The east coast in one trip
Khor Fakkan and Kalba are on the Gulf of Oman side of the UAE, on the opposite coast from Dubai. Both belong to the emirate of Sharjah. The scenery is different from the city: bare mountains, a cooler sea breeze in winter and a beach town with a proper waterfront. Kalba is further south and is known for its mangroves, which are a rare sight in this part of the world. If you already know the guide to Fujairah and the east coast, think of this as the quieter northern end of the same coast.
Dubai to Khor Fakkan is roughly 130 to 140 km, about an hour and a half to two hours depending on traffic. Khor Fakkan to Kalba is another 30 km or so along the coast. All distances here are approximate and depend on where you start in Dubai.
The road: from the city across the mountains
You leave Dubai towards Sharjah and then take the main road east across the Hajar mountains. The road is paved and in good condition, and it is a normal highway rather than an off-road track. Any sedan can do it. The mountain section has bends, descents and lorries, so keep your distance, do not overtake on a bend and use a lower gear on long downhill stretches instead of riding the brakes.
After heavy rain, the dry riverbeds (wadis) near the road can fill quickly. Never try to cross water on the road, and check the weather before you go in winter. In summer the coast is hot and humid, so plan the beach for the morning.
Depending on your route, you may pass a Salik gate when leaving Dubai. Salik is paid by the renter at actual cost: AED 6.30 in peak hours (Monday to Saturday, 6:00 to 10:00 and 16:00 to 20:00), AED 4.20 otherwise, free from 1:00 to 6:00.
Khor Fakkan: beach and waterfront
Khor Fakkan is a small port town squeezed between mountains and the sea. The main reason to come is the beach and the corniche: a long, tidy promenade where families walk in the evening, with cafes and a calm bay. There is also an amphitheatre on the hill above the town that is worth a short stop for the view. Dress modestly in town, as everywhere in the UAE, and swim only at the marked public beaches.
If you want a quiet day, come on a weekday. Weekends and holidays fill the beach with visitors from the whole country, and parking near the waterfront becomes difficult.
Kalba: mangroves and the quiet south
Kalba has one of the oldest mangrove forests on the Arabian coast. The mangroves grow in a tidal creek, and the best way to see them is by kayak or small boat with a local operator, who will tell you what is possible on the day, since it depends on the tide. Bring a hat, water and a light layer, because the creek has little shade. Birdwatchers come here for the species that live in the mangrove. Kalba itself is calmer than Khor Fakkan, with a long corniche, a few simple cafes and few crowds.
Kilometres and planning
A loop from Dubai to Khor Fakkan, on to Kalba and back is roughly 320 to 340 km, which is more than the 250 km per day included in our rentals. Options: ask us for the extra-kilometre rate before booking, stay a night on the coast and split the trip over two days, or choose one town only. A one-town day to Khor Fakkan is roughly 270 km round trip, so it is also close to the limit. Fill up the tank before the mountain section.
A workable day: leave Dubai around 7:00 or 8:00, reach the Khor Fakkan corniche by 10:00, spend the late morning on the beach and a walk, drive on to the Kalba mangroves in the afternoon and be back on the road to Dubai before dark. The mountain section is less pleasant at night, and traffic into Dubai builds up in the evening. If you simply want a few days by the sea, book a hotel on the coast and return the next day.
Which car
Prices are as of October 2026; the current price is always on the car page.
| Car | Day, AED | Week, AED | Month, AED | Why |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hyundai Tucson 2023 | 139 | 890 | 2,890 | Cheapest comfortable option |
| Toyota Camry 2025 | 180 | 1,170 | 3,950 | Smooth, quiet on the highway |
| Mazda CX-5 2024 | 170 | 1,100 | 3,750 | All-wheel drive, good on bends |
| Kia Sorento 2024 | 220 | 1,320 | 4,400 | Seven seats, family |
| Jeep Wrangler Sahara 2024 | 350 | 2,100 | 7,000 | Open-air feel for the mountain road |
Most cars need no deposit; if a car needs one, it is shown on its page. Cheaper cars from our partner company have their own terms, such as a deposit and a longer minimum rental, shown on each car page. Driving into Oman is a separate question, and partner cars cannot go there, so ask when booking. The east coast towns themselves are in the UAE.
