaurants, water sports, and walking areas. For car lovers who wish to use the palm island as the starting point for their trips around Dubai and its neighboring emirates, it is recommended to choose hotels in the southern part of the palm. Some of them are specifically designed to make the life of a vehicle owner perfect, and the location obviously enables the visitors to reach the mainland faster.
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Madinat Jumeirah Resort is the last location worth mentioning in this category, but it is definitely not the least. There are several reasons numerous tourists choose it as the starting point for their adventures in the United Arab Emirates, and perhaps the main of them is the location of this resort. It is situated between the Palm Jumeirah Island and the city center, making it easy for the travelers to reach the majority of Dubai’s attractions from here. Of course, the resort is well-equipped with all the required infrastructure for vehicle owners, otherwise, it would not be on the list. There are multiple parking areas on the territory of the resort, and many hotels in Madinat Jumeirah have their own private parking lots for their guests. Expectedly, the place offers all the leisure and entertainment activities you would expect from a popular resort in Dubai. There are numerous shopping areas, pools, spa centers, restaurants, and other venues scattered around Madinat Jumeirah. But what makes the place stand out from the crowd of other resorts in the United Arab Emirates is its architecture. Everything in this resort makes it look like an ancient fortress, creating a unique atmosphere for the guests. Just like with the previous resorts mentioned today, Madinat Jumeirah is great for both short visits and long stays. For those who have already experienced the traditional resort activities of Dubai, it would be enough to visit the place for one day. At the same time, those who are coming to the United Arab Emirates for the first time would not leave disappointed if they choose to stay at Madinat Jumeirah.
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The resorts of Dubai and its neighboring emirates are legendary, but they are definitely not the most iconic attractions of the country. The United Arab Emirates is well-known for its unique architectural experiments and record-setting buildings. Some of them are recognized all around the world and are absolute must-see attractions, while the others are less trending but still worth visiting. Additionally, Dubai has a variety of expositions and other cultural events available to its visitors. Those who are eager to learn more about the country’s culture will also be able to explore a variety of museums and historical architectural sites. Even though some of the most demanded attractions are situated in Dubai, some remote places that can only be reached by car are also worth exploring.
It is impossible not to start the list of cultural and architectural sites of Dubai with its most recognizable building. Burj Khalifa has set a world record by becoming the tallest skyscraper with the largest number of stories, and it holds this title to this day. Simply looking at it is enough to understand the significance of this achievement of humanity: its unique design that allows the winds to pass through the building leaves a very strong impression. For most visitors, it is enough just to enjoy the view of Burj Khalifa, but for those who wish to fully explore it, there is such an opportunity. There are tours that will guide you through the famous skyscraper and allow you to learn it from the inside and enjoy the breathtaking views of the highest floors on one of the observation platforms that are available in the building. The skyscraper has its own ecosystem with offices, shopping areas, restaurants, and even hotels, making exploring it from the inside especially interesting. Vehicle owners and those who decide to rent a car in Dubai will be able to comfortably visit Burj Khalifa, as there are multiple parking areas available nearby. Tourists who are planning a short visit to the famous skyscraper will be able to reach other attractions within the same day, as it is not located in a remote part of the city.
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The next attraction on the list is also an architectural site. Emirates Towers are less well-known than Burj Khalifa, although the attraction is also rather impressive. These huge skyscrapers are situated in one of the most desired districts in Dubai, so it will be possible to see them while exploring other attractions along Sheikh Zayed Road. Those who will want to explore the buildings on the inside will also have such an opportunity. It is possible to take a tour, visit one of the restaurants that operate on its territory, or stay in the luxury Jumeirah Emirates Towers hotel. Needless to say, most tourists come to Emirates Towers to admire the fascinating view of Dubai that is available from its highest stories. Whether you will decide to view Emirates Towers from the street or enter one of the buildings, it will be comfortable to do so with a car. There are multiple parking areas inside and right next to the skyscrapers, making it possible to leave the vehicle for the duration of the tour. Moreover, there are many other interesting places to visit in close proximity to the towers, so leaving your vehicle there will be especially convenient.
