Brilliant journeys around the region, from Doha to Dubai and Riyadh to AlUla

If there’s one thing you should all to your bucket list, it’s taking an epic road trip.

If you haven’t managed to book that trip abroad, or organise something further afield this National weekend break, why not do a Thelma and Louise and get a road trip in the books.

From Abu Dhabi to Al Ain (one for the beginners) or Oman to Saudi Arabia, a GCC road trip is one for your bucket list.

Whether you’re looking to embark on a multi-day tour, fancy putting your driving skills to the test on a rocky mountain road or sandy dune, want to stay put in your home country or are up for travelling across three, these are some of the finest road trips across the GCC.

Abu Dhabi to Al Ain

As soon as you hit the Al Ain Road, you’ll find the mood changes; city life gives way to a sense of scenic tranquillity and everything becomes that bit greener. Well deserving of its ‘Garden City’ moniker, Al Ain boasts an abundance of natural springs and oases, palm groves and majestic mountains that not only makes this a wonderful destination for a road trip, but quite unlike anywhere else in the UAE.

From exploring historical sites (UNESCO World Heritage Site Al Ain Oasis included) to experiencing the thrills that Wadi Adventure has to offer, there’s plenty to do. If driving is your bag though, you’ll be wanting to fill up the petrol tank and snake your way around the wide bends and tight hairpins that take you some 1,249-metres up to the top of Jebel Hafeet (the route is renowned by experts as being one of the greatest driving roads in the world).

Abu Dhabi – Al Gharbia

Fancy yourself as a skilled driver and keen for a thrilling off-road experience? This is the expedition for you. The route out to the western municipal region of Abu Dhabi is as impressive as they come, with towering sand dunes, vast stretches of unspoiled coastline dotted with pristine beaches and islands, numerous ancient forts and some of the rarest wildlife in the region.

Bahrain to Kuwait City

From a seriously spectacular Arabian sea view start heading out along the King Fahad Causeway to the smooth and sprawling desert roads that follow, this is a wonderfully calming, not-too-taxing drive; plan your playlist and prepare to enjoy.

Make sure you bring your appetite on this adventure for a culinary odyssey awaits in Kuwait City, where you’ll find everything from traditional hole-in-the-wall spots (local fish speciality fried zubaidy is a must-try) to funky modern cafés. If you’re in the mood for a spot of shopping, a jaunt around Souk Al-Mubarakiya, one of the oldest markets in the country, is always interesting and no road trip to Kuwait would be complete without snapping a selfie in front of the Kuwait Towers.

Doha – Al Zubarah Fort

A relatively short trip this, but one not to be missed. Drive an hour or so north of Doha and you’ll come to the well-preserved Al Zubarah Fort, which sits adjacent to the ancient ruins of the town of Al Zubarah and is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The impressive building (we’re talking Game of Thrones vibes) was occupied by the armed forces until around 30-years ago and is now a thriving museum with pottery and archaeology exhibits.