Oman is the destination most readily reachable from the Emirates by land. The two countries share a long border, GCC nationals cross freely, and residents of many other nationalities can obtain a tourist visa for Oman relatively simply, either in advance or on arrival depending on nationality. This makes Oman the standard first international road trip for a resident of the Emirates.
Crossing the border
There are several crossings. The main ones used by travellers from Dubai and the northern emirates are the Hatta–Al Wajajah crossing and, further south, the Mezyad crossing near Al Ain. Crossing procedure involves exiting the UAE, entering Oman, and paying the applicable vehicle insurance and any entry fees, which vary by nationality and by vehicle. Queues are long at the start of holiday periods and on Thursday evenings, and short on weekday mornings. Only certain crossings accept travellers of all nationalities; some are restricted to GCC nationals, so the crossing should be chosen with the traveller's nationality in mind.
Where people go
Muscat, the capital, is roughly four and a half hours' drive from Dubai on a good road and offers the Grand Mosque, the Royal Opera House, Mutrah's corniche and souq, and the old forts. Musandam, the Omani exclave at the tip of the peninsula, is closer — about two hours from Dubai to Khasab — and is known for the fjord-like khors, dhow cruises and dolphins. Al Ain is adjacent to the Omani town of Al Buraimi, and the Omani interior offers Nizwa, its fort and Friday goat market, the Jabal Akhdar and Jabal Shams massifs, and the Wahiba Sands.
Salalah, in the far south, is a flight rather than a drive, and is a distinct monsoon-season destination in its own right.
Practical notes
Oman drives on the right, uses the Omani rial, and has its own speed limits and traffic enforcement, which are strictly applied — speed cameras are common and fines are collected at the border on exit. Mobile roaming should be checked before departure, and a local SIM is inexpensive. Fuel is cheap. Alcohol is more restricted than in the Emirates and is available only in licensed hotels and restaurants; dress in the interior is conservative by comparison with Dubai.