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After exploring the well-known skyscrapers of Dubai, the visitors of the emirate can take a break from the hot weather in Ski Dubai. This unique place is a skiing resort located right in the desert city, and it is not a typing mistake. Ski Dubai is located indoors, which allows it to artificially create a winter setting and enable visitors to enjoy skiing or snowboarding. Even though it is far from being a huge mountain skiing resort, the place offers the basic winter sports experience, which is still quite impressive for an indoor complex in Dubai. Ski Dubai operates on the territory of the Mall of the Emirates, making the place very easy to access. Car lovers will be able to use the huge parking lots of the mall, and it won’t be necessary to bring any equipment with you: skis and snowboards can be rented inside. The mall itself has a great location, enabling the guests of Dubai to quickly get there from other areas of the city. Aside from winter sports, the place also holds regular events and shows. Tourists who might be interested in visiting them should check the event calendar in advance in order not to miss out on amazing performances they could attend at Ski Dubai.
The next attraction stands out from the other entries to the list, as it is quite a unique exhibition. Global Village is essentially a large amusement park with replicas of architectural symbols from countries from all across the globe. Walking around the park enables its visitors to briefly experience various cultures of other countries. Expectedly, each area of Global Village has numerous souvenir shops with all sorts of memorabilia available for purchase. The park also has a rich program of events and shows that are regularly hosted on its territory. The variety and diversity of these concerts and exhibitions are impressive, but it perfectly matches the philosophy of the park: it unites the cultures of different countries in one place. In case you wish to visit one of the shows, it is recommended to check the event calendar on the official website of Global Village in advance. In some cases, it is valuable to reschedule your trip to a different day in order not to miss an interesting event. The park is situated relatively far from the city center, so the best option to get there is to use a car. Thankfully, there are multiple spacious parking lots and a gas station available there, so car lovers won’t have an issue traveling to Global Village. On average, it takes around half an hour to drive to this park from the city center.
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The attractions that were covered previously on this list are rather mainstream, but if you’re looking for something that is only starting to become popular among the guests of the UAE, you should consider visiting Dubai Frame. This unusual-looking structure is one of the freshly built attractions. Much like Burj Khalifa, it combines interesting architectural solutions with the luxurious style of Dubai. Just like with other architectural sights, it is possible to either enjoy the huge frame from a distance or get inside to discover what it has to offer. Tourists who decide to go with the latter option will find themselves in a rather peculiar place. Dubai Frame has several museums and exhibitions hosted in it, multiple elegant restaurants, a couple of platforms with breathtaking views, and a variety of other venues open for visitors. As always, everything here is designed to make the trip comfortable for car lovers. There are multiple parking lots available nearby, so travelers won’t have to worry about finding a spot to leave their vehicle on. The location is also very convenient, as it is only a ten-minute drive from the city center. The unique position and structure of Dubai Frame allow it to offer views of both the historical districts of the city and the modern parts of Dubai.
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The next attraction on the list is a must-see place for those who enjoy expanding their horizons. Dubai Expo is the general name of the complex that hosts a wide variety of cultural and educational meetings, exhibitions, and other events. The complex operates all year round, so no matter when you visit the United Arab Emirates, something interesting will surely be going on at the Dubai Expo. The diversity of events hosted here is truly impressive, so it is a generally bad idea to come to the complex blindly. The place has an official website, where visitors can discover the schedule of upcoming events and meetings in order to plan their trips and make sure they will visit exactly what they are interested in. The best point about the complex is its universally appealing location: it is situated next to the Dubai Investments Park and is close to some other interesting attractions. Those who only wish to visit a short meeting at the Dubai Expo will have enough time to reach other destinations within the same day, while people who decide to spend more time exploring the complex will be able to reach it quickly. Of course, the complex is equipped with a large parking lot for all the attendants.
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The next attraction on the list is a small district in the historical part of the town. Bastakiya Quarter is a rather small place, but it does not diminish its cultural value. It is essentially a historical neighborhood that does not have any particular and especially notable attractions inside of it. Instead, it simply recreates the setting of Dubai as it was hundreds of years ago, which also has its preciousness in it. The neighborhood is home to several museums, but visitors should not expect any life-changing discoveries there. It is just a well-preserved neighborhood without a particularly rich history, but many tourists still give positive feedback about it. After walking around the Bastakiya Quarter, it is possible to visit many other attractions thanks to the convenient location of the neighborhood. Car lovers will be able to leave their vehicles right next to the Bastakiya Quarter, go for a walk there, and perhaps visit one of the restaurants on the territory of the neighborhood before getting back on the road. It is definitely worth it to plan some other activities for the day, as a couple of hours would be more than enough to explore the Bastakiya Quarter.
