Driving from Dubai to Oman is one of the most straightforward cross-border road trips in the GCC. However, the journey only runs smoothly when documents, timings, and costs are handled correctly. With the right preparation, the drive becomes a scenic and stress-free experience rather than an administrative challenge.
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Driving from Dubai to Oman is a straightforward road trip, provided travelers prepare thoroughly. This includes having all required personal and vehicle documentation, understanding visa processes and border procedures, and being aware of Omani driving laws and associated costs for a stress-free experience.
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This guide provides a clear, overview of everything you need to know before driving from Dubai to Oman, including required paperwork, border procedures, driving laws, and realistic costs.
What documents are required to drive from Dubai to Oman?
To cross the border smoothly, you must carry the correct personal, driving, and vehicle documents.
- A passport with at least six months’ validity from your date of entry into Oman.
- A valid Emirates ID is usually expected to have at least six months’ remaining validity if you are a UAE resident.
- A valid UAE driving licence for the driver; this is mandatory even if you also carry an international permit.
- The original vehicle registration card (Mulkiya) for the car you are driving.
- A No Objection Certificate (NOC) if the vehicle is financed, rented, company-owned, or borrowed, which may need to be in Arabic.
- Proof of insurance that explicitly covers Oman, or the ability to buy an “Orange Card” at the border.
Tourists whose home licences are accepted in Oman can typically drive for up to three months, but an International Driving Permit is strongly recommended to avoid disputes at checkpoints or with rental agencies.
How do Oman visas and entry permits work, and what do they cost?
For UAE-based travellers, Oman’s visa system is relatively straightforward, but it still involves specific fees.
Most eligible UAE residents can obtain a short-stay tourist visa online. A common option is a 14-day visa costing 5 Omani Rials, which is roughly AED 47-50 depending on exchange rates. Before entering Oman, travellers must also pay a UAE exit fee of approximately AED 35 per person at the UAE checkpoint.
Oman increasingly encourages advanced applications through the digital entry permit system operated by the Royal Oman Police. These permits typically fall within the same 5 OMR price range and take two to four working days to process.
Which border should you use from Dubai, and what is the process?
Several border crossings connect the UAE to Oman, but their suitability depends on your destination and your passport.
Main border options (For Citizens & Residents):
- Hatta–Al Wajajah: Primary route for Dubai–Muscat travel, open 24/7
- Al Dhara (Ras Al Khaimah): Best for Khasab and the Musandam Peninsula
- Al Ain–Hafeet: Suitable for Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Buraimi routes
Regional Border Crossings (For GCC Citizens Only):
- Jebel Jais
- Wadi Al-Biyah
- Dibba (2 points)
- Al Hafyah
- Umm Al Ghaff
- Al Madam
- Khatm Al Shikla
- Mezyad
Typical Border Crossing Process:
- UAE document check and payment of the AED 35 exit fee
- Vehicle scan or brief inspection
- Omani immigration stamping and visa payment (if applicable)
- Insurance verification or Orange Card purchase
Orange Card insurance usually costs AED 100–120 for five days of third-party cover. Border formalities typically take 45 minutes to two hours, with longer waits on weekends and public holidays.
What are the typical driving rules and penalties in Oman?
Oman has modern roads, clear signage, and strict enforcement, particularly for speeding and mobile-phone use.
Key driving rules include:
- Driving on the right-hand side
- Speed limits of 40–80 km/h in towns, 90 km/h on rural roads, and up to 120 km/h on highways
- Mandatory seatbelts for all occupants
- Proper child restraints are required
Handheld mobile phone use while driving is prohibited. Alcohol tolerance is effectively zero, and offences can result in heavy fines, penalty points, licence suspension, or imprisonment. Speed cameras and mobile patrols are widespread, and repeat offences carry serious consequences.
What does it actually cost to drive from Dubai to Oman?
Beyond fuel, several predictable costs should be included in your budget.
