Hajar Mountains & East Coast Road Trip
Bypass the big cities and drive through Hatta Dam, the Fujairah coast, and the high peaks of Jebel Jais.
Designed for returning visitors to Dubai, this itinerary connects Hatta, the East Coast, and Ras Al Khaimah. The trip focuses on dam kayaking, ancient forts, snorkeling, and mountain roads, with two consecutive nights at Al Aqah Beach, offering a more relaxed pace than the full loop. A standard sedan can complete this route. The trade-off is that it does not enter Abu Dhabi or Al Ain, nor does it cross the border from Dibba to the Omani side for a dhow cruise.
October to April is ideal for outdoor activities; some projects in Hatta are open seasonally.
Day by day
Day 1 · Into the Mountains to Hatta Dam
Drive from Dubai via the Sharjah-Kalba Road (E102) to Hatta (about 130 km, 1.5–2 hours).
Swimming is prohibited in the dam; check in advance if kayaking and cable rides are open.
Stay: Hatta
Day 2 · Kalba & Fujairah
Fujairah（Khor Kalba Mangrove Reserve、Kalba Fort & Bait Sheikh Saeed、Sheikh Zayed Mosque Fujairah、Fujairah Fort & Heritage Village）
Drive east from Hatta along the E102 to Kalba (about 1 hour), then north to Fujairah (about 20 minutes).
Modest dress is required for the mosque; visiting times are adjusted around prayer times.
Stay: Fujairah City
Day 3 · North Along the Coast to Khor Fakkan
Fujairah（Khor Fakkan Amphitheatre & Waterfall、Khor Fakkan Corniche、Al Bidya Mosque、Al Aqah Beach）
Drive along the coast from Fujairah to Khor Fakkan (about 40 minutes), then to Al Aqah (about 30 minutes); short drives for the day.
There are few parking spots along the coastal highway; try to take photos in towns or designated roadside parking areas.
Stay: Al Aqah Beach
Day 4 · Snoopy Island Snorkeling Day
Fujairah（Snoopy Island、Wadi Wurayah National Park）
Swim out from the beach or take a boat to Snoopy Island in the morning, and drive to Wadi Wurayah National Park in the afternoon (about 30 minutes).
Wadi Wurayah may require an electronic permit; check its open status before visiting.
Stay: Al Aqah Beach
Day 5 · Through the Inland to Jebel Jais
Fujairah（Masafi Friday Market） → Ras Al Khaimah（Jebel Jais、Jais Flight、Jais Sledder）
Drive from Al Aqah via Masafi to Ras Al Khaimah (about 1.5 hours), then drive up the mountain road (about 1 hour).
The zipline must be booked in advance and has height and weight restrictions; it is suspended during high winds.
Stay: Jebel Jais Mountains
Day 6 · Fort, Pearl Village & Return
Ras Al Khaimah（Dhayah Fort、Suwaidi Pearls、Al Jazirah Al Hamra）
Drive down the mountain to Dhayah (about 1 hour), then south to Dubai Airport (about 1.5 hours) entirely on highways.
Dhayah Fort requires climbing stone steps; mornings are cooler.