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After exploring the cultural depths of Dubai, some tourists might need a break to spend some time with nature. Thankfully, there is such an opportunity right within the city. Miracle Garden is essentially a large park filled with colorful flowers and unusual plants. The name of the park was chosen for a reason: the colors are truly miraculous. In total, there are more than one hundred million flowers planted and cared for on the territory of the park. And they are not simply growing there: the park is famous for its sculptures and installations made entirely out of plants. The beauty of Miracle Garden is hard to describe on paper, and the photos make it look like a very surreal place, which it definitely is. Aside from its rich vegetation, the park offers several other unique installations. For instance, there is a butterfly dome with thousands of beautiful creatures in there. Just like all the other attractions mentioned on this list, Miracle Garden is equipped with a large parking lot, making it a comfortable destination for automobilists. The drive to the park from the famous Palm Jumeirah Island takes only 15 minutes, implying the location is convenient for visiting other attractions of Dubai. True car enthusiasts will have enough time to visit the Dubai Autodrome which is located right next to Miracle Garden and will be covered further on this list.
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Moving back to the architectural attractions of Dubai, the Meydan Bridge is another interesting site to visit. This bridge has a length of almost half a kilometer, and you can travel across it on foot or by car. However, to really admire the beauty of this structure, it is better to view it from the side. Thankfully, there are multiple pedestrian areas around it, making it comfortable to visit this attraction. An even better idea would be to visit the Meydan Bridge in the evening, as the staff turns on the illumination as soon as it gets dark, dramatically transforming the looks of the structure. Or, in case you prefer avoiding large crowds of tourists, you can visit the bridge early in the morning: you won’t encounter many other travelers then. Traditionally for this list, the attraction can be easily reached by car. As mentioned, it is possible to cross the bridge in your vehicle, but you can also drive past it, enjoying the view from the side. Some tourists like going to Meydan Bridge for the view of the city, but those who are planning to explore other attractions from this list will easily find places with better views of Dubai.
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While some of the previous destinations on the list could be reached by public transport or in some cases on foot, Al Madam Ghost Town can only be visited in a private vehicle or with a tour. The location is rather remote, as it takes around an hour to drive to this place from Dubai. Even though it is quite a long ride, it turns out to be worth it for most visitors to this unusual attraction. Al Madam Ghost Town is essentially a village on a desert outskirts. Its residents left it a while ago, leaving their homes and some of their belongings untouched. The site is truly unique, as it shows the dominance of nature over human-built structures. Thankfully, it is not yet a threat to Dubai, as it has the infrastructure and care protecting it from the desert’s onslaught. Another benefit of visiting Al Madam is that the travelers will be able to discover how people live farther from the modern metropolis. As mentioned, the village is small, so the trip won’t consume the entire day. In case you decide to travel to the Ghost Town, make sure to plan some other destinations on the way there or on the way back.
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Another attraction that fans of art and culture should definitely visit is the famous Louvre in Abu Dhabi. Even though it is not situated in Dubai, the neighboring emirate can be conveniently visited by car: the ride will take slightly longer than an hour. There are numerous roadside cafes and gas stations on the way, so the trip will definitely be comfortable. Of course, the museum has a spacious parking area available for its visitors. The architecture of this attraction is very impressive. The main building is surrounded by water making it look like it floats on it. The interiors also have some interesting architectural and engineering solutions that create a unique atmosphere inside the museum. Of course, it is not reasonable to expect the museum to offer exhibitions that could be compared to the ones of the original Louvre, but it is still one of the richest museums in the United Arab Emirates. The exhibitions are rather diverse, enabling the guests to explore a wide variety of cultures. For instance, there are multiple sections with paintings by internationally famous artists like Van Gogh or Claud Monet. There are also sections with ancient exhibitions with thousands of showpieces. The museum does not have really rare or significant showpieces, but the exhibitions themselves are rather enlightening and impressive nonetheless. In case you’ll be planning a visit, keep in mind that you will need a ticket to enter, although kids can enjoy Louvre Abu Dhabi for free.
