Best Iftar Drives This Ramadan In The UAE: Routes That Turn Dinner Into A Roadtrip

Ramadan 2026 in the UAE is the perfect excuse to combine great roads with memorable iftars. Cooler evenings, clear skies and long nights make it ideal to swap a routine iftar for a sunset drive and a special place to break your fast.

This guide walks through the best iftar drives you can actually do this Ramadan, with route notes, key features and practical tips for each location.

Before you set off: essential Ramadan driving tips

• Plan to be parked 20 to 30 minutes before Maghrib, especially for mountain and desert drives
• Avoid rushing in the final minutes before iftar, as this is when many drivers lose focus and drive aggressively
• The safest windows are mid-afternoon departures or driving back an hour or more after iftar, once peak traffic has eased
• Keep dates, water and light snacks in the car in case traffic or roadworks delay you
• Check local iftar times for the emirate you are heading to and verify using a reliable Ramadan timetable
• Make sure the car is fuelled, tyres are in good condition, and everyone in the car is wearing a seat belt

Here is a detailed article on driving tips during Ramadan.

1. Jebel Jais Summit Drive followed by 1484 by Puro

Why is this drive special?

Jebel Jais is home to the highest paved road in the UAE, with big elevation gains, cooler air and sweeping mountain views. The drive itself feels like a proper occasion, and breaking your fast at the top turns it into a full Ramadan experience rather than just another meal.

Route overview

• Start from Dubai or Sharjah
• Take E311 or E611 north towards Ras Al Khaimah
• Follow the signs through Ras Al Khaimah city to Jebel Jais
• The final section is a dedicated mountain road with many curves and several viewing points

Key features and tips

• Temperatures at the top are usually several degrees cooler than on the coast, so carry an extra layer
• Weekends and holidays can get busy, so leave earlier in the afternoon for a relaxed climb
• Look out for cyclists, hikers and people standing at viewpoints as you go through the corners
• Check for any weather alerts, such as fog or high winds, as conditions can change quickly in the mountains

Where to break your fast at Jebel Jais?

1484 by Puro sits close to the top of Jebel Jais and is one of the most scenic restaurants in the country. Previous seasons have seen special iftar menus and extended evening service, so it is worth booking in advance and asking about their Ramadan offering. Aim to be seated at least 30 minutes before Maghrib so you can settle in and enjoy the sunset over the peaks.

2. Al Qudra and Love Lake Loop with a Picnic at Love Lake

Why is this drive special?

The Al Qudra area delivers easy access to the desert from Dubai, with long straight roads, dunes on both sides and wide open skies. Love Lake adds a romantic and peaceful finishing point, where the main lakes are shaped like hearts and surrounded by sand and greenery.

Route overview

• Start in Dubai and head towards Al Qudra Road
• Follow Umm Suqeim Street or Al Qudra Road out past Arabian Ranches
• Look for the signboards to Al Qudra Lakes and Love Lake
• The last stretch is a mix of paved and well-compacted sand roads

Key features and tips

• Leave Dubai 60 to 90 minutes before sunset so you have time to find a quiet spot and set up
• Regular saloon cars can usually reach the main parking areas, but avoid soft sand unless you are in a capable 4×4
• There is little to no artificial lighting, so bring torches, lanterns and enough water
• Treat it like a light version of camping. Keep noise low, respect other groups and take all rubbish away with you

Where to break your fast at Al Qudra?

A simple homemade iftar works best here. Pack dates, fruit, sandwiches and something warm in a flask. As the sun sets over the dunes and the call to prayer echoes across the water, the setting does most of the work for you.

3. Dubai to Hatta Drive with Iftar at Hatta Dam or Hatta Wadi Hub Cafés

Why this drive is special

The road to Hatta is a favourite for anyone who enjoys a bit of elevation and rugged scenery. It starts as a typical dual carriageway, but slowly the roads get sharper, the bends more interesting and the air cooler.

Route overview

• Start in Dubai
• Use E44 or E102 towards Hatta, linking E611 or E311 depending on your starting point
• Follow signs into Hatta town, then towards Hatta Dam or Hatta Wadi Hub

Key features and tips

• Allow around one and a half hours from central Dubai, plus some margin for stops
• Watch your routing near the border. Use the clearly marked domestic roads if you do not intend to cross into Oman
• Weekends can be busy due to hiking and cycling groups, so midweek iftars will feel calmer
• Plan fuel stops in advance, as stations become less frequent closer to Hatta

Where to break your fast at Hatta?

