Oman during khareef season

What You Need To Road Trip From UAE To Oman For khareef Season – Rules, Permits, Visa & More

Is the summer heat getting a little too real for you? Craving a little escape to a place with cooler weather, some lush greenery and a total change in scenery from your daily skyscrapers? Sounds like a road trip to Oman during Khareef season might be just what you need! Until early September, the Dhofar region in southern Oman, especially Salalah, transforms into a dreamy green wonderland with cool breezes, misty rain, flowing waterfalls, and rolling hills. This place draws in thousands of UAE residents every year looking to get away from the heat and soak up a completely different side of the Gulf. And if you’re a regular Khareef season-goer you’ll know that my description doesn’t even do that place enough justice. It’s the kind of experience you need to see to believe.

And what better way to believe than to pack your car with your favourite friends and favourite snacks and prepare yourself to be left speechless. Sure you could fly to Oman, but what’s the fun in that? So, come with me to find out everything you need to know about Road tripping from Dubai to Oman. You’ll find all the essentials from routes to visas, necessary documents and so much more. Just keep reading to find all the details you’ll want to know before you hit the road.

Also read: Predictions For UAE’s 2026 Public Holidays – How Many Long Weekends Will There Be?

The Best Routes to Take From UAE To Oman

So you’re all set for an adventure, but there’s one question looming over your head – how exactly do you get there? Thankfully, driving from the UAE to Oman is pretty straightforward, and there are multiple border points to choose from depending on where you’re coming from and where you’re going. Let’s take a look:

  1. If you’re heading to Muscat or northern/central Oman, the Hatta/Al Wajajah border is the most popular option, especially for those driving from Dubai or Sharjah. You can expect this journey to take you a minimum 2 hours to reach the boarder, timing will slightly vary depending on your starting point. You can either drive via Sharjah-Kalba Rd/E102 (159 Km) or via Dubai-Hatta Rd/E44 (169 Km).
  2. But if Salalah is your final destination (and during Khareef, it usually is), then the Mezyad/Hafeet border near Al Ain is your best bet. It’s the most direct route down to the lush Dhofar region. The journey from Dubai to the boarder will take you between 2-2.5 hours to reach. You can drive via via Al Ain – Dubai Rd/E66 (161 Km) or via Al Ain Rd – Suwaihan/Al Ain – Sweihan – Abu Dhabi Rd/Al Taf Rd/E16 (205 Km).
  3. There are also smaller border points like Khatmat Malaha, Dibba, and Al Dara boarder, which are useful if you’re visiting Musandam or other areas up north. But for Khareef, Mezyad is king. Here are what the routes will look like for you:

    – Dubai to Khatmat Malaha: drive via Sharjah-Kalba Rd/E102 1 hr 19 min (136.3 km)
    – Dubai to Dibba: drive via Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Rd/E311 1 hr 22 min (144.0 km)
    – Dubai to Al Dara Boarder: drive via Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Rd/E311 1 hr 42 min (150.7 km) 
    – Dubai to Mezyad: drive via Al Ain – Dubai Rd/E66 1 hr 45 min (158.7 km)

oman khareef season waterfall

Entry Rules: What Kind Of Visa Do You Need?

Let’s break it down based on your passport:

UAE Citizens: You don’t need a visa to enter Oman for tourism or business stays up to 30 days if you’re an Emirati. Talk about a total jackpot deal. And this all thanks to the GCC rule that all citizens can enjoy the unified tourism permit that allows for visa-free travel among member countries.

UAE Residents: If you’re a UAE resident but not a citizen, there’s quite a few things you’ll want to take note of. But don’t worry I’ve kept it all very simple for you. You can get a visa on arrival that lets you stay for 14 days. It costs 5 OMR (around AED 47), and it’s a pretty smooth process as long as your documents are in order.

Documents UAE residents need:

  • A UAE residence visa valid for at least 3–6 months
  • A passport with at least 6 months of validity
  • Your Emirates ID
  • A passport photo

Planning to stay longer than two weeks? You’ll need to apply for an eVisa online before your trip, and it’s best to do that about 4–5 business days in advance. Also, don’t forget that there’s a UAE exit fee of AED 35 per person, which you’ll need to pay at the border before heading into Oman.

Documents You Must Carry (Seriously, Don’t Hit The Road Without These)

This part’s super important. If you’re missing even one of these, you might end up turning around at the border (and who wants that to happen after driving for over 2 hours?).

