Dubai opens new Al Qudra bridge, which will reduce traffic delays from seven minutes to one

Weekends can feel surprisingly long when surrounded by mountains, turquoise waters, and winding coastal roads. As Oman has announced the introduction of a new 14-day free tourist visa for eligible travelers, now is the best time for UAE residents to swap skyscrapers for impressive landscapes and quiet villages.

Whether you are looking for adventure, relaxation, or just a change of scenery, Oman offers it all within a few hours' drive from the UAE. Here you can find ancient forts, mountain viewpoints, crystal-clear wadis, and the freshest seafood. Below is a guide on how to maximize a two-day getaway.

Before You Hit The Road

Before starting your trip, you must check the current entry requirements for Oman, ensure your passport is valid, confirm vehicle insurance for driving in the Sultanate, and have your vehicle registration and valid driver's license with you. Travelers are also advised to study border crossing procedures in advance, especially on weekends and holidays.

If the trip is planned for a weekend or public holiday, aim to cross the border early in the morning to avoid long queues.

Day 1: Leaving the UAE and Arriving in Musandam by Breakfast

One of the easiest and most pleasant road trips from the UAE is to Musandam, often called the 'Norway of Arabia' due to its dramatic coastline, high mountains, and narrow sea inlets.

Upon arriving in Khasab, you should manage to have breakfast at a local cafe before heading to Khasab Fort—a restored 17th-century fort that gives insight into Omani history. Afterwards, you can spend the rest of the morning strolling along the city's waterfront, and then take a traditional dhow cruise.

The calm sailing will take visitors past towering cliffs and secluded bays, and frequent dolphin sightings make this one of the most memorable events in the region. Many cruises also include stops for swimming and snorkeling in calm waters. For lunch, you can try freshly prepared kingfish, shrimp, or lobster at a seafood restaurant overlooking the harbor. As the day cools down, head to one of Musandam's mountain viewpoints to watch the sunset. The view as the sun disappears behind the fjord-like coast is a reason enough for this trip. The night should be spent in a seaside resort or a boutique hotel in Khasab.

Day 2: Coastal Views Before Heading Home

Start the day early in the morning, enjoying breakfast with a view of the Arabian Sea, and then visit Telegraph Island or take another short sea excursion if you missed it the previous day. Those who prefer a more active vacation can rent kayaks or go diving.

Before leaving, stop by the local market to purchase Omani dates, frankincense, honey, or traditional halwa as souvenirs. The drive back to the UAE offers many scenic spots for stops, making the return journey as enjoyable as the destination itself.

Looking for Mountains Instead?

If you have already visited Musandam, consider traveling towards Nizwa and Jebel Akhdar. The famous Nizwa Fort and bustling souq are excellent places for a first visit, where visitors can browse handmade silver items, ceramics, and spices. From there, you can move on to Jebel Akhdar, one of Oman's most picturesque mountainous regions. This area is known for its cool temperatures and terraced farms, making it an ideal spot for hiking, admiring panoramic views, and escaping the summer heat in the Gulf. The Balcony Walk trail is one of the country's most beautiful routes, offering views of dramatic canyons and traditional villages built on the mountain slopes.

Visiting During Khareef? Don't Miss Salalah

For those planning a longer trip or preferring to fly instead of driving, Salalah transforms into one of the Middle East's most unique destinations during the annual Khareef season. While much of the Gulf experiences intense summer heat, southern Oman becomes lush and green thanks to seasonal monsoon rains covering the region. Visitors can explore the Wadi Darbat waterfalls, the dramatic fountains at Al Mughsail beach, and the famous frankincense markets, as well as participate in dozens of cultural events throughout the season.

What to Try

No trip to Oman is complete without tasting the local cuisine. Be sure to take time to try:

• Shuwa—lamb cooked by slow roasting, traditionally served at celebrations
• Majboos—aromatic rice served with meat or seafood
• Mishkak—grilled meat skewers
• Fresh lobster, kingfish, and shrimp along the coast
• Omani halwa served with traditional qahwa (Arabic coffee)

What Should You Budget For?

Accommodation: From 360 to 550 dirhams per night in 3 and 4-star hotels in Khasab.

