The United Arab Emirates offers some of the most exciting and diverse driving roads in the Middle East — from mountain passes to desert highways. Here are the top must-drive routes for petrolheads:

1. Jebel Jais Mountain Road (1,934m)

The highest peak in the UAE, Jebel Jais delivers a legendary driving experience. With over 30 hairpin turns, smooth tarmac, and epic views across the Hajar Mountains, it’s a true paradise for performance cars. Best driven early morning or golden hour.

2. Hatta Dam Road

A scenic route through the desert and rugged hills, this road combines elevation changes, open straights, and tight corners. The Hatta area is a hidden gem for adventure drives and offers great photo stops by the turquoise dam.

3. Sweihan Road (Al Faya Desert Highway)

Known for its long, empty stretches and perfect visibility, Sweihan is ideal for grand touring, high-speed testing (within legal limits), and filming epic rolling shots. Desert on both sides makes it pure freedom behind the wheel.

4. Jebel Hafeet Mountain Road (Al Ain)

With 60 turns over 11.7 km and an elevation gain of 1,200m, this road is a driver’s dream. Carved into the rock with sweeping curves and panoramic views, it’s often compared to a rollercoaster for supercars.

5. Al Qudra Road to Love Lake (Desert Loop)

Perfect for a relaxed sunset cruise, the Al Qudra route takes you through sand dunes, wildlife zones, and remote cafes. A must-do for anyone blending lifestyle with light adventure — especially in cooler months.

6. Dubai Autodrome & Yas Marina Circuit Access Roads

Even outside the track, the access roads to Dubai Autodrome and Yas Marina are thrilling. With clean surfaces and a motorsport atmosphere, these roads are often used for car meets, test drives, and exotic rental handovers.

The UAE’s road network is modern, well-maintained, and heavily monitored — so always respect speed limits and road regulations to enjoy the drive safely and legally.

The UAE is a global hotspot for automotive culture, hosting a mix of luxury car shows, track experiences, and curated gatherings for collectors and enthusiasts. From supercars to classics, here are the top events every petrolhead should know about:

1. Gulf Concours (Dubai)

Held at iconic luxury venues like the Burj Al Arab or Ritz-Carlton DIFC, the Gulf Concours is a celebration of automotive elegance. Expect ultra-rare classics, bespoke coach-built vehicles, and hypercars judged on craftsmanship and exclusivity.

2. Custom Show Emirates (Abu Dhabi)

The largest custom car and bike show in the Middle East, this event features wild builds, lowriders, tuner cars, and off-road beasts. With live demos, burnouts, and a strong motorsport vibe, it’s a favorite among tuning fans.

3. Emirates Classic Car Festival (City Walk, Dubai)

This annual open-air exhibition showcases beautifully restored vintage cars from the UAE’s top collectors. From American muscle to European icons, it blends heritage and culture in a unique city setting.

4. Yas Marina Circuit Track Days & Cars & Coffee (Abu Dhabi)

Beyond F1, Yas Marina hosts regular track days, exotic car events, and casual Cars & Coffee mornings. It’s where owners of Lamborghinis, Porsches, and McLarens gather to drive, connect, and celebrate performance.

5. Flat12 Café Car Meets (Dubai Design District)

Flat12 is more than a café — it’s a lifestyle hub for Dubai’s car community. Their regular weekend meets attract everything from JDM legends to ultra-luxury supercars. Expect great vibes, top-tier coffee, and rare metal.

6. Dubai Autodrome Events (Motor City, Dubai)

Home to the 24H Series and multiple national racing events, the Autodrome hosts a mix of public track days, drift nights, and international race meets. It’s the heartbeat of motorsport in the UAE.

Whether you’re into vintage classics, modified beasts, or factory-fresh supercars, the UAE offers a world-class calendar of automotive experiences — set against the backdrop of skyscrapers, deserts, and racetracks.

Driving in the UAE means dealing with intense desert heat, long highway stretches, and occasional sandstorms. To keep your car running reliably in these extreme conditions, here are the most important maintenance tips:

1. Tire Pressure & Condition

High temperatures can cause tire pressure to rise and rubber to degrade faster. Check tire pressure monthly and inspect for cracks or uneven wear — especially if you’re driving long distances or off-road.

2. Engine Cooling System

The desert heat puts extra stress on your engine. Ensure your coolant levels are topped up and that your radiator and cooling fans are working efficiently. Overheating is one of the most common breakdown issues in UAE summers.