Here’s what everyone road tripping in the car will need to keep handy with them:

  • Your passport (make sure it’s valid for at least 6 months)
  • Emirates ID and UAE residence visa if you’re a resident
  • Your UAE driving license
  • The car’s registration card (aka Mulkiya)
  • Car insurance that covers Oman. You’ll need what’s called the “Orange Card.” If your insurance doesn’t cover Oman, you can easily buy this at the border (costs around AED 105 for five days, and it’s third-party only).

And if you’re applying for an eVisa, keep a hotel booking or an invitation letter handy. Sometimes they might ask you for that too.

If you’re not driving your own car, there’s more:

  • A No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the owner. This needs to be in Arabic and notarized if the car is borrowed, rented, or under finance.
  • If you’re a woman traveling alone with kids, you may also need a spousal NOC, just in case you’re asked at the border.

But before you make any road trip commitments. If you plan on using a rental car, you should know that not all rental companies allow you to drive into Oman. So you’ll need to check in advance and get a NOC along with extra insurance.

If you’re borrowing a friend’s or family member’s car, you’ll need that notarized Arabic NOC again, with all the car and driver details included. It might sound like a hassle, but it’s better than being turned away at the border. Trust me, you’ll be thanking the Type-A personality inside of you for taking care of all of these details once you’ve had the best road trip ever.

oman khareef season water

What The Border Process Looks Like

Once you get to the border, things usually move pretty smoothly, but here’s a quick step-by-step so you know what to expect:

  1. Pay the AED 35 exit fee per person at the UAE side.
  2. At the Oman border, show your documents and pay the 5 OMR for your visa (unless you’ve already sorted out an eVisa).
  3. Buy the Orange Card if your current insurance doesn’t cover Oman.
  4. Your car and documents might be checked, but it’s usually straightforward.
  5. As of 2025, no COVID tests or health paperwork are required. Just your travel docs.

So, What’s Khareef Season Actually Like?

In one word? Magical. This is the only time of year when Salalah and its surroundings turn into a tropical paradise. Think thick fog, green hills, cool rain, and flowing waterfalls. It’s nothing like what you’d expect from this part of the world. The weather hovers between 20°C to 27°C, so you can actually enjoy being outside all day. That’s means no blazing sun or sweltering heat! And in the middle of peak summer months, this pretty much sounds like a dream come true.

Some must-visit spots include:

  • Wadi Darbat – Ideal for boat rides, picnics, and of course, waterfalls.
  • Al Mughsail Beach – Known for its natural blowholes and dramatic coastal cliffs.
  • Taqah Castle and Sumhuram Archaeological Park – Perfect if you love history.
  • Khareef Heritage Village – Packed with food stalls, traditional crafts, and cultural performances.

And when you’re not sightseeing? Enjoy the scenic mountain drives, visit bustling souqs, or simply soak in the beauty of nature everywhere you look.

oman khareef season waterfall

Some Pro Tips Before You Hit The Road

  • Book early! Hotels in Salalah sell out quickly during peak Khareef season (July to early September).
  • Try to cross the border in the early morning to avoid long queues, especially on weekends or holidays.
  • No car? No problem. There are regular buses between Dubai and Muscat that follow similar border rules.
  • Fuel is cheaper in Oman, and there are plenty of petrol stations along the highways.
  • Pack smart – bring a light jacket, comfy walking shoes, and expect a bit of rain and fog.

Your Final Checklist For The Ultimate Road Trip Experience

Okay, one more time for everyone at the back who might not have been listening. Here is a list of EVERYTHING you MUST have on you in the car when you’ve reached your boarder of choice from Dubai:

  • Passport (valid for at least 6 months)
  • Emirates ID & valid UAE residence visa
  • UAE driving license
  • Car registration and Oman-valid insurance (Orange Card)
  • NOC if you’re borrowing, renting, or financing the car
  • Oman visa (on arrival or eVisa)
  • Hotel bookings or invitation letter
  • AED and OMR cash for fees and fuel

Ready For The Drive?

Khareef season in Oman is a once-a-year experience that feels worlds away from the desert heat of the UAE. With cool weather, natural beauty, and tons to explore, it’s no surprise that so many people make the drive every year. Just prep your papers, plan ahead, and get ready for one of the most refreshing road trips you can take in the region. And don’t forget Gulf Buzz always has your back with the best recommendations out there.

Safe travels, and enjoy every misty, magical moment of Khareef!


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