Dhow Cruise:

Day trips start from 140 dirhams per person (including lunch and snorkeling gear).

Food: Budget around 200–300 dirhams per day for two at local seafood restaurants and traditional establishments.

Don't Leave Without

Whether chasing mountain views, coastal sunsets, or simply wanting to slow down the pace of life, Oman remains one of the most accessible international destinations for UAE residents. With the introduction of a new 14-day free tourist visa for eligible travelers, a spontaneous weekend getaway has become even more appealing.

A large-scale modernization of four main intersections is underway in Dubai. These works include the construction of new bridges, tunnels, additional lanes, and service roads, which is intended to significantly improve traffic movement on the city's busiest routes.

Project Development Overview

These construction works are part of the Oud Metha and Al Asayel Street Development Project. It covers roads connecting Oud Metha Street, Sheikh Rashid Street, Al Asayel, Al Wasl Club, Al Hail, and the Dubai-Al Ain Road. It is expected that this project will reduce travel time from twenty minutes to five, serving important areas such as Zabeel, Al Jaddaf, Oud Metha, and Umm Hurair.

Current Progress of Works

A new three-lane bridge has already been opened. Furthermore, the construction of two tunnels and one more bridge is planned, which should be completed by the end of August.

Changes at Each Intersection

Oud Metha and Sheikh Rashid Intersection

The modernization of this section aims to optimize traffic flow towards Al Gharhoud Bridge, the Dubai-Al Ain Road, and Bur Dubai. An additional left lane will be added to the exit from Oud Metha Street onto Sheikh Rashid Street towards Al Gharhoud Bridge, increasing the ramp capacity to 1800 vehicles per hour. The service road on Sheikh Rashid Street between the existing bridge and the exit to Al Zahrawi Street will be improved to reduce traffic crossings and enhance road safety. Additionally, the number of right-turn lanes from Sheikh Rashid Street to Oud Metha Street towards the Dubai-Al Ain Road will increase from two to three, allowing the capacity of this direction to increase to 4000 vehicles per hour. A tunnel will be built to connect the service road of Oud Metha Street with the Sheikh Rashid Street intersection for drivers heading to Bur Dubai.

Oud Metha, Al Asayel, and Al Wasl Club Intersection

The development of this intersection includes the construction of three bridges, which will improve connections between Al Asayel Street, Al Wasl Club, and Al Hail. A two-lane bridge will provide movement from Al Asayel Street to Al Wasl Club Street. A three-lane bridge will be used for traffic moving from Al Hail Street to Al Asayel Street. A separate two-lane bridge will be designated for the left turn from Al Asayel Street onto Oud Metha Street, with a capacity of 2400 vehicles per hour. The access road to Al Wasl Club will also be improved, and the club's entry and exit points will be modernized to reduce congestion.

Al Wasl Club and Al Hail Intersection

The work at this intersection aims to improve traffic flow towards Al Hail Street and the Business Bay crossing. A two-lane bridge will serve cars traveling from Al Asayel Street to Al Hail Street towards the Business Bay crossing, accommodating up to 3000 vehicles per hour. The exit from Al Wasl Club Street onto Al Hail Street will be expanded to two lanes. A service road will be constructed on Al Wasl Club Street in both directions, and parking spaces will be provided.

Zabeel Palace Street, Al Hail, and Oud Metha Intersection

The fourth modernization will improve transport links between Al Hail Street, the Dubai-Al Ain Road, Oud Metha Street, and Al Wasl Club Street. An additional left lane will be added to the exit from Al Hail Street onto the Dubai-Al Ain Road, doubling the ramp capacity from 900 to 1800 vehicles per hour. A single-lane tunnel will serve traffic heading from the Dubai-Al Ain Road to Al Wasl Club Street, accommodating 1200 vehicles per hour and helping to reduce congestion. The existing bridge from Al Hail Street to Oud Metha Street will be expanded from two to three lanes, increasing its capacity from 2200 to 3300 vehicles per hour. This project is part of the Sheikh Rashid Corridor Development Project and aims to support urban expansion and population growth in Dubai.