Traveling through Dubai's off-the-beaten-path corners by car, you can discover the city's hidden gems - from secluded desert lakes and abandoned settlements to ancient markets and picturesque serpentines that will show you a completely different side of the metropolis.

Secret Dubai: Driving Routes to Non-Touristy Places

Dubai is known for its futuristic skyscrapers, luxury resorts and endless shopping malls, but beyond the tourist routes there are amazing corners that truly reveal the soul of the city. If you have a car, this is a great chance to go in search of hidden gems of the metropolis, where there are no crowds of tourists, but there is an authentic atmosphere of real Dubai.

One such place is the Al Seef area, located along the old Dubai Creek. It is an amazing combination of traditional architecture and modern style, where you can stroll along narrow streets, look into small shops of local artisans and try traditional Arabic coffee in cozy coffee shops. Parking here is free for the first two hours, which makes it an ideal point for a leisurely stop.

If you want privacy and picturesque views, head to Al Qudra Lakes – artificial lakes in the middle of the desert, where you can meet rare species of birds and enjoy the sunset, which turns the sand into a golden sea. The road here passes through picturesque desert dunes, and at the end of the road you will find silence and a real oasis in the middle of the sands. It is better to come by SUV, as the last kilometers of the road can be covered with sand.

Another atypical route is a trip to the Al-Quays District. Here are ancient markets and craft workshops, where tourists almost never visit. This is a place where you can find unique things: from rare incense to handmade interior items. In the evening, small street cafes open here, where locals relax after a day of work.

For extreme driving enthusiasts, there is a road leading to Jebel Hafeet Mountain, located in the emirate of Abu Dhabi, but only 90 minutes from the center of Dubai. This is one of the most picturesque serpentines in the region, ideal for those who want to test the power of their car and enjoy panoramic views on the border with Oman. On the way, you can make a stop at the hot springs of Green Mubazzar, where there are almost no tourists, and locals come here to relax in the thermal water.

An unusual place for a walk is Pearl Divers Island. The road to it lies through quiet residential areas of Dubai, and the place itself is hidden from the eyes of tourists. Here you can see old fishing boats, watch the sunset over the water and feel the spirit of Dubai as it was before the skyscrapers and the glitter of the city of the future.

For something truly out of the ordinary, head to the “Lost City” in the desert, near the Al Marmoom area. This abandoned settlement, partly swallowed by the sand, resembles scenes from post-apocalyptic movies. It’s rare to see people here, and the silence and sense of time standing still among the ruins create an atmosphere that’s completely different from the usual bustling Dubai.

These routes will help you discover a completely different Dubai – without crowds of tourists, frozen between the past and the future, full of mysteries and unexpected discoveries. Here, a car becomes not just a means of transportation, but a key to hidden places that can only be reached by truly curious travelers.