Typical border and documentation costs:
- UAE exit fee: ~AED 35 per person
- Oman tourist visa or entry permit: ~AED 47–50
- Orange Card insurance (if required): AED 100–115 for five days
Road and fuel costs:
- Oman’s major highways are currently toll-free for private vehicles
- Paid parking applies in Muscat and major cities
- A 50-litre fuel fill typically costs AED 95–115
A Dubai–Muscat return trip with local driving may use one to two full tanks, so budgeting AED 190–240 for fuel is sensible.
Additional expenses may include NOC processing fees, International Driving Permit costs, or roadside assistance if not covered by insurance.
Popular Road Trip Routes from Dubai to Oman
Several well-established road trip routes connect Dubai with key destinations across Oman. Each route suits a different travel style, from short weekend drives to long-distance adventures.
Dubai to Musandam (Khasab)
The Dubai to Musandam route is the shortest and most popular option for quick getaways. Most travellers use the Al Dhara border via Ras Al Khaimah. The drive takes around three to four hours and offers dramatic mountain and coastal scenery. This route is ideal for weekend trips, dhow cruises, and fjord-style landscapes around Khasab.
Dubai to Muscat
The Dubai to Muscat drive is the most common long-distance road trip in Oman. Travellers usually cross via the Hatta–Al Wajajah border. The journey covers approximately 450 kilometres and takes around five hours, excluding border time. It is best suited for first-time visitors exploring Oman’s capital, beaches, and nearby wadis.
Dubai to Salalah
Driving from Dubai to Salalah is a long-distance road trip best suited for experienced drivers. The route spans roughly 1,200 kilometres and can take 14 to 16 hours over two days. This journey is most popular during the Khareef season, when Salalah turns green and cool compared to the rest of the region.
Dubai to Sohar
The Dubai to Sohar route is shorter than the Muscat route and ideal for business or short leisure trips. The drive takes around four hours using the Hatta border and follows smooth coastal highways. Sohar offers quieter beaches, historic forts, and easy access to northern Oman without heavy city traffic.
When is the best time to drive, and what else should you prepare?
The most comfortable time to drive in Oman is from November to February, when temperatures are mild and suitable for sightseeing. March to May remains manageable with early starts, while June to September brings extreme heat and should be approached with caution.
Before leaving Dubai, prepare:
- Light, breathable clothing and modest outfits
- Sun protection and plenty of drinking water
- A fully charged phone with offline maps
- Saved emergency numbers and insurance contacts
With documents prepared in advance, costs clearly budgeted, and travel timed sensibly, driving from Dubai to Oman becomes a smooth and rewarding journey. What may initially seem like a paperwork-heavy process quickly transforms into a relaxed road trip across well-maintained highways and welcoming border controls, allowing you to explore Oman confidently and at your own pace.
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FAQs
Can I drive from Dubai to Oman with a UAE driving licence?
Yes. A valid UAE driving licence is accepted. An International Driving Permit is strongly recommended, especially for rental cars or non-UAE licence holders, to avoid issues at the border or during police checks.
How much does it cost to drive from Dubai to Oman by road?
Typical costs include an AED 35 UAE exit fee, AED 47–50 Oman visa fee, optional AED 100–115 Orange Card insurance, and AED 190–240 for fuel, depending on driving distance and vehicle type.
Which is the best border to cross when driving from Dubai to Oman?
The Hatta–Al Wajajah border is the most commonly used route for Dubai to Muscat travel. It is open 24 hours, well organised, and suitable for most private vehicles.
Do I need separate car insurance to drive in Oman from Dubai?
Yes, unless your UAE insurance explicitly covers Oman. If it does not, you must buy an Orange Card at the border, which provides mandatory third-party insurance for driving legally in Oman.
Is it safe to drive from Dubai to Oman?
Yes. The route is safe and well-maintained. Roads are modern, signage is clear, and border procedures are organised. Drivers must follow strict speed limits and traffic laws, as enforcement in Oman is rigorous.
Driving from Dubai to Oman is one of the most straightforward cross-border road trips in the GCC. However, the journey only runs smoothly when documents, timings, and costs are handled correctly. With the right preparation, the drive becomes a scenic