Hatta Dam

• Park in the public car park near the water
• Take a short walk up to a viewpoint and set down a mat for a relaxed picnic iftar

Hatta Wadi Hub cafés

• Several casual cafés serve quick meals that work well as iftar
• Ideal if you want proper seating, lighting, toilets and prayer areas without going to a hotel

4. Dubai to Fujairah Coastal Drive ending at Snoopy Island or Address Fujairah

Why is this drive special?

This route feels like three drives rolled into one. You leave Dubai’s flat desert, weave through the Hajar mountains and then arrive on the East Coast with the Indian Ocean in front of you. It is one of the most rewarding point to point journeys you can do in a single afternoon.

Route overview

• Start in Dubai
• Take E611 or E102 towards Masafi, or use the Sharjah to Kalba Road
• Continue through the mountain passes towards Fujairah or Khorfakkan
• Follow the coastal road south towards Snoopy Island and the surrounding beach resorts

Key features and tips

• Plan for at least two to two and a half hours of driving in one direction
• The weather in the mountains can change quickly, so check the forecast if there are signs of rain or low cloud
• Plan fuel and snack stops around Masafi and Khorfakkan, as coastal stations can be spaced out
• This works best if you treat it as a full afternoon into evening trip, rather than a rushed dash

Where to break your fast at Snoopy Island?

Snoopy Island beach cafés

• Good for laid-back, barefoot iftars with your feet in the sand
• Ideal if you like lighter food and want to walk on the beach or sit by the water after Maghrib

Address Beach Resort Fujairah

• Offers a resort-style iftar with sea views and a more polished setup
• Works well for small groups or couples who want something special without going all the way to a big city hotel

5. Jebel Hafeet Drive with Iftar at Mercure Grand Jebel Hafeet

Why is this drive special?

Jebel Hafeet offers a classic mountain road experience that is closer to Abu Dhabi and Al Ain residents than Jebel Jais. The road twists up the mountain with long, flowing curves and several spots to stop and admire the view.

Route overview

• Start in Al Ain or drive from Abu Dhabi to Al Ain first
• Follow signs to Jebel Hafeet and Green Mubazzarah
• Climb the dedicated mountain road up to the hotel

Key features and tips

• This drive is ideal as a same evening outing from Abu Dhabi or Al Ain
• A quick stop at Green Mubazzarah gives you hot springs and parkland at the base of the mountain
• Temperatures drop noticeably at the top, especially after dark, so it is wise to carry an extra layer
• The road is well surfaced but still demands attention, especially on the way down after iftar

Where to break your fast: Mercure Grand Jebel Hafeet?

The Mercure hotel sits high on the mountain and regularly hosts iftar buffets and Ramadan dining. You get structured seating, a wide choice of dishes and impressive views over the lights of Al Ain while you eat.

6. Mleiha and Fossil Rock with Iftar at Mleiha Café or Desert Picnic

Why is this drive special?

Mleiha in Sharjah is one of the best places to see the desert at its most dramatic. You get deep orange dunes, rocky outcrops and the distinctive silhouette of Fossil Rock. It feels remote without being too far from the city.

Route overview

• Start from Dubai or Sharjah
• Take E102 towards Mleiha
• Follow signs to Mleiha Archaeological Centre and Fossil Rock

Key features and tips

• Most of the approach roads are paved, with optional graded tracks nearer the rock
• It is a good choice if you want a wild feeling destination without committing to heavy off-roading
• The sun can still be strong in late afternoon, so pack hats, sunscreen and extra drinking water for after iftar
• Respect archaeological zones, signage and local rules, as this is an active heritage area

Where to break your fast at Mleiha and Fossil Rock?

Mleiha Archaeological Centre café

• Offers indoor seating and simple meals, good for those who prefer an easy, low-stress iftar

Desert picnic near Fossil Rock

• Lay out a mat with a view of the rock and the dunes around it
• There are often organised iftar hikes and group events in the area, which can be a nice way to combine light activity with a communal meal

7. Dubai Skyline Drive from Downtown to DIFC with Iftar at Al Hallab or Zuma

Why is this drive special?

This is a short, high-impact city route that brings together several of Dubai’s most recognisable landmarks. You cruise past Burj Khalifa, Dubai Fountain, Business Bay and DIFC with the skyline lighting up around you.

Route overview

• Start on Al Khail Road to avoid the worst of Sheikh Zayed Road traffic
• Drop into Downtown via Business Bay
• Loop around the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall area
• Continue towards DIFC for the final stretch

Key features and tips

• Aim to be in the Dubai Mall or DIFC parking at least 30 to 40 minutes before Maghrib
• Leaving via Al Khail Road after iftar often feels calmer than rejoining Sheikh Zayed Road immediately
• This is more about atmosphere than distance, so keep the speed low and windows slightly open if the weather allows

Where to break your fast at DIFC?

