Abu Dhabi Driving Tips

To make the most of your Abu Dhabi driving experience, plan Ahead for Desert Drives - if you’re venturing into the desert or mountainous areas, ensure your vehicle is well-equipped, and consider booking a four-wheel drive for extra safety on the sandy terrain. Fuel stations are abundant, both on the main highways and within Abu Dhabi itself, making it easy to refill for longer journeys. Drivers will fond that UAE roads are generally well-regulated, with strict speed limits and penalties for infractions. Use your rental car’s GPS or a map app to stay on top of navigation and speed restrictions. Abu Dhabi offers both free and paid parking zones. For downtown areas, look for multi-story car parks or metered street parking, particularly near popular attractions like the Corniche. While most city roads are toll-free, highways between Abu Dhabi and Dubai have toll booths that accept the Salik card, which you can purchase and recharge online or at service stations.

Abu Dhabi is the perfect starting point for road trips to neighbouring emirates, offering well-maintained highways and stunning scenery. Whether you're seeking coastal escapes, cultural landmarks, or rugged mountains, the United Arab Emirate's efficient and super-smooth road network makes it all accessible.

At 140 kilometres northeast of Abu Dhabi, Dubai is a straight run along the E11 (Sheikh Zayed Road) - an iconic highway connects the two major cities in a slick 1.5-hour drive. From there, continue another 20 km on the E11 to Sharjah, a cultural emirate known for its museums and heritage sites. Heading further northeast, approximately 180 kilometre from Abu Dhabi, the emirate of Ajman is characterised by serene beaches and is the perfect relaxing getaway. A little further along the E11, you’ll find the mangroves and relaxed vibe of Umm Al Quwain, approximately 200 km away. To the east, beautiful Fujairah offers pristine beaches backdropped by the peaks of the Hajar Mountains. The 270 km journey involves taking the E11 and then the E84 and boasts scenic views along the way. Closer to home, the lush ‘Garden City’ of Al Ain, part of the Abu Dhabi emirate, is a 150 km southeast drive via the E22 and rich in greenery, history, and cultural landmarks. Looking for extreme sports and adventures? Then the exhilarating emirate of Ras Al Khaimah is for you! At about 250 km from Abu Dhabi via the E11 or E311, I t boasts dramatic mountain landscapes and outdoor activities, making it worth the 2.5- to 3-hour drive. Whether you're after culture, nature, or relaxation, there's a destination just a drive away.

Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH)

Number of Terminals: 3 (T1, T2, T3)

Location of Car Rental Desks: Skypark Plaza, opp T3 (access from T1 & T2)

Distance to Fuel Stations: Less than 1 mile from the airport

Nearest Town: Abu Dhabi

Major Roads: Sheikh Zayed Road (E11), Abu Dhabi-Al Ain Road (E22)