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Moving back to the architectural wonders of the United Arab Emirates, it is hard to ignore one of the most famous structures built in Abu Dhabi. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a colossal building the looks of which are hard to describe in words. It is one of the most impressive religious structures in the entire country, and its polished white walls can be seen from a long distance. It is possible to admire the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque from the outside or get inside to explore its amazing interiors. There are no tickets or fees for entering it, although the visitors should take into account the rules of the place. First of all, tourists in open clothes are not allowed to visit the mosque. Secondly, no visitors are allowed on Fridays in the first half of the day. Those who travel around the United Arab Emirates by car won’t have any issues with visiting the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, as it is easy to reach from any place in Abu Dhabi. Travelers who decide to spend a night in the emirate should not miss out on the opportunity to admire the view of the Grand Mosque after sunset: with night illumination, it looks even more impressive.
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While covering religious buildings of the United Arab Emirates that are worth visiting, it is impossible to skip the King Faisal Mosque. It is situated in Sharjah, which is Dubai’s neighboring emirate: a ride there won’t usually take longer than 45 minutes. Unlike the previous mosque on the list, it is not possible for everyone to enter the King Faisal Mosque. Sharjah is known as the most religious emirate in the country, so the rules are expectedly strict there: only people of the same religion are allowed to enter the building. Nevertheless, the building itself has an interesting architectural style, so for many visitors, it is enough to admire it from the outside. One of the facades is equipped with beautiful balconies that the tourists enjoy viewing a lot. The King Faisal Mosque is especially comfortable to visit by car. It has a large parking area right next to it, so the visitors will be able to leave their vehicles and explore the architectural site on the outside. Even though most tourists won’t be able to actually enter the mosque, there is enough to do in the surrounding area. It is possible to leave the vehicle near the King Faisal Mosque and walk to other nearby attractions on foot.
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When exploring the culture of Sharjah, it is also worth visiting the Museum of Islamic Civilization that works here. The museum is rather large, and it has a collection that contains thousands of showpieces. Much like with the Louvre in Abu Dhabi, there are no specific showpieces that would be extremely interesting to look at. Instead, the museum attracts visitors with large and wholesome exhibitions with a variety of small artifacts. In total, there are seven galleries in the museum, so exploring it won’t be very time-consuming. Traditionally for the emirates, the architecture of the museum is fascinating. It was built quite a while ago, so it does not follow the modern trends of Dubai, but it is still a stunningly-looking structure on the outside. Moreover, it is located in the historical district of the emirate, so many visitors enjoy walking around and admiring the other buildings in the area. The latter will be especially comfortable for car lovers. The Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization has a spacious parking area, so drivers will be able to leave their vehicles for the period while they explore the museum, and take a walk around the district before hitting the road again.
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The last attraction in the category is also situated in Sharjah. As its name implies, the Classic Car Museum features an exhibition of old vehicles that were polished and fixed for visitors to enjoy. As it is a museum, the vehicles are categorized by different eras of car manufacturing, and each section is enhanced with many attributes of its time. This creates a unique feeling and recreates different historical settings, making the visit even more exciting. The exhibition features a large collection of cars: many of them are just placed to recreate the setting, but there are some rare artifacts as well. One of the cars exhibited there even used to belong to one of the rulers of the emirate before it was passed to the museum. All in all, it is an entertaining place to visit, although touring around it won’t take long: it is reasonable to plan some other activities for the day. As it is a museum for car lovers, there is no surprise they can reach it comfortably on their vehicles. The place has a large parking area, and it is easy to drive to this museum from any part of the emirate. There is also a small park located nearby, so the guests of the Classic Car Museum will be able to enjoy a nice walk when they’re done viewing the vehicles.
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The third pillar of a high-quality vacation in the United Arab Emirates is entertainment. Dubai and the rest of the country are well-known all around the world for its luxurious shops, fashion boutiques, huge malls, and a wide variety of entertainment parks and events. There are many destinations that fans of shopping and having fun may want to visit, and the best option to tour around them is to travel by car.
