It takes roughly two hours to fly from Dubai to the Omani city of Salalah. But if you’d rather take the more scenic route, plan a Dubai to Salalah road trip and enjoy the picturesque sights and sounds till you reach the seashore capital of Dhofar, Salalah.
The second-largest city in the Sultanate of Oman, Salalah is famous for its wide stretch of beaches, lush green spaces that come alive during monsoon season and delicious cuisine. This is not to mention the vibrant souks and many cultural experiences that this beachfront town offers to every traveller. The town’s unique location next to the Arabian Sea makes it a popular option for tourists and road trippers.
It’s a comfortable experience, provided that you like a long drive. However, regardless of how many road trips in the UAE you have taken before, it still pays to be prepared. Without further ado, here is how you can plan your Salalah trip from Dubai by road.
What should I bring before driving to Oman from Dubai by Road?
Bottles of water are important during your road trip considering that you will be travelling through the desert. Apart from staying hydrated, here is what you need for the trip:
- A reliable vehicle that has been serviced recently
- Omani riyals
- Power banks to charge your smartphone
- Snacks
We can’t stress about cash enough considering that a lot of Omani petrol stations don’t accept credit cards.
How to travel from Dubai to Salalah by road?
A trip to Oman from Dubai by road is a straight venture through a vast desert. You can take in the sights of the rolling dunes and camels and the serene stretch makes it’s a worthy drive for hardcore road trippers.
For a start, here are details of the distance between Dubai and Salalah by road and the approximate time it will take you to get to the city:
- Distance from Dubai to Salalah: 1,281 km
- Drive duration: Approximately 12 hours
The fastest way to travel to Salalah from Dubai by road is via Route 31. Get on the Dubai Al Ain Road (E66). Also, while the route may seem simple enough, we recommend relying on Google Maps to ensure that you stay on the route. Whether your ride is a four-wheeler or a regular Sedan, make sure that it’s well maintained. The nearest repair shop will be around 300 km away at one point.
Where do I fuel up?
There are more than 40 petrol stations along the route to Salalah. So, unless you want to err on the side of caution, you don’t need to refuel at every other gas station along the way. We recommend refuelling during long stretches with no stations. For example, one of the longest stretches of road between fuel stations is between Haima and Thumrait which is three hours.
Passing through the Hafeet Border
You will be passing through the Hafeet Border during your road trip from Dubai to Oman. If you can, try to avoid trips during peak times or be prepared to face the risks. The border can become pretty crowded during summer and winter holidays. So you and your road trip buddies may be in for a long wait at the border during this time.
GCC Nationals are allowed visa on entry at the border and the country’s eVisa system allows tourists an easier way to enter the country.
The e-Visa can be applied for online. However, make sure that you apply early as your e-Visa may not be approved in time for your trip. If it doesn’t, you might have to get in line, and if the queue is long, there’s the long wait ahead to re-apply at the border in person. Charges also apply, so make sure that you have cash and/or credit cards on hand.
Drive safe
Oman has spent a lot on its road systems; so, large potholes are something that you won’t have to worry about on your Dubai to Salalah road trip. As with most highways, it’s usually the drivers who present the most danger. Apart from reckless drivers, strong crosswinds can be a problem while crossing the city of Al Ain. To avoid falling asleep at the wheel, we recommend taking breaks and having someone else from your party drive for a few hours.
When should I go on my Dubai to Salalah road trip?
If you want to complete the entire journey in one go we recommend leaving at noon or earlier in the morning to avoid driving at night when the roads may not be as well lit.
The desert landscape will give way to smatterings of lush greenery an hour before you reach Salalah. And the long trip will have been well worth it. For the best experience, we recommend going between July and September when the weather is cooler.
That’s a wrap of planning for your Dubai to Salalah road trip. For other destinations for your Oman road trip from Dubai, plan a trip to Khasab. Looking for more travel destinations from the emirate? Consider our picks for the best short weekend trips from Dubai. Want to make the most of your visit to the country? Plan to trip of a lifetime by following our guide to the best places to visit in Oman.
