Al Gharbia, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Al Gharbia, the municipal region of Abu Dhabi, offers the UAE’s most adventurous off-road driving. The route presents incredibly dramatic scenery, including some of the largest dunes this side of the Sahara. Its seemingly endless coastline is dotted with pristine beaches and islands, and peppered with ancient forts. The sparsely populated area is also home to the UAE’s rarest wildlife, so keep an eye out for some exciting sightings on this fun drive.
Zekreet, Qatar
If you plan to take this exhilarating road trip from the capital city of Qatar, Doha, to Zekreet village, you will be greeted by the sight of one or more ostrich birds sprinting alongside. The roam-free ostrich farm of Zekreet is the biggest in the region. Just beware: they don’t like to be petted. Ostriches have powerful legs and a vicious kick, so you’re better off viewing them from the comfort of your vehicle. Drive a little further, and you’ll find the oryx farm. Originally native to this region, the oryx is a royal deer-like creature with sloping horns, and is just making a comeback thanks to farms like this one. Zekreet is also home to amazing rock formations and plenty more to share on Instagram and Facebook.
Highway 10, Saudi Arabia
Highway 10, all 260 kilometers of it, links the city of Haradh, famous for its oil and natural gas, to Al Batha, near the UAE border. It holds the record for being the world’s longest stretch of completely straight road. Highway 10 is usually used for transporting goods and by people traveling by road from the central and western regions of Saudi Arabia to the UAE. While some may be put off by the landscape of one of the most barren deserts on the planet, Rub’ al Khali, perhaps you are among the adventurous few who want to take it on, ‘because it’s there’. With good company and the right music for the ride, it could be a memorable fun drive for all the right reasons.