When covering shopping venues in the United Arab Emirates, it is hard to start with something other than Dubai Mall. This monumental shopping center is the largest of its kind in the entire world, and its sheer size is already very impressive. There are thousands of stores inside, a variety of exquisite restaurants and cafes, and numerous places that offer various entertaining activities and events. One of the most recognizable parts of the Dubai Mall is the aquarium situated in the heart of the building. Many visitors come to this mall with the sole purpose to admire the view of this indoor structure that is home to thousands of fish. With such a huge area, the navigation around the mall is surprisingly comfortable: there are many interactive maps available on its territory. The activities available in Dubai Mall are truly diverse. People can participate in roller skating, visit concerts and exhibitions, watch movies in the mall’s cinema, and, of course, do shopping in one of the venues available on its territory. One day is hardly enough to explore the very surface of what the shopping center has to offer, so true fans of entertainment can even stay in one of the mall’s hotels to spend more time there. Like most other attractions of the UAE, Dubai Mall is designed with vehicle owners in mind. There are multiple spacious parking areas available around the building, so it is possible to park your car near the parts of the mall you’re interested in. The location of Dubai Mall is also very convenient for vehicle owners: it is built in the heart of the city, so you can quickly reach it from any part of Dubai.
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Another destination that might interest the fans of shopping is located on the Palm Jumeirah Island which we have already covered before. In fact, it is situated right in front of the Atlantis Resort that was already described today, although they are separated from each other by water. For drivers, it does not change the situation too much, as it is as easy to reach the Pointe as it is to drive to the famous resort: there are roads built all around the palm island. As it is one of the largest shopping centers in Dubai, you would not be surprised to discover it offers a wide range of stores and entertaining activities. The place boasts fashion boutiques, luxury restaurants, and other interesting venues. A feature that makes the Pointe stand out is the set of areas it has for kids: children especially love the mall, and the parents are usually happy about it. It also has a huge fountain available on its territory that holds one of the world’s records for its enormous size. The roads that lead to the Pointe are comfortable to drive, and traffic jams on the island are a rather rare occurrence. Just like the previous shopping center, this mall has a comfortable system of parking areas that is designed to fit almost one and a half thousand vehicles at a time.
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While the first two locations in these categories were malls, Dubai Marina is an entire district. It is actually situated very close to the previous destination: it is only a seven-minute drive from the palm island. The district is in fact a mini-island of its own: it is surrounded by water, and there are more than five bridges leading to it. Dubai Marina is one of the most respected and luxurious districts in the city, and there are multiple reasons why tourists love visiting it. First of all, it offers some of the most impressive restaurants in the entire emirate: it is one of the best places to taste fresh seafood. Secondly, there are a ton of entertaining activities and famous hotels available on its territory. It is a great destination for those who are planning to visit one or two attractions on the Palm Jumeirah Island within the day. In case there’s some free time left, it is worth it to drive through Dubai Marina and have an unparalleled dinner there. Some drivers are having second thoughts regarding visiting the district, as they will have to cross one of the bridges that leads to it, but there is nothing to worry about. There are multiple bridges available, and they perfectly sustain the flow of visitors, so there are no traffic jams on the roads. Of course, there are many parking areas available throughout this mini-island.
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While we’re still in the Dubai Marina district, it is possible to mention a specific place that stands out here. It is the Pier 7 complex that is rather easy to overlook in such a magnificent location, as its building only has seven stories. But the contents of this building make it worth visiting for the majority of tourists that come to Dubai Marina. The unique feature of Pier 7 is that each floor of the building is occupied by a different restaurant. All of the establishments are different as well: each of them has a unique setting, serves meals from a different cuisine, and has other distinct features about it. The most popular of the seven restaurants is located on the highest floor, which is essentially the building’s roof. It offers stunning views of the sea and the district itself, and the meals there are delicious. There is no underground parking in the complex itself, but those who decide to travel to Pier 7 by car will be able to leave their vehicles in a mall that is right across the road. It will be necessary to walk for a couple of minutes, and such a stroll will be a healthy ending to a hearty dinner.
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While most other attractions on this list are designed with car lovers in mind, the Last Exit park was created specifically for them. This location might remind you of an open-air cinema of the old times, but instead of watching movies, people gather here to grab a quick meal and enjoy the company of other drivers. The park boasts various decorations that are clearly impressed by American culture, and the main venues to purchase meals here are food trucks. There are enough places to choose from, so everyone will be able to get a meal that suits their taste. The park is also equipped with benches and walking areas, and there are even a couple of rides available on its territory. All in all, it is a great place for drivers to spend a spare hour while traveling around Dubai.
