Affordable and Relaxing 4-Day Road Trip from Dubai to Doha

Day 1: Departure & UAE Sights

Dubai to Abu Dhabi, UAE on May 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Al Mallah Dubai

Enjoy affordable and delicious Lebanese street food including manakish and fresh juices, getting you ready for the road trip.
AED30, 0h45m

9:00am

Drive to Al Ain

A 90-minute drive through scenic desert landscapes toward Al Ain, known for its greenery and historical sites.
Fuel cost approx AED50, 1h30m

10:30am

Visit Al Jahili Fort

Explore this historic fortress with stunning architecture and enjoy the surrounding gardens, a peaceful stop to stretch and relax.
Free, 1h

11:45am

Drive to Abu Dhabi

Continue the drive to Abu Dhabi for the afternoon’s activities, approximately 90 minutes away.
Fuel cost approx AED60, 1h30m

1:15pm

Lunch at Al Ibrahimi Restaurant

Enjoy inexpensive Pakistani and Indian cuisine at this popular spot famous for large portions and great flavors.
AED40, 1h

2:30pm

Relax at Corniche Beach

Spend a leisurely afternoon at the Corniche beach, with clean sandy shores and views of the city skyline, perfect for unwinding.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Check-in Budget Hotel in Abu Dhabi

Stay at an affordable hotel like Premier Inn or similar, known for comfort and reasonable prices.
AED150 per night, Overnight

7:30pm

Dinner at Automatic Restaurant & Grill

Enjoy tasty Middle Eastern grilled dishes at a budget-friendly price, open until 11 pm.
AED50, 1h30m

Day 2: Border Crossing & Arrival in Doha

Abu Dhabi to Doha, Qatar on May 29, 2025

7:30am

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Start the day early with a simple breakfast included in the hotel or nearby cafe to fuel up for the border drive.
AED20, 0h30m

8:30am

Drive to UAE-Qatar Border

Drive approximately 6 hours towards the Salwa border checkpoint, including stops for fuel and breaks.
Fuel approx AED200, toll fees apply, 6h

2:30pm

Border Crossing Formalities

Complete necessary paperwork and checks; your cousin’s license permission allows smooth crossing, but carry all documents.
Free, 1h

3:30pm

Drive to Doha city center

Approximately 1 hour drive after crossing the border to reach your accommodation in Doha.
Fuel approx QAR25, 1h

5:00pm

Check-in at Budget Hotel in Doha

Book a budget-friendly hotel like Premier Inn Doha, good for comfort, cleanliness, and value.
QAR150 per night, Overnight

7:00pm

Dinner at Al Tawash Traditional Restaurant

Taste authentic Qatari cuisine at affordable prices; try dishes like machboos and thareed.
QAR50, 1h

Day 3: Relax and Explore Doha

Doha, Qatar on May 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf

Enjoy light breakfast options and coffee to start your relaxed day in the city.
QAR25, 0h45m

9:00am

Visit Souq Waqif

Explore the vibrant traditional market for souvenirs, spices, and handicrafts. Great for cultural immersion and great photo ops.
Free to explore, 2h

11:30am

Visit Museum of Islamic Art Park

Stroll through the scenic park next to the museum, perfect for relaxation and enjoying views of Doha skyline.
Free, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Al Mourjan Restaurant

Enjoy affordable seafood with an outdoor terrace overlooking the Persian Gulf promenade.
QAR60, 1h

2:30pm

Relax at Katara Beach

Spend a soothing afternoon at Katara Beach, where you can swim and relax; entry is free.
Free, 3h

6:00pm

Return to Hotel to Rest

Take some time to recharge before dinner and the evening stroll.
Free, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Sagrottino Italian Restaurant

Affordable Italian dining with pizza and pasta, perfect to try a different cuisine and relax.
QAR60, 1h30m

Day 4: Return to Dubai

Doha to Dubai on May 31, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Have a quick and simple breakfast before starting the drive back to Dubai.
QAR20, 0h30m

7:45am

Drive to UAE Border

Head back to the UAE border crossing at Salwa with expected time of around 1 hour.
Fuel approx QAR25, 1h

9:00am

Border Crossing and Checkpoint Procedures

Complete border formalities for re-entry into the UAE, ensure all driving documents are in order.
Free, 1h

10:00am

Drive to Al Ain

A good midway stop to rest on your journey back, approx 3h drive.
Fuel approx AED100, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe

Enjoy traditional Emirati cuisine at reasonable prices with a relaxing atmosphere.
AED50, 1h

2:15pm

Optional Quick Visit to Al Ain Oasis

A refreshing visit to shaded palm plantations about 30 minutes from city center to rejuvenate.
Free, 1h

3:30pm

Drive back to Dubai

Final stretch home, approximately 1.5 hour drive.
Fuel approx AED60, 1h30m

5:00pm

Arrive in Dubai

Trip ends with relaxed memories and a scenic road trip completed successfully.
Free, End