UAE Updates List of Its Most Unusual Road Routes

Travelers exploring the United Arab Emirates by car now have an updated guide to the country’s most unique and fascinating road experiences. These routes offer surprising encounters for both residents and visitors seeking something beyond the ordinary.

In Fujairah, the Musical Road on Sheikh Khalifa Street, near the local police station, provides a literal symphony for drivers. Special road markings create the distinct notes of Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy” from his Ninth Symphony when driven over. Stretching nearly one kilometer, motorists often change lanes specifically to hear the famous melody played by their own tires.

Dubai boasts the popular Semi-Desert Road, where desert winds constantly sweep sand from the dunes directly onto the asphalt. This creates a surreal landscape where vehicles seamlessly transition between paved highway and desert sand, making it a favorite spot for tourist photoshoots, particularly during the clearer, cooler winter months.

Sharjah showcases engineering brilliance with the Khorfakkan Tunnels. This series of five consecutive tunnels cuts dramatically through mountain ridges, offering a surreal driving experience. The longest is the impressive Al Sidra Tunnel (2.7 km), followed by Al Saqab (1.4 km), Al Rawah (1.3 km), Al Ghazir (0.9 km), and Al Sahah (0.3 km).

For off-road enthusiasts in Ras Al Khaimah, Wadi Al Kor offers a rugged adventure. Nicknamed “Frog Valley,” drivers traversing this dried-up riverbed route winding through mountain ranges report hearing a distinct chorus of croaking frogs. It’s a full-fledged off-roading experience far from typical city streets.

Finally, Fujairah features the Masafi ‘Anti-Gravity’ Road. Here, drivers experience a compelling optical illusion: cars seem to roll uphill without any accelerator input. The slope actually descends but appears to ascend, creating the sensation of magnetic hills found in various locations worldwide.

These updated routes highlight the UAE’s commitment to creating diverse and memorable driving experiences, blending natural wonders, innovative engineering, and unique sensory encounters.