Al Hallab in Dubai Mall

• Ideal if you want a traditional Lebanese and Arabic style iftar with easy access to prayer rooms and a wide variety of dishes

Zuma in DIFC

• Perfect for those who want a contemporary take on iftar in one of Dubai’s most famous dining rooms
• Works well for business gatherings or a special evening out

8. Palm Jumeirah Crescent Drive ending at Atlantis The Palm

Why is this drive special?

The Palm crescent is pure Dubai theatre, with open sea on one side, the city skyline in the distance and luxury resorts lining the road. The drive itself is smooth and scenic, and finishing at Atlantis makes it feel like a complete occasion.

Route overview

• Start anywhere in Dubai and head for the Palm Jumeirah
• Drive along the trunk and then onto the crescent road
• You can loop all the way around the crescent or go straight towards Atlantis, depending on time

Key features and tips

• Hotel traffic close to iftar can be heavy, so arrive early and allow extra time for valet or self-parking
• If Sheikh Zayed Road is heavily congested, consider using Al Khail Road or E311 to reach the Palm exit more calmly
• A full crescent loop before heading into Atlantis gives you extra time with the sunset and skyline views

Where to break your fast at Atlantis?

Kaleidoscope

• Offers a large, family-friendly buffet with Arabic and international dishes

Asateer Tent

• Atlantis’ flagship Ramadan tent, known for its scale, variety and traditional tent atmosphere
• Very popular and often booked out on peak nights, so advanced reservations are strongly recommended

9. Dubai Marina and Bluewaters Loop with Iftar at Pier 7, Alici or SHI

Why is this drive special?

This is one of the most visually dense urban drives in the UAE. You get skyscrapers, bridges, yachts and the view of Ain Dubai in a relatively compact loop, which makes it perfect for a workday evening.

Route overview

• Start near JBR
• Follow the Marina loop road around the water
• Cross onto Bluewaters and circle the island
• Either park at Marina Mall, JBR or Bluewaters, depending on your chosen restaurant

Key features and tips

• Marina roads can feel tight and busy, so stay patient and expect plenty of pedestrians and slow-moving traffic
• Rather than hunting for the absolutely closest parking spot, pick one car park and walk to your restaurant
• The area is ideal for a post iftar stroll along the water, so wear comfortable shoes

Where to break your fast at Dubai Marina and Bluewaters Loop?

Pier 7

• A vertical stack of restaurants offering different cuisines and Ramadan menus
• Good choice if your group has mixed tastes or you want flexibility on the day

Alici and SHI

• Alici focuses on refined coastal Italian-style seafood, perfect for a lighter, elegant iftar
• SHI offers an upscale Asian experience with a strong focus on presentation and ambience

10. Abu Dhabi Corniche Drive with Iftar at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental

Why is this drive special?

The Abu Dhabi Corniche is tailor-made for Ramadan evenings. Wide lanes, landscaped parks and uninterrupted sea views make it a joy to cruise at sunset. Finishing at Emirates Palace adds a layer of classic UAE luxury.

Route overview

• Start near Mina or the eastern end of the Corniche
• Drive the full length of the Corniche towards the western end
• Turn inland towards the Emirates Palace and the Presidential Palace district

Key features and tips

• Expect heavier traffic around major hotels and public beach accesses near iftar
• Give yourself time to reach the hotel, clear security and park or hand over to a valet
• After iftar, the Corniche is ideal for a gentle walk or scooter ride if you want to extend the evening

Where to break your fast at Emirates Palace, Mandarin Oriental?

Emirates Palace regularly sets up grand Ramadan concepts, including Majlis by the Sea and other themed iftar and suhoor experiences. You can expect extensive buffets, live cooking stations and a refined setting right by the water. It is one of the most luxurious iftar options in the country, so booking ahead and dressing smartly is highly recommended.

Ramadan is already a time for slowing down, reconnecting and rethinking daily habits. Turning your iftar into a considered drive adds an extra layer of meaning. Choose the route that fits your time and energy, drive safely and let the combination of road, sunset and shared food become one of your standout memories of the month.

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Ramadan 2026 in the UAE is the perfect excuse to combine great roads with memorable iftars. Cooler evenings, clear skies and long nights make it ideal to swap a routine iftar for a sunset drive and a special place to