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Moving on from shopping and dining areas, there’s another classic attribute of a vacation on the seashore: a waterpark. And Wild Wadi Waterpark is the first place that comes to mind, as it fits perfectly with some other destinations featured on this list because of its location. The waterpark is situated next to the famous Burj Al Arab Hotel, meaning it is in the heart of the city. It is easy to reach the place from any part of Dubai, so no matter where you stay, you’ll be able to get to Wild Wadi Waterpark quickly. This waterpark is one of the largest in the United Arab Emirates, as there are more than 30 different slides available there. The place is universally appealing for families and tourists without kids. There are multiple calm areas for children and a variety of extreme slides for adults. Of course, there are many dining venues available on its territory, so the visitors won’t have to worry about getting hungry. Being located in the heart of Dubai makes Wild Wadi Waterpark inherently convenient for drivers. The place has a spacious parking area, making it even more comfortable to attend it by car. Even though the location makes it possible to visit more attractions on the same day as the famous waterpark, the majority of tourists prefer spending the entire day there.
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While not moving away from waterparks, it is now necessary to have a small break to contextualize the following entries to the list, as Yas Island is definitely an attraction on its own. It is an enormous man-built island in Dubai’s neighboring emirate Abu Dhabi, and it is a lot larger than most people would picture in mind after that description. Yas Island essentially offers everything needed for an active and entertaining vacation concentrated in one place. The island boasts various shopping venues and restaurants, has multiple entertainment parks that are going to be covered further on this list, hosts concerts, shows, and other events in its huge arenas and concert halls, and offers a wide variety of watersports and seaside activities to its visitors. Car enthusiasts can easily reach Yas Island from Dubai, as it is only a one-hour drive from the city. The ride will be comfortable, as there is a highway exit that leads directly to the island. Almost every large attraction on Yas has its own parking lot, and there are many public parking areas available on its territory, so the drivers won’t have to worry about finding a spot.
Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/PsrsNnYkN16MFJbJA
As promised, we’re now returning to waterparks, and Yas Waterworld is the largest establishment of this kind in the entire emirate of Abu Dhabi. It is situated on Yas Island, so driving there will be easy and convenient. Much like the first water park on this list, Yas Waterworld appeals to all groups of tourists. There are dozens of slides to choose from, and there are enough options both for kids and adults. The area also features several fast food cafes and decent restaurants, and the park also hosts various shows and events on a regular basis. They are always represented in the event calendar that is available on the official website of Yas Waterworld, so it is recommended to check it in advance in order not to miss potentially interesting shows.
Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/S1wVbdAwjyUsJn3BA
The next attraction is also situated on Yas Island, so we won’t describe the ride to it all over again. As you could have guessed from the name, the Ferrari World Park will be especially interesting to visit for car enthusiasts, as it is themed with the legendary brand. Everything is about Ferrari cars in this park, the rides, the shows, the souvenir shops, and everything else is inspired by the brand. Similar to the previous attraction on the list, Ferrari World appeals to guests of all ages. There are several adrenaline-pumping rides for thrill-seeking adults and a variety of more peaceful areas for kids. Aside from classic amusement park rides Ferrari World has several unique attractions that make it worth visiting. The territory of the park is equipped with all the required infrastructure: the visitors will be able to have a meal in one of many restaurants operating here and even stay in a hotel nearby. Car enthusiasts will not be disappointed by the parking lot, as it is huge and designed to fit all the guests’ vehicles.
Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/3igyknkMu4CsvujLA
The last attractions in this category are situated in Sharjah, which is an emirate north of Dubai. The Al Montazah Theme Park is smaller than Ferrari World, but it is still a great place to visit in case you have chosen to explore this emirate over Abu Dhabi. It essentially combines the features of an amusement park and a water park, offering dozens of slides and rides for guests of all ages. The park is built right next to water, granting amazing unblocked views from its Ferris Wheel. The territory of Al Montazah Theme Park features all the infrastructure you would expect: there are cafes and restaurants, kids’ areas, places for holding various events, and changing rooms built all around its territory. It is easy to reach the park by car from Dubai, as it will only take about half an hour to drive to it. Expectedly, Al Montazah Parks are equipped with spacious parking areas designed specifically for the guests of this attraction.
Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/rHtfJ6NCsDqYvgVj8
The last attraction in this section is also situated in Sharjah, although it is rather hard to categorize such a unique attraction. Souq al Jubail is virtually a large market concentrated in a massive complex. It mostly features small stores that sell fresh seafood, fruits, and vegetables. The exterior of the building looks quite impressive, taking into account the purpose of Souq al Jubail. The interiors are well-designed and always clean, which is also rather unusual for a large market. Surprisingly enough, most visitors don’t even come to Souq al Jubail to purchase anything. Instead, they visit the attraction to admire its unique layout and see how a market built in accordance with all modern standards would operate. It is hardly a place you would spend hours at, so it is reasonable to plan it as one of the many stops in Sharjah for the day. The market has a parking area with a large capacity, so the drivers won’t have to spend time finding a place to leave their vehicles at.
Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/faP7zoCfxPYou4TQ6
The last group of attractions in Dubai is actually the most useful for the purposes of this article. The United Arab Emirates has plenty of places where you can admire the wonders of nature, but since most of them were not built by man, they are situated far from one another. This is why it is best to visit them by car: it will allow the tourists to plan their own routes and spend as much time at every specific destination as they prefer. We have also included areas for sports and other outdoor activities in this section, as all of them imply spending time outside as well.
The first attraction in this category does not support the statement about reaching remote locations by car, as it is actually situated right in the middle of the metropolis. This artificial canal is surprisingly long, as it penetrates several rich neighborhoods of the city. Both sides of the canal have pedestrian areas, so you will be able to walk along it and even cross it on one of the many bridges it has. However, a much more popular option among tourists is to get on a ferry and enjoy the views from the water. There are tours of different lengths available, so each visitor will be able to choose an option that suits their schedule. Automobile enthusiasts won’t be disappointed by the infrastructure of the Dubai Water Canal as well. There are several large parking areas near different parts of the canal, making it easy to find a convenient spot. It is especially valuable, since there are many smaller attractions scattered around the canal, and there is a good chance you will want to spend quite a bit of time there.
Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/c8NkX1QrerNqBhwt8
The next attraction in this section is also situated within the city, so the majority of tourists will be able to reach it quickly from any part of the metropolis. Dubai Autodrome is exactly what it sounds like: it is a place where car enthusiasts can enjoy some of the most thrilling experiences related to their passion. Dubai Autodrome has a large track that is home to various racing events throughout the year. But in case you won’t manage to schedule your trip to see one of the major races, the attraction is still worth visiting. Whenever there are no races going on, the staff of Dubai Autodrome offers a variety of services that might interest car lovers. It is possible to drive professional racing vehicles there both individually or alongside other tourists. Additionally, the visitors of Dubai Autodrome can book a master class from a professional racer who will even take them to the passenger seat of the vehicle during the performance. The autodrome also appeals to families with children, as there is a go-karts track for a younger audience operating on its territory. Of course, the autodrome has a spacious parking lot where the visitors can leave their vehicles, in case they are not taking them on the track.
Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/zFHfp8hxpo4dfJkz6
Getting farther away from Dubai, there is a magnificent place that the visitors of the United Arab Emirates should definitely visit. Al Qudra Lakes is a place where you can enjoy both the beauty of the natural landscapes and the local animals living in their natural environments. The lakes are especially famous for gorgeous flamingos who seem to love the attention of the tourists. Even though nature is well-preserved at Al Qudra Lakes, the place still has all the infrastructure required for a comfortable trip. There are several food trucks available near the entrance, and the path around the park is well-routed. There are several camping areas available on the territory as well, so those who are willing to bring their own supplies will be able to have a picnic there. The entrance to the attraction is also equipped with a large parking lot, enabling its visitors to comfortably leave their vehicles and explore the natural environment of the magnificent lakes. It takes around 45 minutes to drive to Al Qudra Lakes from Dubai, so visiting them will likely consume the better part of the day.
Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/GtUgpM3XvA2QFAby6
Returning to Dubai, there is one more attraction situated on the Palm Jumeirah Island that we have not covered yet: it is the famous boardwalk that routes around the most beautiful parts of the island. There is nothing unique about the boardwalk itself: it is a very standard wide trail along the shore. But what makes it special is the surroundings: from there, you will be able to enjoy thrilling views of the island’s attractions. The infrastructure around the Palm Jumeirah Boardwalk is well-developed, as there is everything a tourist might need. There are numerous cafes and restaurants right next to the trail, as well as all the other venues and entertaining activities of the resort. Even though it is a place for walking on foot, drivers won’t have an issue with visiting it. There are multiple parking areas near different parts of the boardwalk, enabling them to leave their vehicles wherever they prefer.
Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/ZKx2LdKgSZexsAKa9
Another extremely popular attraction among the guests of Dubai is the city’s Safari Park. It is a large area, where the visitors can observe animals in recreated natural environments. The park is separated into multiple sections that feature wildlife from various continents of the world. There are no cages in this park, and the staff is known for treating the animals well. The park offers different options for exploring it. Its guests are able to choose from a variety of safari rides around various areas of the Safari Park, enabling them to have exactly the experience they prefer. The visitors are even allowed to feed some of the animals that live there, and the staff regularly hosts various educational events that help the guests learn more about the animals of the park. The attraction is situated on the edge of the desert, but it will only take around half an hour to reach it from any part of Dubai. As with all the other destinations covered today, the famous Safari Park has all the infrastructure car enthusiasts will need. When planning a visit, it is important to account that the attraction does not operate in summer because of the challenging weather conditions.
Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/LWNBS9XAFxTJsDBG6
Even though the name of the next attraction was already featured on the list, the large cycle track is actually situated much closer to Dubai than Al Qudra Lakes. Just like Dubai Autodrome, the cycle track is exactly what it sounds like: it is a long route around the desert. The place is known for hosting various international competitions, although amateurs also enjoy riding bikes there. Since Al Qudra Cycle Track is located in the desert, the visitors should take its unique features into account. First of all, it gets extremely hot in the middle of the day, which might be dangerous for unprepared tourists. Secondly, some parts of the track may get covered in sand, adding even more difficulty to the harsh conditions of the attraction. Last but not least, the road is not entirely illuminated there. Essentially, the best recommendation is to visit the place in the morning to avoid most of its challenges. All the infrastructure related to Al Qudra Cycle Track is built around its entrance, which should also be taken into account. There are several stores and food venues, as well as a large parking lot. Of course, the staff offers an option to rent a bike to explore the track, and there is also a set of changing rooms available to the visitors.
Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/SytvY96YnkB1biCg6
The next attraction on the list is a great destination for those who enjoy spending time in nature. Hatta Dam is a large location with spectacular views that is mostly famous for its amazing lake. Unlike the majority of other entries to this list, there are very few options to reach it rather than by driving to it by car. There are only a few tours available to Hatta Dam from Dubai, and none of them will be flexible enough to let all the visitors spend exactly the amount of time they want there. There are not so many activities available here, but people do not come here for entertainment. The most common ways of spending time at Hatta Dam are taking on one of the hiking routes available in the area or exploring the previously mentioned lake on a boat. The location is rather remote, so the tourists should be prepared to drive around 150 kilometers to reach Hatta Dam from Dubai.
Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/EepKPri8dTtbT6oK7
Not moving far away from the previous attraction, some car enthusiasts might also be interested in visiting Hatta Wadi Hub, which is a tourism center situated in the same location. In contrast to Hatta Dam, this place is not exclusively suitable for exploring nature and riding on boats. The center boasts various outdoor activities including sports and recreational events. It might become a decent alternative for families with children who are too active to comfortably visit a purely natural attraction. Here, they will be able to participate in all the master classes and other activities designed specifically for kids. The infrastructure of Hatta Wadi Hub is also decent, as there is everything the visitors might need. All the equipment used in local activities can be rented here, the place offers several dining venues, and there are some hotels available on its territory. Of course, there are many places where you can park a car at Hatta Wadi Hub as well.
Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/cw5LwZiKdbWdb3yYA
The last destination on the list is also the remotest one from Dubai, but it is worth visiting for some tourists. Jabal Bil Ays is the largest mountain in the United Arab Emirates, and the serpentine that leads to it is no less impressive. It is also a perfect destination to visit by car, as the drivers will be able to stop at any viewpoints they want along the way, and there will be many of them. The main reason tourists take on this route is the views it offers. It includes both the magnificent mountain and the diverse natural views along the serpentine. There are not too many activities available here, but it will be possible to ride zip lines that are available at multiple points of the route. Additionally, there are some hiking trails available in the area. Driving from Dubai to Jabal Bil Ays takes around two hours, but the route may take significantly longer with various stops on the way. Thankfully, there are numerous cafes, restaurants, and hotels along the way, so the drivers will be able to have a break anytime they need.
Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/MkobBy1ioqgVH92y7
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