3. Battery Life

Batteries degrade faster in hot climates. Have your battery tested every 12–18 months, and consider investing in a heat-resistant or heavy-duty model — especially if your car is often parked outside.

4. Air Conditioning Performance

With daytime temps often above 40°C, AC health is non-negotiable. Get your system serviced regularly, check refrigerant levels, and replace cabin air filters to maintain cooling efficiency and air quality.

5. Air Filters & Sand Protection

Driving through dusty or sandy areas can clog your engine and cabin air filters quickly. Replace them more frequently than usual to protect engine performance and passenger comfort.

6. Fluid Checks (Oil, Brake, Transmission)

Heat and stop-go traffic can thin out fluids faster. Use manufacturer-recommended high-temperature grade oils and check all fluids regularly, especially if driving long highway distances.

7. Regular Washing, Especially After Desert Trips

Sand and salt from desert roads or beach areas can damage your paint, underbody, and suspension. Wash your car regularly — including underneath — to prevent long-term corrosion and wear.

8. Emergency Kit & Essentials

Always carry water, a tire inflator, jumper cables, warning triangle, and basic tools. In remote desert areas or long-distance drives, a backup battery pack and portable air compressor can be lifesavers.

With UAE roads offering both premium performance highways and harsh desert terrain, consistent car care is the key to driving safely and comfortably — all year round.

The UAE has strict regulations when it comes to vehicle modifications, especially in terms of safety, emissions, and public road legality. All customizations must comply with the Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology (ESMA) and be approved by RTA (Dubai) or relevant local authorities. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Approval & Registration

Any modification that changes your car’s performance, bodywork, or safety systems must be approved and listed in your vehicle registration. This includes exhaust systems, engine tuning, suspension, and widebody kits.

2. Certified Parts Only

Aftermarket parts must meet UAE certification standards. Imported parts without proper documentation may be rejected during inspection or result in fines if installed without approval.

3. Noise & Emissions Limits

Modified exhausts are not allowed to exceed legal decibel limits. Straight-pipe conversions, decat systems, or removal of catalytic converters are strictly illegal on public roads, and violations can result in your vehicle being impounded.

4. Suspension & Lift Kits

Lowering or lifting your vehicle requires official approval. Modifications must not affect the car’s structural integrity or cause unsafe handling. Air suspension or coilovers must be installed by licensed workshops.

5. Lighting & Tints

Aftermarket lighting, such as LED bars or underglow kits, is prohibited on public roads. Window tints are allowed up to 50% on rear and side windows, but windshield tints are banned. Special exemptions may apply for medical reasons.

6. Wheels, Tyres & Fitment

Oversized wheels, extreme camber, or stretched tires are not permitted unless approved. All wheels must fit within OEM spec ranges for load and offset. Driving with unapproved wheels can result in vehicle seizure.

7. In-Car Modifications & Safety

Changes to steering wheels, seats, roll cages, or removal of airbags must meet UAE road safety regulations. Any modification that compromises passive safety systems is illegal for road use.

Always consult the RTA (Dubai), Tasjeel, or local traffic authority before making any car modifications. Failure to comply with regulations can lead to hefty fines, black points, vehicle confiscation, or being denied registration renewal.

While the UAE is known for its supercar culture and wide highways, the Jebel Jais Mountain Road stands out as the most scenic drive in the country — and a bucket-list route for driving enthusiasts.

Winding through the Hajar Mountains at over 1,900 meters above sea level, this road offers a thrilling mix of smooth switchbacks, dramatic cliffside views, and hairpin turns designed with performance in mind. It’s a favorite among local car clubs, motorcyclists, and tourists seeking an adrenaline-fueled escape.

The road leads to the Jebel Jais Viewing Deck Park, with panoramic views of rocky peaks and deep canyons. On clear days, you can see all the way to the Gulf of Oman. Along the way, expect well-maintained asphalt, scenic photo stops, and dedicated parking zones for meetups and rest breaks.

It’s best enjoyed early in the morning or around sunset, when the golden light hits the mountains and traffic is minimal. There are also food trucks and viewing platforms along the route, making it a full-day driving experience.

For the ultimate UAE road trip, Jebel Jais is a must-drive destination that combines technical driving with breathtaking desert-mountain scenery — a unique blend of thrill and tranquility just a few hours from Dubai and Abu Dhabi.